how to choose the perfect race day outfit

The countdown is on. Race day is creeping closer and closer. Not only are you incessantly refreshing your weather app but you’rere losing sleep over finding the perfect race day outfit that will make you look and feel strong as hell.

SOUND FAMILIAR? 

Of course, it does! Sometimes, finding the perfect race day outfit is a serious struggle!

The day before my first marathon, I spent the ENTIRE day driving around San Diego trying to find a race day outfit that made me feel like I looked like a marathoner.

I was terrified! 

-Terrified that I wasn't ready.

-Terrified that I wouldn't make it to the finish line.

-And terrified that someone would turn to me before the race started and tell me that I didn't look like I could run a marathon. 

I had a really hard time finding running clothes that I felt comfortable in because I didn’t feel like I was a “real runner”. Whenever I tried to work up the courage to go into a running store, I'd panic the second a store associate asked me if I needed help finding anything. Because of the stories I was telling myself and the narratives I was writing for other people, I convinced myself they would call me out for not being a runner. So I was terrified to ask for help or even be seen shopping for running clothes.

So I wore my tried and true two sports bras, a brand new yellow shirt, and brand new lime green pants with a matching hat that could be seen from space.

It sounds trivial to some but the truth is, some of us care about what we wear on race day. (Don’t let A-Hole runners shame you if you’re thinking about what you’re gonna wear. Ignore them. It’s ok to care. You worked really hard to get to race day. SHINE.)

To help ease your nerves, here are six rules to consider when you're trying to find the perfect race day outfit.

Rule #1. Wear something that makes you feel comfortable. 

There's no such thing as a runner dress code. None. The reason I spent the day before my first marathon driving around trying to find an outfit that made me feel like I belonged was because I didn’t think I did. As long as you feel strong, comfortable, and empowered in your race day outfit, that's all that matters.  

Rule #2. It's not ideal to wear something new. 

Look, I ran the Berlin marathon in a brand new sports bra and chafed like I'd never chafed before.

Do I regret it? Not really. I was going to chafe in whatever sports bra I wore because I have big boobs and that’s what happens when you have big boobs. (PRO TIP: Use KT tape on your bra line.)

I once took off for a long run in a good enough sports bra and…well…let’s just say it was a wake-up call to get better sports bras made for my bigger boobs.

But this is why you practice in your race day outfit.

THAT MEANS SHOES.

I’ve run 5 of the 10 marathons I’ve done in brand new shoes. Only once did I finish screaming, “GET THEM OFF! GET THEM OFF. PLEASE GET THESE OFF OF MY FEET!” Only because I tied them too tight. (But I don’t regret wearing them one bit.)

Will you be fine in brand new shoes? MAYBE. But why risk it?

IDEALLY, try to get 1-2 test runs/long runs in your race day outfit.

USE THOSE LAST FEW LONG RUNS AS A DRESS REHEARSAL.

(And to be safe, bring some vaseline or be ready to rub it everywhere as often as necessary during the race if you're rocking something new.)

My suggestion: CLICK HERE to check out our crowdsourced chafe cream guide. And KT tape the hell out of your boobs.

Rule #3. Wear your tried and true sports bra. 

Piggybacking off of that chafing story, we all have a tried and true sports bra. (If you're still wearing two to three sports bras, GO GET A BETTER SPORTS BRA! STOP WEARING TWO!) Build your race day outfit around your trusted sports bra. If you find yourself reaching for a shirt that fits awkwardly with your sports bras straps, choose a different shirt. Sports bra first, everything else second. 

My suggestion: I don’t have one because everyone likes something different. I like a sports bra that has a little bounce if it means I don’t have a bra that feels like a straight jacket. Check out our crowdsourced Sports Bra Guide for suggestions.

Rule #4. Bring layers and don't be afraid to leave them behind. 

When you're looking at the weather the day before a race, add 10 degrees to whatever the temperature it’s going to be the morning of the race. Then, either reach for layers that you aren't afraid to part with or head to Goodwill and grab something there. It's always better to shed layers than it is to suffer through a race freezing your butt off. 

Before the race starts, YOU HAVE TO KEEP YOUR CORE TEMPERATURE UP. That means bundle up! Then, ditch the layers at the start or tie them around your waist when you get going.

My suggestion: If you're worried about being cold, wear a long sleeve, gloves, and a hat or headband that covers your ears. During the NYC Half 2017, it was 40 degrees and I thought I'd be cold. I ended up ditching my long sleeve and tying it around my waist because I was so hot. BUT, if you ditch a layer, make sure your bib is visible! I had my bib pinned to my long sleeve and had to repin it to my bra mid-run.

Rule #5. Shorts vs. tights.

DO WHAT YOU DID IN TRAINING. This is probably the only exception where I'll say don't wear new shorts if you're worried about your thighs rubbing together. Afraid you'll be too hot? Go with tights/capris and #SportsBraSquad!

You know your body. If you run hot, the less clothing the better. If you don't think the weather will be an issue, then wear what you feel comfortable in.

My suggestion: Look for shorts that have pockets and are on the longer side. When you find a pair you like, buy as many pairs as possible because good long pairs of running shorts are few and far between.

Rule #6. To bring your own fuel and/or hydration or not to bring your own fuel and/or hydration.

It depends on the race. If the race offers sports drink and water that you're comfortable with, leave the water bottles at home. Not a fan of the energy gel on the course? Bring your own. I always bring my own. Just remember that you need somewhere to put them! (My first marathon, I didn't know how to fuel. I not only brought 15 energy gels with me like a crazy person, but I kept them between my two sports bras. 

If you can, find out what they’ll have during your race and practice with it. Then, if it doesn’t sit well with you, bring your own.

You can always have friends hand stuff off to you mid race. (BUT THIS IS RISKY. You might miss each other. So be prepared.)

My suggestion: Get a Spi-Belt. Out of all the belts to keep your phone and gels in, it's my favorite.

TLDR: Don't lose sleep over what you're going to wear. The best race day outfit is the one you feel most comfortable in. Take 2-3 dress rehearsals in it during your long runs. Just make sure you feel comfortable.

What matters most is that you don’t have to worry about what you’re wearing and you can give your best effort. You’ll look strong as hell in whatever you decide to wear because it’s badass to run a race.

Kick ass and take names gang.