Seeking Advice From Runners re: chilly half marathon start
AisforAmazing19
Posts: 68
Hi everyone!
On Sunday, I am running my second half marathon.
Some background: I ran my first on 9/22 with a time of 2:04:14 (9:29/mile).
The temperature at race time was 43 (all temperatures are in Fahrenheit), it was sunny, and I started with over-the-knee capris, a summer weight tank, and arm warmers made out of tube socks.
I ditched the tube socks at mile 2 and ran the rest of the race comfortably in a tank top and capris.
The start temperature on Sunday is supposed to be 35. Two hours later, it will only be 43. It will be partly cloudy.
I would appreciate any input on what you would wear for a race of this length (around 2 hours of running, for me anyway!) in these temperatures.
I will be testing my planned attire out on my final three-miler this afternoon
Thank you!
On Sunday, I am running my second half marathon.
Some background: I ran my first on 9/22 with a time of 2:04:14 (9:29/mile).
The temperature at race time was 43 (all temperatures are in Fahrenheit), it was sunny, and I started with over-the-knee capris, a summer weight tank, and arm warmers made out of tube socks.
I ditched the tube socks at mile 2 and ran the rest of the race comfortably in a tank top and capris.
The start temperature on Sunday is supposed to be 35. Two hours later, it will only be 43. It will be partly cloudy.
I would appreciate any input on what you would wear for a race of this length (around 2 hours of running, for me anyway!) in these temperatures.
I will be testing my planned attire out on my final three-miler this afternoon
Thank you!
0
Replies
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You probably know this rule, but always dress as if it were 20 degrees warmer. So 42 would put you at 62 degrees.
Start the race with a throw away sweat shirt (I buy mine at goodwill) and maybe a pair of gloves. Capri's or running tights and a long sleeve tech-T should get you through. Don't dress to warm! You will be cold at the start of the race, but as I'm sure you know, you warm up quickly. Best of luck, and congrats on you 1st 1/2! Great time!0 -
I always run in shorts until it gets to the teens, so you will probably disregard that part.
I'd wear a singlet (tank top) with arm warmers and gloves. I'd wear a long sleeve throw away shirt at the start line and depending on the wind and temperature, run with the throw away shirt for a mile or so before discarding it. I would probably end up pushing the arm warmers down to the wrist after about 4 miles or so. If it's bright sun and no wind, I'd probably not even bother with the arm warmers. Gloves would be essential though and I'd wear them the entire time.0 -
You probably know this rule, but always dress as if it were 20 degrees warmer. So 42 would put you at 62 degrees.
Start the race with a throw away sweat shirt (I buy mine at goodwill) and maybe a pair of gloves. Capri's or running tights and a long sleeve tech-T should get you through. Don't dress to warm! You will be cold at the start of the race, but as I'm sure you know, you warm up quickly. Best of luck, and congrats on you 1st 1/2! Great time!
Thank you! I am hoping to break 2 hours this time, but it might be a bit of a stretch
Good call on the gloves and the sweatshirt. I do have some stretchy gloves I bought for like 75 cents that I plan to toss with my tube sock arm warmers when I get too hot... I'm thinking tech t-shirt and capris for the final result. I have some tights but I warm up really quickly and I've not worn them on a long run yet. Maybe I will give them a shot tonight and see how they do.0 -
Have a pair of sweats ready for you at the finish. From the sweating you will do during the race, you could get chilled at the end after your heart rate returns to normal and stuff, so have something warm on stand by at the finish.0
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I always run in shorts until it gets to the teens, so you will probably disregard that part.
I'd wear a singlet (tank top) with arm warmers and gloves. I'd wear a long sleeve throw away shirt at the start line and depending on the wind and temperature, run with the throw away shirt for a mile or so before discarding it. I would probably end up pushing the arm warmers down to the wrist after about 4 miles or so. If it's bright sun and no wind, I'd probably not even bother with the arm warmers. Gloves would be essential though and I'd wear them the entire time.
Haha I don't usually run in shorts unless it's up over 80, so different strokes, as it were!
