Not much left to say, except ...
BRING IT marathon #4!
Leaving for Beach 2 Battleship tomorrow morning.
Check back for a full update Sunday night :)
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Quality Control.
Last week, fellow running mom, new vegetarian, and kick ass Spanish homework procrastinator Bethany, posted this blog in response to the article from the New York Times "Plodders Have a Place, but Is It in a Marathon?" in our cafemom.com running forum.
Over the past week, I've read/heard a few comments that kept bringing me back to this article, and I can't get it out of my head. I'm totally stealing B's blog topic, but I need to vent.
Let's begin, shall we? Exhibit A:
“It’s a joke to run a marathon by walking every other mile or by finishing in six, seven, eight hours,” said Adrienne Wald, 54, the women’s cross-country coach at the College of New Rochelle, who ran her first marathon in 1984. “It used to be that running a marathon was worth something — there used to be a pride saying that you ran a marathon, but not anymore. Now it’s, ‘How low is the bar?’ ”
How low is the bar? How about, as low as the fact that last year, over 1/3 of the population of the United States of America was not only considered overweight, but OBESE, and this year, that number has only increased. Don't even get me started about the rising epidemic of childhood obesity.
Over the past week, I've read/heard a few comments that kept bringing me back to this article, and I can't get it out of my head. I'm totally stealing B's blog topic, but I need to vent.
Let's begin, shall we? Exhibit A:
“It’s a joke to run a marathon by walking every other mile or by finishing in six, seven, eight hours,” said Adrienne Wald, 54, the women’s cross-country coach at the College of New Rochelle, who ran her first marathon in 1984. “It used to be that running a marathon was worth something — there used to be a pride saying that you ran a marathon, but not anymore. Now it’s, ‘How low is the bar?’ ”
How low is the bar? How about, as low as the fact that last year, over 1/3 of the population of the United States of America was not only considered overweight, but OBESE, and this year, that number has only increased. Don't even get me started about the rising epidemic of childhood obesity.
So, instead of celebrating the fact that people are getting off of their butts, attempting to create a better lifestyle for themselves, and setting AMAZING examples for their children, let's instead criticize those people for being too slow. Let's call their achievements "a joke" Yes, that sounds like a good plan.
But Ms. Wald's comment isn't the first I've heard like this.
I personally have been laughed at (I'm not kidding) because my PR marathon time of 4:37 is slower than Oprah's PR of 4:30. Besides that, I've been told that anything over 4 hours doesn't mean you are a serious runner anyways.
I personally have been laughed at (I'm not kidding) because my PR marathon time of 4:37 is slower than Oprah's PR of 4:30. Besides that, I've been told that anything over 4 hours doesn't mean you are a serious runner anyways.
You got that friends? I don't care if you get up at 5:00 am for 5 months, to get your running done before the family wakes up. I don't care if you gave it EVERYTHING your body had, if you quit smoking, drinking, nights on the town, lost 50 pounds in the process, or went from not being able to walk 2 miles to RUNNING 26.2 miles. If you don't break that 4 hour mark, your marathon means nothing.
Disgusting, isn't it, that in the wonderful, supportive world of running, we have (more than a few) bad apples.
I get the safety and logistics of having a cut off time. I completely understand why runners may get pissy when someone else, on a whim, decides to "run" a marathon, never trains, barely survives the thing, and walks around bragging from then on out "oh yeah, I did a marathon, piece of cake." Yeah , I can see how that grinds your gears. Heck, I feel unworthy compared to many runners, even those much slower than myself, because I haven't been able to ever commit 100% to my training. You have to respect the marathon, bottom line.
But would I EVER take away the accomplishment of another runner, who's personal sacrifices and struggles I may never know, just because they aren't fast enough? NEVER.
I've seen the back of the pack. Both on my own accord, and as a volunteer, sherpa-ing in other runners. And I'll tell you one thing: 90% of the people in the back of the pack are giving it all they've got. They are FAR from being a "joke".
So what is the standard of "quality" when it comes to a marathon? Since this is MY blog, I'll give you my standards:
If you put in the training,
If you RESPECT the distance,
If you give it everything you have, in your body and in your heart, and strive to be the BEST you can BE...
...then wear your medal proudly. YOU have a place in the marathon.
And I think those few bad seed elitists should remember exactly where their paycheck comes from. Like John Bingham said, "The sport is fueled and funded by people like me".
