HELP! Last minute craziness set in and I need advice!

[CarolA]

Well.... in a burst of optimism I signed up to do the Zooma Half tomorrow in Atlanta.

It's a burst because the farthest I have gone is 11 miles and that was several weeks ago, but I figure I can always walk some of it......

However, I live in ATLANTA... That's the SOUTH! I haven't been doing this long. I have NEVER run when in cold... (I thought 50's were cold)

Weather channel tempature tomorrow at start... TWENTY EIGHT DEGREES! (Yankees can quit laughing NOW! )

So here's my plan, suggestion are welcome (and needed!)

I have a pair of running tights I bought last weekend. (I have never run in them and I know that's a 'no no' but..... it's that or freeze!) I have along sleeve shirt that I have run in and I think is my warmest.

I was planning to take a longsleeve cotton T-shirt to the start that I could just "trash" once I got warmed up. I also have a lighweight nylon jacket that I am going to take. I can tie it around my waist if I get warm or if I lose it the world won't end.

I have a pair of gloves and a hat. (Never worn, but once again.... )

So do you think this will work. I am going to drive to the start/finish and just leave my dry clothes in the car. (I actually plan to stay IN the car as long as possible!)

Am I forgetting anything? Does this sound right?

(Sorry for the panic, but my boyfriend is visiting his mom in the land of spotty cell phone reception and he's my usual panic person!)

 

[Kristi1357]

No real cold weather advice.
I am in NH, but have only done races when it was much warmer than 28 degrees.

That said, I do bring gloves for colder races. I have bad circulation and wear them anytime I am under 55 degrees. I get those cheap strechie knit ones at Walmart. Then once I am really warm during a race, I toss them. I also wear a long sleeve tech shirt under a nylon jacket - serves me well. I have a running headband thingie for cold weather, but have never used it. I just wear my headsweats hat.

I have also brought cheap fleece type blankets for staying warm pre-race. I bought a bunch of them one year for $1 each when they were 90% after Christmas at Target. Might be an idea if you want something to keep you warm while waiting. Maybe Walmart or a Dollar Store or something have something cheap enough that you could toss it at the start.

You will be fine - have a great time!

 

[dsnyfan21]

I'm sorry, but again, no real cold racing experience here either, but I would probably do the same things your doing. I would suggest to GLIDE up well around the possible chaffing areas for your NEW tights. Since you have never worn these tights before, this might be a good idea. Also, maybe a hat or headband thing for the ears, and lip balm. I need lip balm for sun and for cold. Maybe some small pack of travel tissues. My nose runs terribly when the weather is cold.

Good luck and have a great race.

Tracy

 

[CarolA]

Thanks. The tissues and lip balm are a great idea! I should have remember them.

The body glide will be LIBERALLY applied tomorrow anyplace there is a seam on these tights..... As I said I know better, but.....

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hey Carol! I've been running in cold weather for just a couple of weeks myself and I've been wearing long sleeved technical shirts with a running jacket. The jacket is made of a light windbreaker type material but has a lot of venting and the sleeves can easily come off. I also take my running gloves but I find my hands get warm after several miles so those usually come off. I have a running hat too but haven't worn it yet - I'm just sticking with my cap. On the bottom I wear ankle length capris - I have tights but haven't needed them yet.

I agree with Tracy on the lip balm and tissues...

Good luck with your race!!

 

[ultramickeymouse]

Carol: I have been done a 50K race in -20 degree wind chill before where 10 miles go through snow in mountains at 9000 ft so I have a little experience. Layers are the key. Tech on all inner layers with shell on outside that can be taken off as you warm up. Your plan sounds good. Throw away clothes(or towels) are good. You will warm up and will want to ditch layers before sweating too much and thus cooling you off. Have a good one and tell us how it went!

 

[suzannews]

No advice but GOOD LUCK Carol!!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Kind of late and all the advice given is good. I definitely would take a headband or hat too in addition to what you said you will take.

Do your best to have fun. Once you get moving it should warm you.

 

[CarolA]

Carol: I have been done a 50K race in -20 degree wind chill before where 10 miles go through snow in mountains at 9000 ft so I have a little experience. Layers are the key. Tech on all inner layers with shell on outside that can be taken off as you warm up. Your plan sounds good. Throw away clothes(or towels) are good. You will warm up and will want to ditch layers before sweating too much and thus cooling you off. Have a good one and tell us how it went!

We have proof that you need professional help!

(Just kidding)

It went pretty good. I will post a report on the race thread.

Thanks for everyone's advice.