Stupid question, but how warm should you dress for the Princess half?

[thisismyusername]

I am planning to have a shirt made, and I don't know if I should have a tank made, or a long sleeve shirt made. I'm in the north, and I'm a gym rat, so I run inside mostly and just don't have a lot of experience running outside.

 

[Keels]

Well, for Marathon Weekend in January - the 5K was chilly (like 40-50s), the 10k was 60 and rainy, the half was 60 and foggy and then the full was in the high 70s with full sun and 100-percent humidity. And then a front came through that night and it was back in the low 40s when Illuminations went off.

It's Florida. You should probably plan for some combination of both.

 

[opusone]

Here are the averages and records for February 21st in Orlando:

Average Low: 54 deg F
Average High: 72 deg F

Record Low: 42 deg F (2009)
Record High: 87 deg F (1997)

I would plan on low-to-mid 50's while waiting and after the race start until about 7:00am (which is about sunrise), then it should start to warm-up. That being said, I would bring clothes in case it is warmer or colder and make the final decision on race morning.

 

[cavepig]

I would go tank and then either buy arm sleeves or a long sleeve to wear under it if it's chillier. I find it's better to plan for warmer temps. I saw many people wearing long sleeves in this years January half and full and even though it was only 60s and mostly overcast the humidity was still high (100% on the full) and they were warm looking and had sleeves pushed up. You'll warm up pretty fast. For waiting in the corrals if it's cooler bring some throw-away things you can take off right before you start. They donate the clothing you throw off too so it doesn't just get trashed.

 

[Keels]

Also, you should come join us on the Princess thread - you'll probably get better responses and an on-going discussion as the ladies on that thread are QUITE active!

 

[DVCFan1994]

Agree with the above posters, plan for both. I've done it the last two years. The first it was hot and very humid. The second it was very chilly at the start, 40s I think, but warmed enough that I was very comfortable in my running skirt and tank at the end, even just standing around afterwards. I always bring a throw away sweatshirt for the start of each race. Throw it to the side (off the course!) as soon as you know you don't need it anymore.

 

[SunDial]

Also, you should come join us on the Princess thread - you'll probably get better responses and an on-going discussion as the ladies on that thread are QUITE active!

I am not going to have a sex change

 

[Keels]

You were going to wear a dress though!!!!

 

[SunDial]

Got me on that one. DD hasn't said what she going to wear yet.

 

[thisismyusername]

Thanks for the replies! I never would have thought about a throwaway sweatshirt, so that's an awesome tip.

 

[preciouspups]

Thanks for the replies! I never would have thought about a throwaway sweatshirt, so that's an awesome tip.

Right now Target has a bunch of winter workout clothing on clearance. I saw jackets/sweatshirts for around $10.

 

[thisismyusername]

Right now Target has a bunch of winter workout clothing on clearance. I saw jackets/sweatshirts for around $10.

That, or Old Navy, was exactly what I was thinking. Thanks for the tip.

 

[sidrich]

Thanks for the replies! I never would have thought about a throwaway sweatshirt, so that's an awesome tip.

I've also had friends who used an old bathrobe at the start to keep warm then ditched when the race started. Although I wonder if that would get past the new costume guidelines...

 

[cavepig]

I've also had friends who used an old bathrobe at the start to keep warm then ditched when the race started. Although I wonder if that would get past the new costume guidelines...

I saw people with robes, medical robe gown things, and fleece large blankets at the January races as well as ponchos, garbage bags, mylars, etc. to keep warm/dry before hand.

 

[bumbershoot]

Just carry the robe through the security tables. Let them feel it. Then put it on.

Weather can vary and there's a lot of sitting/waiting time. Have layers you can toss or carry.

And I'm a huge fan of inexpensive gloves that you put hand warmer packets inside.

 

[faneuil]

You might also want to get a pair of throw away gloves. I get those stretchy $1 gloves from the dollar store, or sometimes Target/Walmart has them. My hands get so cold when I'm just standing around. Then by the 5K, I ditch them. Goodwill is a great place to find the "throwaway" gear too.

 

[Patsydust]

Definitely plan for cold weather! Last year for the 5k it was FREEEZING! And even though there were suggestions to come prepped, it completely slipped my mind. So when it was the night before and chilly and they were talking about it being in the high to low 20s I went out to the local Target by Disney. Thing about a Target in Disney Florida is that they don't seem to sell the same stuff you may find in a Target in the North during Winter! I found a really weird long sleeve shirt (mostly tee's and bathing suits!), ha ha! So definitely pack a throw away shirt and leggings! Just in case! Also, surprisingly enough after a few cold races, I've learned trash bags do work! Have fun racing and stay warm!