Let's all just love this sport for the million reasons we do. And be thankful that with the ever growing running population in this country, we are each afforded more and more opportunities in so many ways, whether it be a sponsorship, an opportunity to travel, write a book, win a running company sponosored blog contest, watch a marathon on national television or even just having more local 5k's to race because there is more of a demand.
To end this post on a happy note, let me share a bit from a kick butt response to the NYTimes article, called "Missing the Essence of the Marathon" by Mary R. Wittenberg
And I think those few bad seed elitists should remember exactly where their paycheck comes from. Like John Bingham said, "The sport is fueled and funded by people like me".
Let's all just love this sport for the million reasons we do. And be thankful that with the ever growing running population in this country, we are each afforded more and more opportunities in so many ways, whether it be a sponsorship, an opportunity to travel, write a book, win a running company sponosored blog contest, watch a marathon on national television or even just having more local 5k's to race because there is more of a demand.
To end this post on a happy note, let me share a bit from a kick butt response to the NYTimes article, called "Missing the Essence of the Marathon" by Mary R. Wittenberg
"To us, it’s about conquering the distance and conquering self doubt...A marathoner is a marathoner regardless of time. Virtually everyone who tries the marathon has put in training over months, and it is that exercise and that commitment, physical and mental, that gives meaning to the medal, not just the day’s effort, be it fast or slow. It’s all in conquering the challenge."
Happy running my friends. Keep doing what you do, enjoy YOUR sport, and YOUR race :)
Sunday, November 1, 2009
well, well, we meet again.
Helloooo taper. We meet again.
It's been 3 weeks since the sucky Baltimore Marathon (sucky on my part, not theirs).
There you have it friends. I'm ready. READY. Now I wish this week would just hurry up!!!
It's been 3 weeks since the sucky Baltimore Marathon (sucky on my part, not theirs).
While it may seem crazy to some, I'm incredibly thankful that I have a second chance to redeem myself of that sucky marathon so soon. (In case you are new around these parts, you can read the story of my miserable Baltimore marathon here. )
6 days until Beach 2 Battleship. I feel GOOD. I feel ready. I haven't really mentioned training over the past few weeks, nor kept up with my Daily Mile profile, but it's been going well. We learn something from EVERY experience, whether good or bad. I learned that while I had a slow marathon, I am stronger than I thought. I had let these walk breaks mess with me mentally for so long. Then in Baltimore , before my GI system rebelled, I ran 15 GOOD miles, never stopped once. I know there are a lot of Galloway supporters in the house, and I know it works for some people. It's a downward spiral for me. But in Baltimore, I ran. sub 8:30-9:30 miles, one right after the other. Never felt tired (after that first 3 miles of straight up hill, that wasn't a very nice trick race directors). Having a fantastic (more than) first half of the race and having it all go down the crapper (literally, eww) was devastating.
But I took what I learned, and I've used it. Since then, I have run my training runs without stopping. If nothing else, Baltimore cured me of that mental block. Which is good timing, because at B2B, there will be a thin field (as it's a tri, not everyone will be on the run course at the same time), obviously no pace leaders, and absolutely without a doubt no ipods (although I don't race with them anyway, they certainly help on my training runs). Now more than ever, I need to be strong, mentally.
And so here we are, me , my legs, and my GI tract, about to dance with 26.2 again. My ONLY goal is to finish with a smile on my face. A P.R. would simply be the icing on the cake.
Taper running: A ten miler tomorrow (wasn't able to get it in today), 3-5 Tuesday, Thursday, and maybe an easy mile or two in Wilmington on Friday, just to stretch the legs out.
Stress: No scheduled exams, papers, or midterms this week. And instead of taking said stressful midterm , hopping in the car, and driving 8 hours to Baltimore, arriving at 10:00 pm the night before the marathon...I will be skipping class Friday (don't worry, it's OK, I've saved up all of my skip days for such an occasion), driving 1.5 hours to Wilmington, and RELAXING the entire day before the race. Now,let's just hope my toddler's don't up their crazy factor any higher than the current level any time this week.
Nutrition before: After today (I'm a mom, my kid has Halloween candy, it's my duty to eat some of it, you know, to spare his teeth and all) it's 100% clean eating. No junk, no caffeine (I've cut back to almost none anyway, aren't you proud?). With special focus on the 48 hours pre race. I'm attacking all aspects and possible triggers for the stomach issues I had last time . Don't worry, I'm not being "too hard" on myself, I will most certainly hit up a Taco Bell post race ;)
Nutrition day of: Here is where it gets a bit tricky. Since this is a 140.6 relay, I won't start my marathon until sometime in the afternoon. And that exact time is unknown. I need to make sure to hydrate (but not over hydrate) and eat (but not too much) throughout the day.
