Hot to Trot: Layer Up For Inauguration Day

| Print Post This | Like (0) | Comments (0)

FOLKS HEADED TO the inauguration can't be sure they'll get a glimpse of the prez, but they will certainly get a workout. Metro officials are asking anyone who is staying within two miles of the Mall to hoof it, and bridge closings mean Virginians may be tempted to push the limits of how far their legs can carry them.

There's nothing wrong with celebrating with some calorie burning, but Cindy Holcomb, the manager of the Bailey's Crossroads REI, wants to make sure you're outfitted appropriately. "When you talk about people having to walk and then stand, the key is layers," she explains.

Start off with a pair of long underwear that can wick moisture away from your body. Top that with several articles of clothing you can pull on or off. And be sure to end with rain gear. Umbrellas are banned, so you may need it to stay dry; and as an added bonus, it tames wind gusts.

Don't forget about extremities. A hat and gloves are critical, and face masks can keep sensation in your nose. REI hawks battery-operated socks, but Holcomb prefers the less bulky option of toe warmers — wee packs that you can slip into your shoes for six hours of heat. And don't forget to stash an energy bar. After all, it's a long walk home.

Photo courtesy iStock