We often have to train for a Marathon in all sorts of weather. For a spring marathon, there will be a lot of cold runs. For an autumn marathon, the challenge is often keeping cool in the summer months.
When it’s cold, the right clothing is essential. You generate heat when you run but in low temperatures, you will need a couple (even three) layers. A warm, breathable base layer is a must for winter marathon training. And then you almost certainly need a layer or two on top of that.
It’s also paramount to be comfortable in what you plan to race in. It’s good to do a couple of runs in your race kit to ensure nothing rubs and that you feel comfortable in it.
Abebe Bikila won the 1960 marathon barefoot. Most runners’ wouldn’t get too far though without a decent pair of shoes. A well cushioned mileage shoe is essential to all marathon runners. Today’s running shoes are lighter than ever but there is a trade off and the durability is not quite what they used to be. You really want to be running, what is probably your longest run, on a fairly fresh pair of shoes. If you can buy a new pair of shoes 3-4 weeks out from the marathon, they’ll be perfect for race day and still have lots of miles left in them for the months after.
There is now also the ‘new breed’ of cushioned racing shoe. In days gone past, the elites wore thin responsive shoes. Everyone else wore a cushioned, comfortable shoe on race day. Now though, the advent of lighter foams, often combined with a responsive ‘plate ‘ has changed thinking with what to wear. The quicker runner will now generally wear this type of shoe for their key longer sessions and be able to put in a quality workout and recover a lot better than before.
The more cushioned racing shoe is now also an option to a lot more runners. We would suggest talking to a knowledgeable running coach or running shop about the best option for race day.