Nutrition day of: Here is where it gets a bit tricky. Since this is a 140.6 relay, I won't start my marathon until sometime in the afternoon. And that exact time is unknown. I need to make sure to hydrate (but not over hydrate) and eat (but not too much) throughout the day.
Nutrition during: cutting back on GU's to every 6 miles, instead of every 45 minutes. I think I was over-gu-ing. In addition, I think I over-hydrated last time. I've read a LOT of people lately talking about listening to your thirst and drinking accordingly, as opposed to making a conscious effort to stay hydrated. Since it's November, and not the middle of the summer, I think now might be a good time to give this a try.
Clothing: The current forecast for Nov 7th in Wilmington is High of 73, low of 53, 30% chance of isolated thunderstorms. As long as it's not rainy and 53, I will certainly survive. One thing I completely forgot about, that I was reminded of by a couple of people, is that I will have a special needs bag at mile 13. I can put some warm clothes in there, just in case!
There you have it friends. I'm ready. READY. Now I wish this week would just hurry up!!!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Show me the money, Genie!
I haven't played Runner's Lounge's TIART (take it and run Thursday) in quite sometime, so here goes:
Question: If a genie were to appear and grant you any three running wishes in the world, what would you choose? It can be anything from superhuman powers, new running inventions, race entries, shoes, you name it!
How about I trade in three wishes for one - an unlimited bank account? Or is that against the rules, like "wishing for more wishes"? Oh, and the VO2max and resting heart rate of Lance Armstrong. Yes, that would be nice.
But back to the money.
Running, which seems to be an innocently inexpensive sport, has actually turned out to be quite an expensive sport for me. (But it's ok, because I don't buy designer purses, remember?) It's expensive, because I LOVE to race. And by race, I mean "participate in" , not "try to win". Unless it's a local race, then I see what I can do :)
With an unlimited bank account, I could register for every race that strikes my fancy, and not have to prioritize. Mortgage or marathon? Diapers or 5k? Cell phone bill or new sneakers? You see how it goes. Being a responsible adult is such a bummer sometimes!
With an unlimited bank account, I wouldn't have to worry about leaving my family behind, finding a babysitter, or taking time off from work. Instead I could pack up my family in a giant RV , a-la Dean Karnazes 50/50 deal, and go for it. Or who am I kidding, with all that money, we can fly first class and stay in a penthouse. But really, the RV sounds more fun.
While I want to run all 50 states, I don't really have any desire to do the "marathon on all 7 continents" deal. Yet, if I had endless financial resources, I might just say "what the heck, let's go run on the Great Wall of China!!" (no really, there is a marathon there!) After all, it would be some sort of sick revenge to stomp all over the history that gave me SUCH a headache on my midterm, now wouldn't it??
If I had all that money, I wouldn't have to go to work. Instead , I could spend that time doing some speed work, so I wouldn't have to ask the genie for fast feet. Instead, I could earn them on my own (well, I guess financed by the genie, but you know).
But the truth is, I am a poor college student, with a hubs and kids. And in that little family unit of mine I have an INCREDIBLE support system. I wouldn't trade them for anything. So I'll gladly sacrifice spa dates, new clothes, a purse and shoe buying compulsion that seems to plague most women in my age group, nights on the town, and other luxuries so that I can fund my race addiction.
And on that note, without further ado:
Heather's tentative 2010 race schedule:
February: Myrtle Beach Marathon (#5)
March: Disney Princess Half Marathon
Question: If a genie were to appear and grant you any three running wishes in the world, what would you choose? It can be anything from superhuman powers, new running inventions, race entries, shoes, you name it!
How about I trade in three wishes for one - an unlimited bank account? Or is that against the rules, like "wishing for more wishes"? Oh, and the VO2max and resting heart rate of Lance Armstrong. Yes, that would be nice.
But back to the money.
Running, which seems to be an innocently inexpensive sport, has actually turned out to be quite an expensive sport for me. (But it's ok, because I don't buy designer purses, remember?) It's expensive, because I LOVE to race. And by race, I mean "participate in" , not "try to win". Unless it's a local race, then I see what I can do :)
With an unlimited bank account, I could register for every race that strikes my fancy, and not have to prioritize. Mortgage or marathon? Diapers or 5k? Cell phone bill or new sneakers? You see how it goes. Being a responsible adult is such a bummer sometimes!
