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| Steve Jones - Simple |
The photo above shows a victorious Steve Jones breaking the marathon world record in Chicago in 1984 with a time of 2:08:05. Notice what he is wearing; a vest, shorts and (out of picture) socks and trainers. That is all, and things haven't really changed since.
Ok, for us non-elites we do need a little extra to get us through 26.2 miles and to support us pre and post-race, but not to the point of excess.
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| Too much - Put down the banana |
Assuming one is preparing for a 'standard' marathon in terms of climate, elevation and terrain, I prescribe the following exhaustive (male centric) packing list:
Pre race/admin:
- Essential
- Registration documents
- Identification
- Bag drop
- Race number
- Safety pins
- Electrolytes/Water
- Vaseline
- Optional
- Banana/Energy bar - Those last minute carbs
- Just No
- Painkillers - Dangerous! And if you need them, should you be running?
- That funny coloured tape - Runners survived before it came along
The race:
- Essential
- Trainers - Worn in
- Socks
- Underwear - Genitalia friendly
- Shorts
- Vest/T-shirt
- Bottle/Gel belt - I find holding a gel in each hand removes tension
- Optional
- Base layer - Eradicates chaffing (I swear by them)
- Watch/GPS - Essential for pace checking
- Sunglasses - Not only for the obvious, but aids focus
- Visor/Cap - Keep your sweat at bay
- Gloves - Lightweight option if cold. Also great for wiping sweat (and snot)
- Compression socks
- Just No
- Music/Headphones - Running is the escape
- 26 gels - If they're circumnavigating your waist then you have too many
- Jacket - Unless teeming down with rain. You will warm up, I promise
Post race:
- Essential
- Warm clothing
- Towel
- Toiletries
- Tissues
- Bin liners
- Nutrition
- Fluids
Post race there really isn't any 'optional' or 'just no' items, you've just run a marathon. Well done!
Actually, one item for that 'just no' header - don't do that 'I'm never running a marathon again' thing. You know you will.
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