Ok, i’m running boston on monday and the forecast keeps changing, But if it is raining, windy and in the 40’s as some have predicted, i’m worried about being keeping warm. i’m hoping to run a 3:15, so i’ll be working hard, but wondering if shorts and a short sleeve shirt will be enough. has anyone ever run a marathon in tights…or just HTFU?
I have done it, how about shorts and a longsleeve??? at 3:15 pace, you shouldnt get too cold.
I agree with the shorts and longsleeve.
I have seen some people run a marathon in tights, then get too hot and have to peel layers off.
nice, er, bib
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I’ve run a couple of them in tights. Unless I am planning on taking a crack at a PR, I’d give a couple of minutes up in order to be comfortable.
Do you ever run in compression shorts? I find that they’re good in a pretty wide range or temperatures, btwn wearing just shorts and wearing tights.
if you’ve never run in them, monday’s probably not the time to try.
Edited to add:
I also had good luck last year at a March marathon, w/a sweater that I wore at the start and for the first mile or so, then dropped off at a trashcan. It was a good sweater but had outlasted its life.
If you’ve done longer runs with them, I would say go ahead based on your comfort. Just make sure you don’t have chaffing issues.
I have done it, how about shorts and a longsleeve??? at 3:15 pace, you shouldnt get too cold.
Wouldn’t arm warmers be better than longsleeves?
I’m running Monday as well with the same time goal. I think at this point you need to run in what you will be comfortable in. Me? Long sleeve compression shirt w/singlet, compression shorts with running shorts. That is what I wore for New Bedford and less the rain, the temps will be almost the same. I’ll also have a running hat and glove liners that will be race morning decisions, both of which can be tucked into my waist with little annoyance.
Ray
im running for 305-330 depending on how my knee loosens up. run hat and glove liners, UA “metal” compression long sleeve for me with singlet over to discard or tuck in. trashbag to discard. Im going with the UA heat gear tights and UA compression shorts under. injini socks and probably saucony trigon guides. perhaps my trainer newtons but i think they cause me some problems on longer runs.
I wore light tights in '07 and was glad I had them on. (3:30) It does look like it’s right at the borderline for me if I were running it. I would not deviate too far from whatever you would do for a long hard training run in similar conditions. I see the forecast for wind direction is the same as '07 as well. Sorry… 
I go absolutely crazy in tights, feel like I just can’t breathe. I’d go with arm warmers you can ditch, gloves/liners, and maybe a calf guard. In the cold I find that my calf muscles seem to tighten first.
Unless you traditionally get really cold in the legs, I strongly recommend you avoid tights. Long sleeve shirt (or arm warmers) and gloves with shorts is probably a much better choice. Once you get running, you’ll be fine.
Just bring a nice pair of warm sweats that you are willing to part with and some form of rain protection that you don’t need (big garbage bag will do). Keep yourself warm and dry right up until the start and you will be fine.
This past winter I raced a 20 mile race on Martha’s Vineyard in 35 degree weather with significant winds wearing tights. The tights were a big mistake. Never again would I wear them unless it was in the 20s or lower. The worst part is realizing you are a few miles into it and are stuck wearing them.
I’m trying to make the same decision. I ran a marathon in the rain in similar temps and was chilled to the bone about halfway through, making the rest of the race very miserable. I would prefer shorts, but rain, wind direction and strength will factor into my decision. Running into a strong headwind in the rain can be very cold. I’m definitely wearing a UA base shirt and either a long or short sleeve shirt over it depending. I always wear a hat anyway.
If it was just the temp as a factor I would go with shorts. It’s the rain that makes the decision tough. Some forecasts are putting the rain in the afternoon and if that happens I’ll be going with shorts.
If anybody is like me then rain mixed with tights greatly increases the chafing factor. Which can be a real drain on performance. My team makes fun of me for showing up for runs in shorts and short sleeves even though it’s in the 30s.
I’ll be wearing compression shorts under either shorts or tights, so chafing won’t be an issue either way.
Shorts, short sleeved shirt, and arm warmers and it isn’t even close for me. I don’t wear tights unless it is below 30F.
Sounds like a form fitting long sleeve shirt, with a short sleeve shirt on top, and running shorts is the way to go. Thanks everyone for the idea’s. I hadnt thought about the chaffing issue with tights
As I already mentioned, the temp isn’t really the deciding factor - it’s the rain. Especially if it’s rain coupled with a strong headwind.
Plus my training was greatly limited due to injury, so I won’t be able to run as fast as I normally would. I never was able to get in a long run more than 14 miles. My initial plans were for 3:15-3:20, now it could be anywhere from 3:30-4:30. I just don’t know how I’ll hold up. I know if I get chilled it will have a big negative impact. Given the current forecast it’s very doubtful I would overheat.