With an unlimited bank account, I wouldn't have to worry about leaving my family behind, finding a babysitter, or taking time off from work. Instead I could pack up my family in a giant RV , a-la Dean Karnazes 50/50 deal, and go for it. Or who am I kidding, with all that money, we can fly first class and stay in a penthouse. But really, the RV sounds more fun.
While I want to run all 50 states, I don't really have any desire to do the "marathon on all 7 continents" deal. Yet, if I had endless financial resources, I might just say "what the heck, let's go run on the Great Wall of China!!" (no really, there is a marathon there!) After all, it would be some sort of sick revenge to stomp all over the history that gave me SUCH a headache on my midterm, now wouldn't it??
If I had all that money, I wouldn't have to go to work. Instead , I could spend that time doing some speed work, so I wouldn't have to ask the genie for fast feet. Instead, I could earn them on my own (well, I guess financed by the genie, but you know).
But the truth is, I am a poor college student, with a hubs and kids. And in that little family unit of mine I have an INCREDIBLE support system. I wouldn't trade them for anything. So I'll gladly sacrifice spa dates, new clothes, a purse and shoe buying compulsion that seems to plague most women in my age group, nights on the town, and other luxuries so that I can fund my race addiction.
And on that note, without further ado:
Heather's tentative 2010 race schedule:
February: Myrtle Beach Marathon (#5)
March: Disney Princess Half Marathon
April: My very first EVER sprint tri! Hosted by my school, I can't wait!
May: Ragnar Relay: New York
Warrior Dash
August: Iron Girl, Columbia MD
October: Inaugural Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon (why do they have to call it "mini"? I prefer "half")
November: Philadelphia Marathon (#6 - only 44 to go!! Well...actually 46, since Disney didn't count ...stupid chip....and MCM is counting as DC. But yeay!)
And a slew of other local races, whatever I can afford/find the time for. Including tot trots for my boys, if they are so inclined.
And that list, my friends, is called me being very, very blessed and lucky. And for that, I'm very, very grateful :)
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Ninja Love and Warrior Running
I love Rich to pieces. I wouldn't change a thing about him, really. I might complain over they way he's cranky as a bear in the morning, and a night owl by nature. I laugh and point at him when he gets really worked up over a video game, or watches those "most amazing incredible videos ever" so intently, with the explanation of "if I'm ever in that situation one day, I want to know what to do" (Because random charging bulls often run down the streets of South Carolina, and you never know when a stolen Army tank may come barreling through our neighborhood...haha). He is perfect, quirks and all.
That said, I do get a teensy tiny bit jealous when I read other's blogs, talking about how their hubby's joined them in the weekend 5k, or even crossed the finish line of a marathon hand in hand! It would be nice to share my passion with my soul mate (awww!) Thus, I have made it my life long quest to get this man to run in an organized race. I have foolishly convinced myself that once he crosses his first finish line, he will be a reformed, die hard endurance junkie, just like me. Every time we are organizing our closet, I show him the bike jersey my sister Holly gave him, still wrapped up in the plastic. I tell him that ONE DAY, he will be thankful that I saved this thing.
Yeah I am a little delusional. Or so I thought.
Let's get a little side tracked for a second...Rich and I LOVE the Japanese game show "Ninja Warrior". If you've never seen it, well, you need to. It's hysterical.
I only somewhat joked the other day on my facebook page that I want to make my game show debut on Ninja Warrior. OK let's face it, we've established many times in the past that my upper body strength is that of a string bean, if string bean's had arms. But the women's course is a lot more about balance than strength, so I figure I could put up some decent competition. Rich assured me that going to Japan is not in our 5 year plan, so I am out of luck. But a girl can dream, right?
That said, I do get a teensy tiny bit jealous when I read other's blogs, talking about how their hubby's joined them in the weekend 5k, or even crossed the finish line of a marathon hand in hand! It would be nice to share my passion with my soul mate (awww!) Thus, I have made it my life long quest to get this man to run in an organized race. I have foolishly convinced myself that once he crosses his first finish line, he will be a reformed, die hard endurance junkie, just like me. Every time we are organizing our closet, I show him the bike jersey my sister Holly gave him, still wrapped up in the plastic. I tell him that ONE DAY, he will be thankful that I saved this thing.
Yeah I am a little delusional. Or so I thought.
Let's get a little side tracked for a second...Rich and I LOVE the Japanese game show "Ninja Warrior". If you've never seen it, well, you need to. It's hysterical.
