Speaking of all this cold weather, those of you who have ran this before, or something similar, what do you suggest for layers? Being fairly new to running, I’ve never ran outside in weather that could be as cold as it was this past Feb. What do you suggest to wear (I know everyone is different) and once you “warm up” what is the layer you end up running most of the race in? I see lots of pictures in people in tanks or short sleeved tees. Is that realistic? And then…when you shed layers, you just take them off an toss them, is that how it works? I’d imagine these layers are items you don’t expect to get back?
So, I wasn't there this past February, but I was there in January. During the January 5K there was a windchill warning with temperatures in the 30s, so I feel like I can contribute to this.
Like I said above, waiting for the race to start was the toughest part for me. I'm not sure how much you have looked into the timing of the races yet, but Disney wants participants to get to the race staging area pretty early before the races begin. For example - I was there at 5:30 for the 6:30 start.
So I had on 3 layers for the 5K. The base layer was a pair of fleece-lined leggings (sort of thinner fleece) that I had gotten from Walgreen's ($7) and a long-sleeved running top (tech/moisture-wicking material). Second layer was my originally planned main running outfit - a running skirt and a short-sleeved running top (again, both moisture-wicking).
So this is that outfit (kind of dark but you get the idea):
Layer #3 was a pair of old pajama pants and an old hooded sweatshirt.
This was the "tossed" layer you referenced above - yes, whatever you toss (unless you toss to a friend/family member) should be something you don't want to keep. Disney gathers up tossed items, launders them and donates them to charity. I have seen people show up in old sweats (like I did), bathrobes, wrapped in blankets, etc. You could probably find good throwaway clothes at your local Goodwill or whatever. Anyway, I kept the hoodie/pj pants on until right before my corral started, because I knew once I started running I would be too hot in them. The one thing I didn't have with me that I wish I would have (and is definitely on the list for future runDisney races) was a cheap pair of gloves - like those pairs you can get at Target for $1-$2. I would have kept those on for a bit longer if I'd had them. The best thing was having the hood on the sweatshirt, which helped block out the wind. The general rule of thumb when it comes to running is to dress for conditions 15-20 degrees warmer than what the temperature is, because if you overdress you'll overheat and be miserable.
In general I fared a lot better than others during that weekend, I think. I'm a crazy overpacker and had brought throwaway clothes for all 4 races - including 3 pairs of those $7 leggings - so I definitely had enough to work with. The leggings originally weren't part of my running outfits, but because I had extra pairs I could use one for the 5K (which I then re-wore for throwaway clothes during the marathon). And since I'm from NE Ohio I thought the temperatures were pretty good once the actual running part started.
This was the first Disney race I've ever done where I had to wear long sleeves and "pants," so yeah, tanks/short sleeves are, in my experience, normal but not guaranteed.
Hooray for overpacking! And sorry for writing a novel!
