What to Wear
Compression Shorts/Leggings - They're lightweight, don't hold water, keep you warm, and prevent chaffing.
Socks - Avoid cotton, as it absorbs water and can cause blistering. Wool is probably your best bet.
Shoes -
Shorts -
Shirts -
Gloves -
Hydration Pack -
Knee/Elbow Pads -
Cold Weather Gear -
OCR Gear
Do Not Wear Cotton!
This is pretty much a rookie mistake which, unless told otherwise, we all do. Learn from my mistakes! Do not wear cotton, especially if you are doing an event with water obstacles. It will weigh you down, and you'll feel cold, wet and uncomfortable all race.
Do Not Race With Valuables
Leave any valuable belongings at home, or in the car. iPod’s will get ruined in water and mud, sunglasses will most likely get lost on an obstacle, and for the love of the gods don't take your phone or wallet along with you... Most races have a bag drop-off so you can deposit your belongings securely.
Hydrate
Depending on how long the race is, depends how soon you start hydrating. for 5K distance obstacle race, it's a good idea to start a day or two ahead of a race. Make sure you drink enough water the day of the race and possibly even take a 50/50 mix of electrolyte solution (like Lucozade) and water if its a particularly hot day. For longer races it's recommended to take a hydration pack like a CamelBak with you. Although most races will have water stations along the way, you never know if they'll have run out before you get there!
3. Do Wear Trail Running Shoes
Post Spartan Beast 2011
I have raced in many different shoes over the last year and a half, whether you choose Vibram Five Fingers (VFF) (done it) or heavy old trail shoes (done that) make sure you can run in them over varying terrain. I personally wear the company Inov-8 now when I race, they are super light and are made specifically for trail running. I have seen many in VFF’s crumble as they are not use to trails in them. Best if to go out and run some in the mud before a race see how the shoes are. If there is swimming a heavy hiking shoe is not going to be the answer. But I think footwear is extremely personal. Just know they are going to be muddy and dirty when you finish whatever you wear.
4. Bring Nutrition
For a 5K you will probably not need any nutrition, but anything longer than that it’s a good idea to store a gel pack or gummies in a pocket. All races have water stations and some give you bananas as well but just know you may be in the woods for over a mile or two without any options. If you are worried bring some water with you but for the Spartan Beast (Over 12 miles) I only carried a couple gel packs. If this is your plan take the extra time at aid stations to hydrate before moving on, the seconds you take there will pay dividends when you need the calories later.
5. Learn to Love Spandex
Remember how I said don’t wear cotton, so you might we wondering what do you wear then. Simply I wear as little as possible my race day attire is a sports bra and shorts. This is why, the more clothes you wear the more it will weigh you down when wet and muddy. Not comfortable in just you bra, choice a form fitting tank top in a wicking fabric. Wicking fabrics are as key in cooler races are they are in warmer races, like the Spring climate, they help move moisture away from the body to keep your core temperature up. In the summer it will draw away the sweat from your body. Find wicking underwear as well. I know I keep going back to underwear but its important.
For shorter races (5K) I wear shorts, longer races, I switch to capri’s mostly for chaffing reasons. Learn where your bodies hot spots are so you can lube up before a race. A cheap lube that works great is baby diaper rash cream A&D. Also my personal color of choice for clothing is black, it shows no mud or blood you may have incurred along the course.
Post Race Gear
Large Plastic Bags - For your dirty clothes and towels after the race
Sunscreen - Often times you'll be caught out in the open with no shelter. Nobody likes sunburn.
Small Towel - Helps get that mud off you before putting on your civvies.
Beach Towel - This can shield your modesty as you get changed out of your muddy clothes post race.
Travel Size Bottle of Biodegradable Soap (may sure it’s biodegradable) - Water isn't always enough to clean off stubborn, dry mud. You'll likely be washing off in a field, hence the biodegradable soap. Love the environment.
Shammie - To dry yourself off after your wash
Full Change of Clothes - Unless you WANT to walk around muddy or naked after your race... not recommended though.
Sweatshirt - Many OCRs take place in winter, always bundle up afterwards to stave off hypothermia!
Pair of flip flops or extra shoes - Your trail shoes are gonna be very muddy...
Post Race Nutrition – bananas, protein bars/shakes, nuts, seeds... whatever you need to replenish your energies!
Gallon of Water - This gallon is to wash yourself off after the race.
Another Gallon of Water - This gallon is to rehydrate yourself.