QT: Considerations When Running in a Costume (Best Of-ish)

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This post was originally part of Episode 178 released in October of 2015 and is more or less copy and pasted from that post. The audio, however, is a new take on the topic.

With Halloween being right around the corner, it only seemed fitting to offer my take on the idea of racing or running in a costume.

Honestly, I don’t know how anyone does it.

You say it’s fun, I’ll take your word for it.

But I’m not buying it for a second.

Am I Really This Old and Curmudgeon? Yes.

That said, I’m sure there will be many people suiting up soon for some type of Halloween run.

And with the Wine and Dine Half Marathon being right around the corner, Lord knows Disney runners are putting the finishing touches on their costumes as well.

For the record, I’ll be running my 10k on Halloween and the Wine and Dine Half dressed as a runner.

Because I’m old.

And I no longer know how to have fun.

5 Tips for Running in a Costume

If you’re planning on running in a costume for a future race, here are a few things to keep in mind before the “big day”:

Breathable Material:

Perhaps the biggest reason that I have no desire to wear a costume for a run is that I’ve been known to sweat quite a bit when I’m running, and I’m not the biggest fan of sweaty clothes sticking to me while I’m running. The idea of wearing my running clothes and then putting a costume over top of that just screams steam bath to me. No thanks.

Wardrobe Malfunctions:

If you’re spending big bucks on a costume to wear while running a race, hopefully you don’t have to worry about it falling apart while you’re running. That said, I’ve definitely seen it happen at a number of different Disney races. Pieces pinned together and runners trying to hold things in place for 10+ miles; what a nightmare!

Chaffing:

Y’all, sometimes running clothes rub your the wrong way while you’re running. And you want to put on another layer of clothing? Hope you brought a tub of body glide with you.

Head Gear:

At Disney races in particular, people go all in with their costumes. It’s really kind of neat to see, but if you’re going to be wearing something on your head, you might want to make sure it’s not going to flop around while you’re running and sweating. And if it’s even remotely heavy, be careful.

Don’t Cover Your Face:

This seems like it would be obvious, but if you’re dressing up make sure you don’t cover your face with any type of mask. The last thing you need while running is decreased vision and some external thing restricting your ability to breath. If you want to wear some face paint or makeup that’s fine (better make sure it’s sweat/water proof), but keep your face out in the open.

You Do You, Boo

If running in costume is your thing, go for it.

Nope, Definitely Not My Thing

Just be careful, stay safe, and above all have fun.

Since, I’m assuming, that would be the point of dressing up in the first place.

Running in a costume is, apparently, a thing some runners do? If you're dressing up for a race soon, here are a few things to keep in mind. Click To Tweet

Have You Ever Run a Race in a Costume? What Were You Dressed As?

Any Tips I Missed From Your Experience?

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