I’m doing my first 1/2 marathon in Detroit in 10 days. It’s going to be about 5 deg C. at the 7am start. I have never raced in weather this cold. Any advice from experienced cold weather racers? My basic question is whether to wear tights. I figure I can start with layering on my upper body, and strip down as needed. But what about your legs?
Please advise–and thanks!
OK, here is the scoop…where cycling shorts style running shorts. If there is a chance of rain, apply vaseline to your exposed skin on your legs (even if there is no chance of rain, this works better than tights). Wear a lifa top under a singlet, and light $1 walmart wool gloves (the mini kind). On your head a toque that you can ditch if it gets warm.
What you want to do is keep your extemities warm so you don’t lose too much heat, but have the option of removing to regulate heat in a tailwind, keep clothing on your body light to minimal so it is not slowing you down…that should cover it. Wear a garbage bag over you (3 holes of arms and head) to the start line and ditch it 20 seconds before race start).
Dev
Tough call. 5C is right on the boarderline between tights and shorts for run racing for me. For run training in that weather it’s definatly tights. Racing though, I found I was producing a great deal more heat. I have raced 5k & 10K cross-country races in high school and at University in weather like that in shorts with no problem. For a 1/2 marathon. because of the longer time out there, I think that I would be inclined to go with tights. You will definately want a long sleeve top, gloves and a thin hat/tuque for your head.
This was pretty much exactly my thinking. We never wore tights in CC unless it was snowing and my knees have paid the price. For this type of race, tights for sure.
Kevin
Under armour cold gear tights and shirt. Perfect for running in cold!
Jodi
Putting aside the issue of standing around at the start, for the race itself I’d go with shorts for a half marathon, unless it’s windy.
It depends how fast you are. If you’re going faster than 3 hours, wear shorts, arm-warmers and a jersey and gloves. Put some vaseline over your knees to block some of the wind. Otherwise wear tights. I think compression shorts, like Dev suggested, are a good call for a marathon.
I had a great 1/2 mary race a couple weeks ago in 3 deg C just wearing shorts and a long sleeve running shirt. Once you get your blood flowing its just fine. I also have fond memories of another 1/2 mary a few years back when I ran in just my shorts+t-shirt during a snowstorm. It was blowing so hard as we ran past the airfield that I couldn’t see a thing. But thats Winnipeg for you.
I would race in shorts and long sleeve UA top. I have a pair of crappy
sweats that I toss to the side right before the start. If they are gone when I finish it is no big deal, but in 3 years they are always there.
I don’t think you need gloves or a hat for 40 degrees, which really isn’t very cold.
you could be like faris and race in running shorts and a turtleneck.
Generally I would say you wouldn’t need tights, but bring a pair if the weather looks at all inclement. If there is a good wind, that run along Riverside Drive can get bitter (I grew up there), and the tights would be appreciated. Same fopr the Ambassador Bridge. If the winds are calm and you are getting some sun - go with shorts. Long sleeve top or arm warmers wouldn’t be a bad idea.
As an aside, I was wondering about security since you cross an international border - I love this from the race packet
If you have had a recent medical procedure with the use of radiation, please inform us when you pick up your packet. We will ask you to wear a special armband so
that you are easily identified at the borders.
**
I remember when my dad was being treated for lymphoma and had to have a special letter from the hospitals because of his radiation treatment - you set off the sensors at the border.