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3 Reasons to Buy Your Race-Day Shoes Now
Don’t wait any longer to buy your race-day shoes
Runners love their shoes and will defend their favorite pair(s) as being the best. We’re big fans of Under Armour’s latest, the Flow Velociti Wind. What all runners will agree with is that you don’t wear a new pair of shoes on race day! You want your shoes to be broken in, but without too many miles. Typically, a pair of running shoes will last 300-400 miles. If it’s time to buy a new pair, do it. Buying your race-day shoes now will give you plenty of time to get used to them. This will also keep you from running in old shoes that have lost their comfort, cushion, and support. Check out the 3 reasons to buy your race-day shoes now. Then schedule an appointment with our friends at Fleet Feet Austin and let them do what they do best!
Break-in race-day shoes
Break in your shoes at least 3-4 weeks before your event.
Whether it’s a new brand or the latest iteration of your favorite shoe, it will take some time for your feet to become comfortable with a brand-new pair. Your feet and shoes should achieve a nice harmony before race day to minimize the possibility of blisters and injury. Ideally, 3-4 weeks before the event will provide enough time for you to break in your race-day shoes. Continue to include running variety in your training to help you further break in your new pair of shoes.
Maximize cushion and support
Familiarizing your feet with new race-day shoes is a part of breaking them in. As shoe technology advances, they become better-equipped with cushioning, stability, and memory foams. To maximize the cushioning support you should alternate your race-day shoes along with your current pair leading up to your event. This will keep the mileage on your race-day shoes low and allow for the most cushion and support during your event. Don’t run in them 3-4 days before your event so the cushion has a chance to recover from the most recent run.
Avoid unfamiliarity on race day
Nothing new on race day, shoes included!
Every runner has heard the following: nothing new on race day. This goes for your shoes as well. Even if they’re the same version as your old pair, they could be slightly different. No two pairs are exactly the same. Your feet will need time to adjust to the new pair. Remember: you should only run in your running shoes. Use the 3-4 week timeline, mentioned earlier, as a guide in the minimum amount of time needed to become acclimated to your new pair of shoes.
Endurance training is never easy and you have to be well-prepared. Consistency and adequate nutrition/hydration will help you in ensuring success. Comfortable, cushioned, and supportive running shoes are a part of that equation too. Just make sure that you buy what you plan to wear at least 3-4 weeks in advance. This way you can break them in, maximize cushion and support, and follow the “nothing new on race day” rule.
7 Important Items You Need to Start Marathon Training
Start marathon training on the right foot with these 7 essential items
Using the right gear is as important as following the right training program when you start marathon training. High-quality, reliable items maintain an optimal level of comfort for your body. They also make it easier for you to focus on the task at hand during your marathon training. Include these running essentials when you start marathon training and make your experience as comfortable, fun, and memorable as possible! Pro tip: we share some of our favorite items below.
First and foremost, shoes
Under Armour HOVR Sonic 3s are runner-approved!
It’s a no-brainer to get yourself the perfect running shoes before you start marathon training. The right pair of shoes will equally distribute the force when your foot strikes the ground. Make sure there is enough cushioning and room on the inside of the shoes. This will put less strain on your feet. Pair your running shoes with socks that have more padding and wick away sweat quickly. Keep the rest of your outfit aligned with the weather. Some great shoe options include Under Armor’s HOVR line. Check out what we like and see if they’re right for you.
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Schedule an appointment with our friends at Fleet Feet Austin and get fitted soon. Pro tip: learn how the HOVR line shoes automatically connect to MapMyRun via Bluetooth to track your progress.
Nutrition and hydration
You are what you eat! The significance of maintaining a healthy diet during marathon training is paramount. You have to consume nutritious foods and hydrate adequately to reach peak performance. Carry nutrition with you when you start marathon training, especially as your mileage increases. GU Energy Gels are ideal because they’re easy to carry and contain what you need on long runs. Read how proper nutrition is imperative and why GU Gel’s are ideal for marathon training.
When it comes to hydration, dissolve Nuun tablets into your water. They’re filled with the minerals and electrolytes you need to replenish your system. Hydrating after your long run is important, so keep a bottle ready to go for when you’re done! Pro tip: if you don’t carry hydration with you, stash it somewhere along your route.
Running belt
When you start marathon training, you might want to carry a few essentials like money, your phone, keys, nutrition, etc. A light running belt, like SPIbelt
Extra items to start marathon training
A SPIbelt can carry so much!
Apart from the aforementioned must-haves, you might want to include sunglasses, a hat/visor, and/or headphones. See what we use on our long runs!
- Sunglasses, like the Under Armour Igniters
, protect your eyes from dust, debris, and the sun’s rays
- Hats, like Under Armour’s Launch ArmourVent
, help keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer
- Headphones, like AfterShokz Titaniums
, allow you to jam out to our #WeLiketheSoundofThat playlist and hear what’s going on around you
, protect your eyes from dust, debris, and the sun’s rays
, help keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer
, allow you to jam out These running essentials are ideal for any runner when they start marathon training. Veteran runners might be set in their ways and know what they prefer. But for first-time runners, it’s important to test out different items on your long runs. You want to know exactly what works for you before race day arrives! What specific items are must-haves for you when you start marathon training? Let us know in the Austin Marathon Facebook Group and Twitter.
