Gear up well
Running Gear
It is common during any mass run to see many runners wearing cotton Ts. With our hot and humid conditions here, that is definitely not advisable.
The problem with cotton is that it does not dry quickly. So once it becomes wet with sweat, it tends to hold on to it. It becomes very uncomfortable to run when you remain damp and even worse when the cotton fabric sticks onto your body.
It is the same for socks too. Avoid the 100% cotton ones. They will get soaked, your feet will remain wet and this may lead to blisters. Go for polyester or acrylic socks which are good at removing moisture.
Although you should avoid wearing super-tight fitting attire during a long run (it causes overheating), clothes that are too loose will tend to cause chafing. This occurs from the repeated rubbing of the skin against loose clothing. Moisture from sweat or rain can worsen chafing, which usually occurs around the inner thighs and underarms. You can also try to lessen chafing by applying Vaseline to vulnerable areas.
Invariably, the ideal type of attire would be lightweight, light-coloured (to reflect the sun’s rays) and just loose enough to allow natural cooling to occur. Synthetic and technical running attire may cost a little more but you will appreciate the added comfort especially during the longer runs.
Since everyone’s feet are unique, there are no ‘one size fits all’ running shoes. To ensure that you have an appropriate pair, it’s best to buy them from a reputable running shoe dealer who will take into consideration the structure of your feet (i.e. foot type) before suggesting a particular pair. Comfort and stability in running shoes are vital and can save you from a multitude of injuries during your run.