You have a race to go to after work, and you’re wondering what to bring. Do you need your workout gear? What about your favorite running shoes or socks? Do you need a hydration pack? A swimsuit? A change of shirt?
If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’, this post is for you. We’re going to compare the essentials you need for a standard 40–45 km (25–28 mi) marathon to those you need for a standard 20 km (12 mi) speedway (short track) race. We’ll cover every aspect of what you need to know and what items you shouldn’t waste your time with.
Workout Clothes
Both marathon and speedway require tremendous physical exertion, so you’ll need appropriate clothing. Your clothes don’t need to be the absolute best in the world to do the job, but you don’t want to ruin your amazing looks either. This is why we recommend you get an effective long-lasting deodorizer for your clothing.
Most importantly, make sure that you are adjusting your clothing for the proper climate. If you’re not used to the heat, you will certainly overheat while working hard in the sweltering heat. This is why you need to make sure that your workout clothes are neither too warm nor cold. Finding the right balance is essential when it comes to working out or racing in the heat.
Running Gear
This is the part that most people neglect, but it’s extremely important. You need to make sure that your running gear is appropriate for the type of race you’ll be doing. Depending on the weather and climate, you will either need to warm up or cool down your running gear. For instance, if you’re running in the cold, you will want to make sure that your footwear and socks are warm enough. Ditto for the opposite case: if it’s very hot, you will need to cool down your running gear.
Hydration Pack
Drinking enough is important during both races and working out. While you will be able to refuel at the aid stations that will be provided, you will inevitably lose a lot of fluids through excessive sweating. Make sure that you bring a hydration pack with you to the race. Fill up before the start and drink during the race. You’ll thank us later. Hydration during workouts is also important, so make sure you bring a hydration pack with you to those as well. The main difference between the two is the amount of time you’ll need to consume to get refueled. During a marathon, you should drink every 15 minutes or every hour. During a speedway, you’ll want to drink every 20 minutes or every 30 minutes. After your first hydration pack, you’ll wonder why you didn’t drink before or during the race.
Change Of Shoes
Like workout clothes, your shoes don’t need to be the best in the world to do their job. However, you don’t want to ruin your amazing looks either. This is why we recommend you get an effective long-lasting deodorizer for your shoes. Most importantly, make sure that your shoes are appropriate for the type of race you’ll be doing. If it’s a long race and you want to make sure your feet are not getting wet or dirty, you will need to go for waterproof shoes. In very hot climates, it’s also wise to get a pair of cooling shoes or sandals. If it’s a cold race, you will want to make sure that your shoes are good for running in thick winter conditions. This is why, in very cold temperatures, you will always need to choose a pair of leather shoes or boots instead of a summer pair of flip-flats or running shoes.
Sunglasses, Sunscreen And SPF
Both races are very high-stress endeavors, which means you’ll be overexerting yourself and therefore at risk of getting tired and dehydrated. This is why it’s important to protect your body with sunscreen and sunglasses. Even if it’s cloudy and not too hot outside, UV radiation from the Sun can cause skin cancer. It’s also vital that you protect yourself from overheating, so make sure that your sunscreen and sunglasses are either blocking out UV rays or have good ventilation. If it’s a hot day and you don’t have good ventilation, you will certainly feel like your face is going to melt off. As for the SPF rating of your sunglasses, it doesn’t matter too much (within reason), but it’s always good to have a higher number. The higher the SPF rating, the better the protection from UVA and UVB rays. Don’t worry too much about the rating when selecting your sunglasses as much as you need to make sure they’re durable and effective.
Sports Drink
Drinking enough is important during both races and workouts. Like with the hydration pack, you will lose a lot of fluids through excessive sweating. Make sure you bring a sports drink with you to the race. There are many different products on the market, so find one that’s suitable for your needs. In very hot climates, it’s also wise to bring a sports drink with you to workouts as well. The sugar will help you stay hydrated and relaxed during those long hours on your feet. In hot and humid conditions, it can also help with muscle cramping.
First Aid Kit
An accident or mishap is always a possibility, so make sure you’re prepared for these situations. You don’t want to be scrambling for prescriptions or having to go to the emergency room because you weren’t prepared. This is why we recommend you bring a small first aid kit to the race. Whether you cut yourself shaving or step on a tack, you will be able to handle these situations with the items in your kit. While you won’t get sick or injured, it’s always good to be prepared. Small kits like these are sold at most sports stores and online retailers for a reasonable price.
Racer’s Jacket
This one may seem obvious, but you definitely want to be prepared for the possibility of getting wet. If it’s raining or if it’s hot and humid out, you will want a jacket that can keep you cool and dry. There are many different types of jackets and vests out there; find one that’s appropriate for the type of race you’ll be doing. If it’s a short track, you will want a more streamlined design that’s better for speed. If it’s a long race, you will want something that’s better for keeping the rain or sweat off your body. Make sure to pack a raincoat and an umbrella as well in case you end up getting wet.
Race Belt
This one may seem obvious as well, but you definitely want to be prepared for the possibility of getting injured. A lot of runners end up getting injured during a run, and it’s always a pain to keep track of all the prescriptions and doctors’ appointments while continuing to run. The best thing is to have a race belt with you. Simply put on the belt before the start of the race and remove it afterwards. This will make sure you’re not wandering around with a huge belt loop hanging off you while you’re trying to walk or run. This is why we recommend you get a race belt.
Race Number
Most runners choose to wear a race number instead of their name or initials on the back of their shirts. This is to help identify them in case they get separated from the pack. You may choose to wear a number instead of your name for each individual race; it’s up to you. Most importantly, make sure that you’re wearing legible numbers. This serves as another way to ensure that you’re not getting separated from the pack and that others can identify you easily. In the event of a dispute about who was wearing which number, there will be no argument: the numbers will prove who’s was which.
Bib Shorts
Like most sports, running is not exactly a comfortable endeavor for women. While men may enjoy the upper body workout and mental stimulation that running provides, women usually prefer to focus on the lower body and take it easy. For this reason, we recommend you get bib shorts. These are shorts with shorts that are a bit longer, which provide more coverage for the lower body. Most importantly, make sure to bring a pair of socks that are comfortable and cozy for the feet, as well as a change of shirt.