Another Cold Weather Wardrobe Question

[elletr13]

Assuming the race isn't cancelled tomorrow (they'll make the call at 5 AM), start temps for my half are projected to be 20 degrees, feels like 7!

I had planned my outfit on earlier projections--closer to 30 degrees. My outfit right now is running capris (that actually reach my ankles. because I'm short), a black target compression shirt, my St.Jude singlet, gloves and a headband. I have a throwaway sweatshirt to wear at the start. I may go back to Target and throwaway sweat pants as well.

I know the "nothing new" rule, but frankly, I haven't ever had to deal with these conditions. This is rare weather for Memphis. I looked at some thicker leggings at Sports Authority last night and I'm wondering if I should go back and get them. I'm also leaning towards changing my top to the compression shirt, a half-zip and my singlet over. I can attach my bib to my singlet and do a quick change at a water stop if I need to lose a layer (I am slow as Christmas, so I'm not worried about losing time).

TIA. And cross your fingers this isn't cancelled!

[boston340]

Oh boy, this is a tough one. How long is the race?

I'm leaning towards that half-zip too, but the length of race will certainly be a determining factor.

[elletr13]

It is a half, so 13.1. My goal is to finish under 2:45 (this is my first). We've been told to be in our corrals at 7:30. It starts at 8, but the corrals are released in 2 minute waves, so I probably won't start till 8:15-8:20.

I guess I'm questioning my pants. I remember looking at tights last night that felt like they had fleece lining and thinking "I'll get too hot". And then I saw the "feels like" temp today!

[shorewife]

Yeah that's pretty chilly. I'd probably add the half-zip too, but maybe forgo new tights because your current ones do cover your legs and new pants is where I would worry about chafing the most. Start line throw away pants isn't a bad idea either.

[ebeth]

IME nothing new is far, far more important when it's hot out.

because it's rare and you are totally unaclimated this is what I'd suggest:


smartwool socks

if you have more than one pair of tights wear more than one pair. then you don't have to get thicker ones. I've done this before when it was really cold.

on the top I'd do a tank+ls shirt+half zip+singlet. if my core is cold I'm freaking miserable. then you have two ls layers so you can shed one if necessary.

I'd wear a hat instead of a head band and potentially two pairs of gloves.

finally, I'd apply a layer of vaseline to my feet before socking and hands before gloving. I find it helps them to stay warm.

[libbygrl109]

I'd stick with the pants you have, and do the half-zip. Be sure to cover your face with thick lotion or vaseline, and hands, too if you think you'll be taking your gloves off at some point - helps protect from wind and cold. Good luck!

[elletr13]

thanks everyone! I think i'll do a tank + ls + half zip + singlet. My plan is when I shed a layer, my singlet goes back on because that is where my bib will be pinned. My current tights/capris (I tend to be colder on top vs. legs)...I'll look into those socks (assuming roads aren't too bad to get out tonight). I'll wear my running gloves + a cheap throwaway pair over it. I'll see if I have a hat (I hate hats, hence the headband). Thanks for the tip on vaseline!.

[Wines Not Whines]

Get warm socks. When it's that cold, if I wear my regular thin running socks, my toes will be numb for the entire race, and it's miserable. Ditto ebeth's suggestion of Smartwool. If you can't find those, just get some kind of warm winter running socks. Your feet will thank you. Put body glide or vaseline on your feet to prevent blisters/chafing.

I also recommend a hat vs. headband, but if you hate hats, do what works for you.

[Deleted]

I'd stick with the pants you have, but get warm socks. I buy snowboarding socks for winter running. They are thick and go up really high (can't expose my ankles to the cold).

I like a fleece vest for cold weather (on top of various other layers, depending on how cold) so that I still have movement and venting under my arms.

[lifetaketwo]

I did a long run in 20 feels like 10 the other day. I did 2 pairs of tights, 2 pairs of socks (I wouldn't do this unless you've done it before), long sleeve compression, really lightweight windbreaker, hat, gloves.

My core was actually a little too warm. Legs and feet felt great.

If you can pick up some of those chemical handwarmers I love them for my gloves.

[elletr13]

Thanks for the advice. We live close to a Sports Authority and Dick's, so I'm hoping we can get out tonight. I'm going to get warmer socks and definitely getting some Hot Hands. I'll look for a hat as well.

[patches31709]

If it's going to be windy, where sunglasses! Cold wind in the eyes is miserable.

That's super cold for Memphis, good luck!

[elletr13]

Thanks, all. Just received official word from St.Jude that it is cancelled.

[Wines Not Whines]

Dec 6, 2013 20:00:51 GMT -5 elletr13 said:

Thanks, all. Just received official word from St.Jude that it is cancelled.

Boo, I'm sorry. Is there a safety danger due to ice? I hope they didn't cancel it just because of the temperature.

[elletr13]

Yes, the amount of ice expected on trees, roadways and electrical lines. It has been raining all day and the trees have been iced over for hours. The rest of the ground is soaked and the temp is dropping to 18 tonight.

They are offering to put our registration fees towards a few other big races, donate it to st.jude or refund it. We also get priority sign up for 2014. I plan to donate mine and absolutely sign up for 2014. Now I need to find another race so I can keep this new habit of mine up. I am eying a 10k in feb. And possibly a smaller local half...I was just really excited about st.jude being my first.

[ebeth]

Dec 6, 2013 21:32:23 GMT -5 elletr13 said:

Yes, the amount of ice expected on trees, roadways and electrical lines. It has been raining all day and the trees have been iced over for hours. The rest of the ground is soaked and the temp is dropping to 18 tonight.

They are offering to put our registration fees towards a few other big races, donate it to st.jude or refund it. We also get priority sign up for 2014. I plan to donate mine and absolutely sign up for 2014. Now I need to find another race so I can keep this new habit of mine up. I am eying a 10k in feb. And possibly a smaller local half...I was just really excited about st.jude being my first.

Gah. That sucks. But really who wants to race in a GD ice storm? You want better conditions than watching every step trying not to fall. Is there another race nearby next weekend that you could do instead?

Again, so sorry. It blows to work towards your goal and then have it blow up because of the only thing you cannot control: the weather

[elletr13]

Yeah, they made the right choice for sure. The roads are dry but there is a ton of ice on trees and power lines.

A lot of people ran the route on their own! I just got back from 3 miles in my neighborhood....I wore my planned outfit plus an extra pair of pants and actually got a little warm!