I only somewhat joked the other day on my facebook page that I want to make my game show debut on Ninja Warrior. OK let's face it, we've established many times in the past that my upper body strength is that of a string bean, if string bean's had arms. But the women's course is a lot more about balance than strength, so I figure I could put up some decent competition. Rich assured me that going to Japan is not in our 5 year plan, so I am out of luck. But a girl can dream, right?
So I swear I'm going somewhere with this...boot camp Coach Phil sent me the following link last night, joking that I could use this as ninja warrior practice. The WARRIOR DASH. A 3.22 mile obstacle course that promises to be the "craziest frickin day of your life". And what's more, you get a warrior helmet with your entry fee. I am SOLD.
I showed Rich last night, and after he said "that looks crazy", I asked "want to do it with me?"
Believe me when I say I just about fell out of my chair when he replied "sure".
Quickly followed by "but I probably have to run a few times before the race, huh?"
*sigh* Yes, Rich, just a few times, probably.
I'm already saving up my pennies to enter us before he changes his mind. Muahahahaha. (in an evil, deep, warrior-esque voice)
I haven't figured out how I'm going to train for crawling through mud under barbed wire, leaping over fire pits, or swimming underneath logs, but we'll worry about the logistics later. (Actually, that just sounds like an average party in Vermont...I've seen crazier!) This is how the website suggests one trains for the race:
How do I train for Warrior Dash?
1. Day one: run as far as you can. Go home. Day two: do the same thing.
2. Find the dirtiest pond in your neighborhood and snorkel in it - in your slippers, without goggles.
3. Practice your climbing and crawling skills at your local jungle gym. Ignore the small children and parental glares.
4. Do not shower or shave for weeks in order to obtain a true Warrior look.
What I DO know is I am going to rock my warrior helmet with pride because this has to be the coolest thing ever, short of actually doing the Ninja Warrior course itself. Watch out Mountain City, Georgia (wherever that is) I'm on a mission...
1. Day one: run as far as you can. Go home. Day two: do the same thing.
2. Find the dirtiest pond in your neighborhood and snorkel in it - in your slippers, without goggles.
3. Practice your climbing and crawling skills at your local jungle gym. Ignore the small children and parental glares.
4. Do not shower or shave for weeks in order to obtain a true Warrior look.
What I DO know is I am going to rock my warrior helmet with pride because this has to be the coolest thing ever, short of actually doing the Ninja Warrior course itself. Watch out Mountain City, Georgia (wherever that is) I'm on a mission...
Sunday, October 25, 2009
This....
made my day. So of course I had to share. 82 years young and running the 2009 Marine Corps Marathon, with a smile on her face no less (at mile 16!!). Rock on Anneliese :)
The nerd needs to know what to wear?
I'm totally geeked out on Exercise Physiology class right now. Just ask my runner mom friends, I bombarded them with Heather's cliff-notes version of "why compression socks work" and "there really isn't LESS oxygen in the air in Colorado, it's all about the partial pressure, baby!"
I remember a few months ago, Boot camp coach Phil made a comment about how "everyone thinks they are an expert" when it comes to health and fitness. Almost everyday in my ex phys class this sentiment rings in my ears, it's so true! The more I learn about the science of the human body , especially pertaining to exercise, the more I wonder where on earth half of the personal trainers and "experts" out there get away with saying the stuff they say. All you need is a basic understanding of human physiology to realize that none if it makes any sense what so ever.
School has me stressed to the max right now. We are entering that "ahh, only 4 weeks until Thanksgiving break, one more week of classes, then finals" phase. I know it sounds like a lot of time, but it's not. As frustrated as I am with the fact that history is putting a dent into my GPA , I'm very , very thankful I have this opportunity to gain a higher level of education. One more semester of this "core" nonsense (I'm sorry, but after this semester, the rise of the Qin Dynasty will exit my brain faster than I can say Shih huang-Ti...oh wait, did I just retain something?) and I will be onto straight coursework. Next semester brings Exercise and Sports Nutrition, Biomechanics, Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription, Sport and Exercise Behavior , and Intro to Exercise and Sports Science (yeah I'm not so sure how I got this far without the intro class either, but I did...). I will be in geeky-nerd heaven. I can not wait!
