The day is almost here! The L.A. Marathon is only ten days away and I am finishing up all of my planning! The plane ticket is purchased, the outfit is ready and the course is analyzed. The 8th Continent Soymilk Crew is SO excited to team up with one of our favorite charities Child S.H.A.R.E. to take this marathon head on!

Training is very important for a marathon, and so is what you wear. Check out these awesome tips I got from About.com on what to wear when running/walking a marathon!

Nothing New on Marathon Day
You should be wearing regularly on your walks any clothing, shoes, socks, gear pack, headwear, etc. that you plan to wear on the marathon. If you have an old race number, pin that on also while you practice so you will know where you want to place it on race day.

Think sweat and synthetics
Cotton kills – it doesn’t wick the sweat and you could end up with thermal problems on such a long, strenuous event. Dress in CoolMax or other synthetics from head to toe. Know the climate you will be walking in and be prepared for five to eight hours out on the course.

Layering
The walk will begin in the early morning and you will want a warm-up jacket. Many veteran marathoners bring along an old shirt and then simply toss it once they have warmed up. I don’t suggest littering, but if the event has a clothing donation barrel at the first waterstop, this is an option.

Shade and Sun Protection
At an endurance event, you will want to shade your head with a hat, wear sunscreen and sunglasses.

Pack and Water Bottle
Well-run marathons aim to provide for most of your needs at the aid stations, but you may want to carry your essentials along. Practice with whatever gear you plan to wear and carry at the event. A hip pack with a water bottle, blister kit, anti-chafing stick and place to store or strap on extra gear can be reassuring. I have been lucky to have along my water bottle when the aid stations ran out of cups and/or water or closed up by the time the walkers arrived.

Raingear
For short races, you can simply get wet, but on a long event you may end up chilled if you let yourself get soaked. Experiment in your training with various options for rain. Waterproof, breathable fabrics are best if rain is certain. For an intermittent shower, carrying a light plastic disposable rain poncho is a good option. Umbrellas get heavy and tiresome for long distances.

My Packlist – From Head to Toe

• CoolMax hat with brim
• Earband, sweatband or Buff
• CoolMax t-shirt with short sleeves
• Sports bra
• Windproof warm-up jacket (may give to the gear storage before start)
• Cheap gloves if starting temps are below 45F
• Spandex shorts and underwear
• CoolMax socks
• My marathon shoes (New Balance 829)
• Sunscreen factor 30 on all exposed areas
• BodyGlide or Sportslick on areas prone to chafing
• Feet well-coated with petroleum jelly before putting on socks
• Waistpack with water bottle
• Small tube of petroleum jelly
• Small tube of BodyGlide or Sportslick
• Lip balm tube
• Energy gel – two packs
• Blister kit
• Plastic disposable rain poncho if any chance of rain
• Race number, ID, medical card

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• Free Iphone Apps to help you train for your marathon!
• How to stay Motivated when training for a marathon!
• Nutritional Information for Marathon Trainers!
• 10 Best Socks for your Marathon
• Our Favorite Broad Joins 8th Continent Soymilk for the LA Marathon!