First 1/2 Questions: Cold Weather and Sickness

[elletr13]

I've been training since July for my first 1/2 marathon! It is the St.Jude Memphis 1/2 this Saturday.

I've really lucked out with weather all during the training season...the coldest day was a long run that was around 32. The forecast for Saturday (right now) is a low of 28 (at start time), high of 36. I've actually heard it could be colder--a low of 23 at the start. A wintry mix is expected Friday night and again Saturday. There is a chance for freezing rain on Saturday as well....any advice on dressing? My original plan, had the temps been in their normal 45-50 degree range was capris, a tank and my St.Jude Hero singlet. Maybe a throwaway layer. I'm thinking running tights (need to buy...), a longer (3/4 at least) top and my singlet, ear band, gloves and that throwaway jacket. Thoughts? Here's hoping our city crews are smart enough to treat the roads way in advance...

Also, my plan for the week was to do 3 miles tonight and 3 Wednesday. I think I'm coming down with my husband's Thanksgiving Day cold I feel kinda "meh" right now and I'm taking Ziacam all day. Should I still run tonight? Do the distances seem okay?

Thanks for the help!

[shorewife]

Think positive - the ground can't possibly be cold enough for anything to stick, right!?

If it was me running in those temps I'd be all bundled up! Tights, long sleeve layer, water/wind jacket, gloves, and hat/deadband. I'd probably only expect to ditch the hat and gloves if I got warm.

You could probably still run, but really slow as long as you're feeling up to it.

[elletr13]

Thanks. I think I'll be feeling better by Saturday--my DH's cold only lasted 2-3 days. I guess my concern is about the last 2 runs I had on my schedule.

The weather people are saying there is a chance for at least 1/4 inch ice accumulation. Nothing for people up north...down here in Memphis it is enough to throw the city into complete chaos. The coldest long run I wore long pants (no tights, don't have any), a tank, long sleeved shirt and jacket over it along with gloves and a headband.

[aurora]

It's not really going to hurt your race to skip a training run or two this week if you're feeling under the weather, so my vote would be to take today off and see how you're feeling Wednesday. It would hurt a lot more if you made your cold worse by overdoing it.

Your layers sound about right to me for running a half below freezing. For a race, there's a good chance I'd end up taking off a jacket so I'd want my shirt to be fully long-sleeved and not just 3/4.