With ZOOMA looming in two days, I realized that no good was going to come from sitting around, worrying about it and doing nothing.
I had to get myself going.
I considered it kind of a dress rehearsal.
For one thing, I had to know if my blisters were going to hold, and what kind of protests they were going to voice. For another, I had to make sure my outfit choice would work. The high on race day is predicted to be in the upper 40s, which is typically on the uncomfortable side for me, and I struggle dressing appropriately for the colder temps. I know most runners absolutely delight in 30s and 40s, but for me, that kind of cold cuts right through and I have a harder time breathing.
But, it is winter, and there’s not much I can do about the weather, so I’m focusing on the fact that it will be sunny with minimal winds.
I still haven’t decided if I’m wearing capris or long compression pants. I finally found a pair of pants that don’t fall down as I run, so I’m packing both and will make it a game time decision.
I also need to grab a pair of cheap gloves. My hands get and stay super cold.
I also have concerns about my ears (they don’t like wind), and the thin ear band/warmer I snagged the other day seemed to do the trick. Mr PugRunners has a really nice fleece one that I have borrowed, but it’s a little too big for my head, which would be annoying during 13.1 miles.
And my toes will be just fine. The blisters still hurt a little, but they seemed to do ok once I got running. Not ideal, but good enough.
It was good to get out, even if it was just for a few miles. I got to adjust my lungs to the almost-freezing temps, make sure the playlist on my new iPod is doing the trick and make mental tweaks to Saturday’s wardrobe and packing list.
(Conversely, Molly was NOT happy about my return to the pavement. She has gotten quite used to our mornings of snuggling and was not impressed by the change up.)
Now, all that’s left is to enjoy friends, both new and old, and run the race.
What adjustments to you make in your running attire to accommodate lower-than-normal temperatures?
What challenges does beach running present for you?
Yahoo! I cannot wait to see you!
Krissy @ Shiawase Life recently posted…Help me paint the map PINK!
I’ll be the one bundled up in a parka, hopping from foot to foot, trying to keep warm! See you soon, girl!
runswithpugs recently posted…on the road again
Excited for you! Have a great race!
Thanks, girl!
runswithpugs recently posted…on the road again
I love my Buff headband. Fleecy but not crazy hot, it covers my ears and keeps my hair out of my face. That thing is a MUST if it’s below 40 degrees or so. Other than that, I just layer – because no matter how cold it is when I head out, I am always sweaty and uncomfortable by at least mile 2. I can’t remember the last time I didn’t do a strip show for the neighbors at some point. LOL
I have never run on the beach. Not sure how that would go – I have a feeling it would be ugly. =) GOOD LUCK ON YOUR RACE!!!
Diana recently posted…Eat & Run
Sadly, I just get sweaty and cold. I don’t know why I can’t warm up enough.
The beach is supposed to be packed sand, so hopefully that will keep me from falling and making a complete fool of myself LOL!
runswithpugs recently posted…on the road again
I just put compression socks on under my compression capris and hope my lower body stays warm. If it’s super cold, I’ll wear a tank, a pullover, and my cute lil running jacket from Target. And gloves…sometimes more than one pair.
Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom recently posted…Focusing on the Good, despite the Goodbye
Gloves are going to be key, I think. I don’t know. I was outside in the 40s in flip flops today, so maybe I am acclimating better than I thought? I guess we’ll just see.
runswithpugs recently posted…on the road again
Happy Race Weekend! It gets pretty cold here so I’ve had to learn to love winter running or survive the treadmill. I did a mini shopping spree earlier this winter for all of the necessary winter running gear and so far it’s been fine. The only time I do not run outside is if it is cold and rainy, windy or snow. Other than that I try to get outside 🙂
Important tip: always cover your ears if it is going to be cold!!!
Karen @karenlovestorun
Karen @karenlovestorun recently posted…Friday Five 1/17
Oh, blisters suck! My long tights do fine for me, but both of my capri tights ride down in the back, and that just irritates the poop out of me.
Enjoy your race!! 🙂
DragonLady recently posted…Learning empathy
You’re going to rock it!! I can’t wait to hear all about it! I buy a pair of “throw away” gloves to wear for the first couple miles and take a little hand warmer to stuff inside them! My hands tend to get extra cold while waiting at the starting line! Also, a headband that covers your ears will keep more body heat in, but I think you’ve already got that part covered 🙂 Hmm what else, sometimes I wear two pairs of socks!
Sarah @ Sweet Miles recently posted…Jelly Legs Workout
You’ve got this! Pack for all weather conditions, and then make a game-time decision. Looking forward to your recap!
For us, the biggest challenge for beach running is timing. Since we run on the sand and don’t have a boardwalk, trails, or roads to run on, we really need to run at low tide. Unfortunately, sometimes when we go to the beach house, low tide is at 1 PM… in August! Ugh!
Debbie @ DebRuns recently posted…I Give You: The Finished Project
I have some trouble dressing for half marathons because I get SO hot. A few of them have been 50 or slightly below and I still go with my tank top and shorts. That’s what you get for being a serial sweater I suppose 🙂
Lindsey recently posted…It’s the Weekend!!
Gosh, I wish I had that problem. I was a frozen wreck on Saturday. I think I only started getting warm after I got home.