Fitness Friday: Cold Weather Race Gear

RACE DAY IS TOMORROW!!!

I have spent some time thinking about and preparing my gear for tomorrow's Monster Half Marathon in St. Paul, MN. The forecast (as of 24 hours before) has us running at around 40 degrees. Ok, that's not so bad, pretty decent in fact. It's the wind at 13-16 mph that throws me for a loop when planning. Wind can make it feel 10 degrees cooler. They say to plan to dress for 20 degrees warmer than the temp because your body warms up so much on your run, but the wind can change that. I'm just glad there is no rain in the forecast anymore, which really changes things too. And since I have to get up up early (my family will still be sleeping for another 2-2 1/2 hours after I get up) to get ready and drive the hour to the race where there are over 16,000 runners in the 3 races, I don't want o be stumbling in our dark house trying to find my stuff. Also, I can keep in mind that my race partner is going to have family at multiple spots along the 13.1 miles so we can shed layers (no need to buy throw away pieces) if needed. Here is my list:

Base Layer

• Compression Socks
• Sports Bra
• Long Running Tights/Pants
• LS Dri Fit Top
• Running Shoes

Additional Layers (all things I could shed if needed)

• SS Dri Fit Top
• Running Sleeves
• Running Jacket
• Running Beanie (has this awesome hole to stick my ponytail through)
• Thin Gloves (my hands take a good mile to warm up in the cold)
• Dri Fit Neck Silo (if my soulders & neck are cold I will not have good posture, so this is useful to me)

During Race Fuel

• Gel (the one I have been using during training, they do have a gel station at the race too, but better to know I have one my stomach likes and have used)
• Electrolyte Tablets
• Oral IV (basically a flavorless electrolye & mineral shot)
• Gum (ok, not really a fuel, but I chew gum while I run, keeps me from getting cotton mouth)
• mp3 Player (again, not fuel, but thinking it might be good to have with in case my running partner & I do not end up being able to run together the whole time)

After Race Recovery

• Filled Water Bottle (in the car waiting for me)
• Aleve
• Bio-Freeze
• After Race Food from the Race

Now, I hope I don't have to use the Aleve or Bio-Freeze, but I am bringing it along in case I do. I would rather tote it along and not use it than need it and not have anything. Races, especially these bigger ones that have lots of sponsors and charge a pretty penny for your entry fee, usually have lots of food. This race specified in it's race guide that we will get a food bag when we are going through the finish tunnel, but I usually bring along a banana and a bar of some sort so that I have them too in case I don't like the choices from the race or am still hungry. I just like to be prepared as much as possible.

Super excited for tomorrow's half marathon race. It's my 2nd half, both of them I did this year. This is the first half marathon for my running partner for this race.