Is it OK to run a marathon with a triathlon suit? If so, which are the best brands?
Posted by Ray Gill
Filed under Triathlon Answers
This is my first marathon. I want to know how the padding on the triathlon suit will benefit/affect my running.
Male, 28yrs.
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People in Ironman wear a triathlon suit for the entire race and that includes the run part (which is a marathon).
Seems to me it would be ok, but unnecessary. Also if you wear run-specific compression clothing then they’ll be compressing all the right muscles for JUST running and would probably be of greater benefit.
I’ve always gone with getting the right tools for the job and so I would say probably not to go with a triathlon suit for a marathon, unless you are going to do a swim as well without changing.
If you look at a marathon, most of the runners will be wearing T shirt and shorts (or depending on the weather, leggings and long sleeved T) – that’s generally the best kit to wear. You can buy compression clothing that is meant to have an effect, but looking round last time I ran a marathon not many people had them so I am not cinvinced it is the way to go.
I nearly forgot to mention why T shirts and shorts. It’s all about cooling down. Triathlon suits are a bit thicker than running kit and can keep you too warm – this can affect your performance. Triathletes are OK because they have just com eout of cold water before the cycle and run so the suit is cooled anyway. Starting with a dry triathlete suit and it will take a while to get the sweat to soak through and then start cooling you – bad for performance. After the race of course, they stay wet for longer than a good ‘wicking’ t shirt and this is when you want to be warm and dry.