Information of substance: Sarah A. Tampio, M.Ed. and Jennifer Collins. Tangential quips that no one asked for: Lionel Brahim Brodie III.
We’re 3 days away from the races of Philadelphia Marathon Weekend. We’ve been celebrating all month, and hope you have with us! Here are a few tips as we pull up to Race Weekend:
Arrive early to make sure you can park, drop your bag at gear check, and have time to hit up the porta potty before finding your way to the corral.
Bring clothes to keep you warm but toss before the race starts. Old clothes to toss, let me stress that. If you happen to purchase any of the items below, you might want to keep those haha!
Have friends and family stationed along the way to cheer you on! We'll talk about Cheer Zones later.....stay tuned!
This weekend could see cooler temperatures (hopefully no rain after Friday) in the early mornings. This guide will help new runners, seasoned runners, AND spectators with product options for our Super Bowl (hopefully they’ll be a parade in February, and we can wear these items then as well). Have a GREAT race this weekend. NOTE: I can’t promise that some these picks aren’t locally biased and somewhat subjective…..
Saturday Start Times: Half Marathon and 8K
Sunday Start Times: Marathon
What to wear? Disclaimer: Everyone has different thresholds for heat, wind, rain, and cold and that can be subjective. Use this information as a stepping stone for your personal needs and goals.
You may have heard this before: Dress as if the temperature is 10 degrees higher. As you warm up and find your rhythm your body will warm up as well. When the temperatures are forecasting cooler weather it’s important to stay warm before the race and at the start. Start conservatively, and ease yourself into your goal pace. You do not want to start too fast, warm up, and then become chilled as you ease back. Keep your body moving at a consistent pace. Easier said than done sometimes, but practice patience and it will pay off in the latter miles of the race.
Tops: Moisture wicking, lightweight but still warm. A top that will keep us warm at the start and dry quickly as we warm up and begin to sweat. Picks: PR x SKY Performance 1/4 Zip in Men's and/or Women's.
Accessories: If you are like me, my hands will get VERY cold, very easy. I will be toeing the line with gloves. If you are representing a club/organization/team, etcetera and want to wear a singlet, an ultra–lightweight more fitted top under the singlet is a great option to stay warm. Picks: Gloves. ASICS Long Sleeve Triblend Tee Men's and/or Women's.
Bottoms: This can be a tough call based on your needs. If you are concerned with the cool/cold affecting your legs, and have traditionally worn tights/pants in conditions under/around 40 degrees (projected temp at the start of the half and full), then wear them. If you can wear shorts with no problem or issue on your calves and quads, then stick with what you know. Picks: Shorts. Pants. Tights.
You can find a more comprehensive checklist HERE. Feel free to use these suggestions and others recently posted on #MYPHILLYRUN BLOG (scroll to the bottom of the page). Thank you all for being the best racing / running / jogging / walking / FITNESS community on the planet and allowing Philadelphia Runner to support you in your journey. Trust your training, believe in yourself, think positive and tell yourself that YOU CAN DO THIS!! Everyone cheering for you in the race knows that YOU CAN!!!!!
Continue your online experience with us and check out our Race Day Essentials Collection for any of your racing needs.
Forget something at home or need an extra layer or accessory for race morning? We've got you covered. Super last minute need?!?!? Preorder online, select store pick up, and stop by one of our four store locations on Friday or Saturday of Race Weekend:
PR Center City: 1711 Walnut Street; Open 11AM – 7PM Friday, 10AM – 7PM Saturday
PR University City: 3621 Walnut Street; Open 11AM – 7PM Friday, 10AM – 7PM Saturday
PR Manayunk: 4358 Main Street; Open 11 – 7PM Friday, Open 10AM – 7PM Saturday
PR Glen Mills: 505 Glen Eagle Square, Glen Mills, PA; Open 10AM – 6PM Friday, 10AM – 7PM Saturday