Marine Corps Marathon: The clothes I left behind

On Sunday I wasn't the only person to shed layers and items as the race went on, the sun rose, the temperature increased from the wind-chill-adjusted 27° at the start (33° on the thermometer), and body temperatures increased with exertion and energy expenditure.

The roads and curbs were festooned with all manner of garments left behind.

Here's how it went with me:

Mile 6 — took off my UVa hoodie (top) and left it on a sidewalk.

Mile 7 — good-bye to my (outer) DeFeet technical gloves (I kept my [inner] thin white cotton ones on for the duration), tossed aside on the street.

Mile 8 — off with my Patagonia lightweight longsleeve technical underlayer (my most comfortable shirt, sigh).

Mile 9 — UVa grey sweatpants, placed on a street sign.

Mile 11 or 12, I'm not sure — Patagonia headband, flipped to the side.

Mile 16 — Charlottesville Track Club short sleeve Dri-Fit T-shirt, given to some girl who nodded when I shouted, "Anyone?" I'd be surprised if she didn't leave it there — it was sopping wet with sweat.

Miles 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 25 — ClifShots dropped unopened in the street, my reward for reaching each respective mile marker.

Yes — I finished the race fully clothed in spite of my deaccessioning along the way.

What remained on my person as I crossed the finish line?

A midweight Patagonia longsleeve underlayer shirt, black Patagonia lightweight soft tights, and Patagonia lightweight running shorts over the tights.

The Marine Corps comes along after the race and picks up truckloads of abandoned clothing, washing it all and then giving it to charity.