Thanks for the reply; this is pretty close to where I was already leaning and I appreciate the feedback.
But it's taper madness time, so it's time to freak out about everything!0 -
Have a pair of sweats ready for you at the finish. From the sweating you will do during the race, you could get chilled at the end after your heart rate returns to normal and stuff, so have something warm on stand by at the finish.
Excellent idea! It's an out of town race, but my good friends will be waiting and I bet I could convince them to hold on to some sweats for me. I hadn't thought of that!0 -
I just ran a 10 mile race and it was in the 40s. I wore a light weight long sleeve wicking shirt and it got warm. Capris were fine. I did not wear gloves. My partner wore tights and it was too much.0
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I'm seconding the capris & tech tee with either arm warmers or a throwaway long sleeve top. You'll do great and I'm predicting a PR!0
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I'd wear a throw away (literally throw away) sweatshirt at the start over a short-sleeve T and throw away sweatpants over shorts. Immediately prior to the start, I'd take off the sweatshirt and sweatpants, throw them over to the side of the start so no one trips over them, and then get running. Some races will actually gather up the clothes shed at the start and donate them to homeless shelters. I've also used disposable jackets and pants from Sheddable Shell (you can buy online and they're sometimes found at race expos). And I'd probably just bundle my hands in the sleeves of the sweatshirt or jacket prior to the start rather than wearing gloves, since I don't like for my hands to get too warm. But, if I wore gloves, I'd make sure they were something I could just chuck along the route and not miss afterwards.
Happy running & best of luck!0 -
I'd wear a throw away (literally throw away) sweatshirt at the start over a short-sleeve T and throw away sweatpants over shorts. Immediately prior to the start, I'd take off the sweatshirt and sweatpants, throw them over to the side of the start so no one trips over them, and then get running. Some races will actually gather up the clothes shed at the start and donate them to homeless shelters. I've also used disposable jackets and pants from Sheddable Shell (you can buy online and they're sometimes found at race expos). And I'd probably just bundle my hands in the sleeves of the sweatshirt or jacket prior to the start rather than wearing gloves, since I don't like for my hands to get too warm. But, if I wore gloves, I'd make sure they were something I could just chuck along the route and not miss afterwards.
Happy running & best of luck!
This is the Des Moines Marathon; I looked into it and they do gather up all discarded clothing for the Iowa Homeless Youth Centers, so I feel better about just throwing away some stuff I don't use. My hands also get warm and gross, so I am still on the fence about gloves.
Thank you!0 -
I'm seconding the capris & tech tee with either arm warmers or a throwaway long sleeve top. You'll do great and I'm predicting a PR!
Fingers crossed! Thanks so much!0 -
I just ran a 10 mile race and it was in the 40s. I wore a light weight long sleeve wicking shirt and it got warm. Capris were fine. I did not wear gloves. My partner wore tights and it was too much.
Yeah I considered giving my tights a run through this afternoon since I already know my capris are good, but tights will probably be too warm for a race, you're right. Thanks for your input on long sleeves, too!
Tube sock arm warmers it is!0 -
I'd wear a throw away (literally throw away) sweatshirt at the start over a short-sleeve T and throw away sweatpants over shorts. Immediately prior to the start, I'd take off the sweatshirt and sweatpants, throw them over to the side of the start so no one trips over them, and then get running. Some races will actually gather up the clothes shed at the start and donate them to homeless shelters. I've also used disposable jackets and pants from Sheddable Shell (you can buy online and they're sometimes found at race expos). And I'd probably just bundle my hands in the sleeves of the sweatshirt or jacket prior to the start rather than wearing gloves, since I don't like for my hands to get too warm. But, if I wore gloves, I'd make sure they were something I could just chuck along the route and not miss afterwards.
Happy running & best of luck!
This is the Des Moines Marathon; I looked into it and they do gather up all discarded clothing for the Iowa Homeless Youth Centers, so I feel better about just throwing away some stuff I don't use. My hands also get warm and gross, so I am still on the fence about gloves.