But speaking of countdowns, less than two weeks until Beach2Battleship . In case I haven't mentioned it 115 times already, I'm running the marathon portion, and leaving the 2.4 mile swim and 112 mile bike ride to my relay team mates . And in even more exciting news, I got my volunteer assignment yesterday. I had originally signed up to volunteer, literally hours before I got the offer to be on a relay team. I wasn't sure how this was going to work out at all, but coincidentally I was assigned to swim finish duty! Not only will this work fantastically time wise (they only need me from 7-10 am), but I will get to be right on the finishing dock, where spectators are not allowed. I'm not sure of my exact duty so far (it's regrettably not wet suit stripping, but that whole process makes me giggle anyways) but I DO know that I will get to see/help Holly and all of her cohorts (Nancy, Linae, Shawn, etc) out of the water. I'm super, super excited about this!
Here's where my dilemma, and the title of this entire post comes in. What on earth do I wear to run a marathon, at an unknown time? Let me rephrase, I assume I will be starting somewhere around mid afternoon if all goes well. If things are less than ideal, I may be starting late afternoon and running into early evening/dark (which wouldn't upset me, because the idea of running wearing glow sticks is entirely too appealing to my inner child. )
Here's what weatherundreground.com is telling me about Wilmington NC on Nov. 7th:
Mean Temperature 59 °F
Max Temperature 71 °F 80 °F (2005)
Min Temperature 48 °F 31 °F (1982)
I remember a few months ago, Boot camp coach Phil made a comment about how "everyone thinks they are an expert" when it comes to health and fitness. Almost everyday in my ex phys class this sentiment rings in my ears, it's so true! The more I learn about the science of the human body , especially pertaining to exercise, the more I wonder where on earth half of the personal trainers and "experts" out there get away with saying the stuff they say. All you need is a basic understanding of human physiology to realize that none if it makes any sense what so ever.
School has me stressed to the max right now. We are entering that "ahh, only 4 weeks until Thanksgiving break, one more week of classes, then finals" phase. I know it sounds like a lot of time, but it's not. As frustrated as I am with the fact that history is putting a dent into my GPA , I'm very , very thankful I have this opportunity to gain a higher level of education. One more semester of this "core" nonsense (I'm sorry, but after this semester, the rise of the Qin Dynasty will exit my brain faster than I can say Shih huang-Ti...oh wait, did I just retain something?) and I will be onto straight coursework. Next semester brings Exercise and Sports Nutrition, Biomechanics, Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription, Sport and Exercise Behavior , and Intro to Exercise and Sports Science (yeah I'm not so sure how I got this far without the intro class either, but I did...). I will be in geeky-nerd heaven. I can not wait!
But speaking of countdowns, less than two weeks until Beach2Battleship . In case I haven't mentioned it 115 times already, I'm running the marathon portion, and leaving the 2.4 mile swim and 112 mile bike ride to my relay team mates . And in even more exciting news, I got my volunteer assignment yesterday. I had originally signed up to volunteer, literally hours before I got the offer to be on a relay team. I wasn't sure how this was going to work out at all, but coincidentally I was assigned to swim finish duty! Not only will this work fantastically time wise (they only need me from 7-10 am), but I will get to be right on the finishing dock, where spectators are not allowed. I'm not sure of my exact duty so far (it's regrettably not wet suit stripping, but that whole process makes me giggle anyways) but I DO know that I will get to see/help Holly and all of her cohorts (Nancy, Linae, Shawn, etc) out of the water. I'm super, super excited about this!
Here's where my dilemma, and the title of this entire post comes in. What on earth do I wear to run a marathon, at an unknown time? Let me rephrase, I assume I will be starting somewhere around mid afternoon if all goes well. If things are less than ideal, I may be starting late afternoon and running into early evening/dark (which wouldn't upset me, because the idea of running wearing glow sticks is entirely too appealing to my inner child. )
Here's what weatherundreground.com is telling me about Wilmington NC on Nov. 7th:
Mean Temperature 59 °F
Max Temperature 71 °F 80 °F (2005)
Min Temperature 48 °F 31 °F (1982)
Now remember, I am a big baby when it comes to the cold. We have established this already. I'm highly considering getting a pair of arm warmers. (I'd love to hear some input on the arm warmers). I can tuck them into my race belt if I don't need them, but since my appendages are almost always cold, yet my core warms up pretty quickly, I think they might be a better option than running with a long sleeve tech shirt obnoxiously tied around my waist. I'm really just afraid that I may start out warm, and end up cold, quite the opposite "layering" issue we normally have with morning races.
HELP ME all of you cold(er...I know, I know, 48 is not "cold" to most of you) weather runners!
HELP ME all of you cold(er...I know, I know, 48 is not "cold" to most of you) weather runners!
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