Thank you!
I used to run in canvas gardening gloves... maybe pick up a cheap pair of those and then just toss 'em aside as you're running? Just a thought!0 -
You probably know this rule, but always dress as if it were 20 degrees warmer. So 42 would put you at 62 degrees.
Start the race with a throw away sweat shirt (I buy mine at goodwill) and maybe a pair of gloves. Capri's or running tights and a long sleeve tech-T should get you through. Don't dress to warm! You will be cold at the start of the race, but as I'm sure you know, you warm up quickly. Best of luck, and congrats on you 1st 1/2! Great time!
This is the right idea. Waiting around for the start will be the worst part. Just wear what you did last time and have a throw-off layer over the top. Happy Running!0 -
I switch to some sort of light weight wind pants...the wind chill is what gets me! And good call on the sweats after...I had a fellow runner get hypothermia after the run b/c of the sudden temp drop...A hat is good too to thaw out the ears 0
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I'm running my 1st half on Saturday. The temp at the starting point will probably be in the high 20s, maybe even 30 (farenheit) and I don't expect temps to get above 35 for the whole day. Thankfully though they have removed the chance of flurries/rain.
When I did 12 miles a couple of weeks ago it was in the 40s and I wore my stay warm Nike tights and a long sleeve stay warm dri-fit Nike funnel neck shirt with my under armour heat gear tee underneath. Light gloves, and a light touque and I think that I was just right. My thighs and arms were cool to the touch when I was back home and stretching.
I also plan on throwing my fleece pants and a sweater into my race bag for afterwards because I do get chilled pretty easily after running for that length of time in the cool air.
Best wishes on a new PR at your race!0 -
Here's how I was dressed for my first half. It was cold and drizzly that day - maybe upper 40's. I kept everything on for the whole run and didn't get overheated. I had a parka on before the run and gave it to the family when I lined up. I was cold for a short while but fine later. That jacket is super light and really only serves to break the wind and protect a bit from the drizzle. I especially liked having thumb holes on my shirt so that I could cover my hands at the start and take them off later.
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Go to salvation army, goodwill, or a discount clothing store and buy inexpensive warm clothes to wear over your gear that you can shed as you run and won't feel bad leaving behind. I know the half/full marathon they have here in November they have people go through after and pick up all the discarded clothes to donate back into the system. As long as you shed near the beginning of the race, the organizers should expect it and plan for it.0
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I'm running one on Saturday with almost identical temps. I plan layering a short sleeve under a long sleeve tech shirt (will keep for entire run) with a throwaway sweatshirt to start the race. Will run in shorts but plan on having sweatpants on right up to the start of the run. Gloves are a must. Good luck on Sunday and have a great run.0
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Here's how I was dressed for my first half. It was cold and drizzly that day - maybe upper 40's. I kept everything on for the whole run and didn't get overheated. I had a parka on before the run and gave it to the family when I lined up. I was cold for a short while but fine later. That jacket is super light and really only serves to break the wind and protect a bit from the drizzle. I especially liked having thumb holes on my shirt so that I could cover my hands at the start and take them off later.
When I first saw this post, I thought you were dressed as an alien and was marginally confused... I do have a jacket with thumb holes but I think I will be too warm with it on; thankfully no rain/wind expected!0 -
I'm running one on Saturday with almost identical temps. I plan layering a short sleeve under a long sleeve tech shirt (will keep for entire run) with a throwaway sweatshirt to start the race. Will run in shorts but plan on having sweatpants on right up to the start of the run. Gloves are a must. Good luck on Sunday and have a great run.
Thanks! Good luck to you too!0 -
I'm running my 1st half on Saturday. The temp at the starting point will probably be in the high 20s, maybe even 30 (farenheit) and I don't expect temps to get above 35 for the whole day. Thankfully though they have removed the chance of flurries/rain.
When I did 12 miles a couple of weeks ago it was in the 40s and I wore my stay warm Nike tights and a long sleeve stay warm dri-fit Nike funnel neck shirt with my under armour heat gear tee underneath. Light gloves, and a light touque and I think that I was just right. My thighs and arms were cool to the touch when I was back home and stretching.
I also plan on throwing my fleece pants and a sweater into my race bag for afterwards because I do get chilled pretty easily after running for that length of time in the cool air.
Best wishes on a new PR at your race!
Thank you! Good luck on Saturday!0 -
You probably know this rule, but always dress as if it were 20 degrees warmer. So 42 would put you at 62 degrees.
Start the race with a throw away sweat shirt (I buy mine at goodwill) and maybe a pair of gloves. Capri's or running tights and a long sleeve tech-T should get you through. Don't dress to warm! You will be cold at the start of the race, but as I'm sure you know, you warm up quickly. Best of luck, and congrats on you 1st 1/2! Great time!
This is the right idea. Waiting around for the start will be the worst part. Just wear what you did last time and have a throw-off layer over the top. Happy Running!
Thanks very much!0 -
I like the idea of having a throw away sweatshirt on to start. I hate being cold at the start of a race but you'll warm up and then you can toss the sweatshirt. I'd wear a tank underneath and running capri's for the legs. No gloves for me! I'd wear a big, loose sweatshirt that covered my hands till the chill wore off.
Best wishes on a new PR at your race! Have fun!0 -
I'm running my 1st half on Saturday. The temp at the starting point will probably be in the high 20s, maybe even 30 (farenheit) and I don't expect temps to get above 35 for the whole day. Thankfully though they have removed the chance of flurries/rain.
When I did 12 miles a couple of weeks ago it was in the 40s and I wore my stay warm Nike tights and a long sleeve stay warm dri-fit Nike funnel neck shirt with my under armour heat gear tee underneath. Light gloves, and a light touque and I think that I was just right. My thighs and arms were cool to the touch when I was back home and stretching.
I also plan on throwing my fleece pants and a sweater into my race bag for afterwards because I do get chilled pretty easily after running for that length of time in the cool air.
Best wishes on a new PR at your race!
Hey Linll, you wouldn't happen to be running in the WFPS on Sat.?? Your right, nice that there's less of a chance of the flurries and rain.0 -
I run most of my races without a support staff so handing off clothing isn't really an option. That being the case, I've got plenty of old technical tees that are, shall we say, not the freshest... I wear those (with a dose of Axe body spray as a service to those around me) until the start, when I ditch it. I start sweating at mile 0.02 so I'm not cold for long. I don't own a ton of wind pants though, so I don't have any I'm willing to ditch. As a result, lower half is usually freezing right up until the start.0
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I run most of my races without a support staff so handing off clothing isn't really an option. That being the case, I've got plenty of old technical tees that are, shall we say, not the freshest... I wear those (with a dose of Axe body spray as a service to those around me) until the start, when I ditch it. I start sweating at mile 0.02 so I'm not cold for long. I don't own a ton of wind pants though, so I don't have any I'm willing to ditch. As a result, lower half is usually freezing right up until the start.
Same here... I pretty much start sweating at anything over a rapid walk, so I know waiting at the start is going to be the worst.0 -
I like the idea of having a throw away sweatshirt on to start. I hate being cold at the start of a race but you'll warm up and then you can toss the sweatshirt. I'd wear a tank underneath and running capri's for the legs. No gloves for me! I'd wear a big, loose sweatshirt that covered my hands till the chill wore off.
Best wishes on a new PR at your race! Have fun!
Thank you for your input and I'm sure it will be a blast!0 -
I would do capri's and a light long sleeve tech. Then buy some of those cheep gloves (the $1 ones), then you can toss them if it gets hot later on. Also, a light ear warmer/headband, that won't feel too hot if it warms up (I have one by suacony - it's real light weight and doesn't get too hot).
I think having your hands and ears covered will be the most helpful at the start. More so then a bulky sweatshirt (as some people have mentioned). That's a good idea for waiting around, but I wouldn't start the race in it. Too difficult to take off.0 -
Gloves my hands are always cold till about half way through.0
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