The AccuWeather forecast has a Saturday night low of 49F and a Sunday high of 68F. If this forecast lasts, it might be the most ideal weather you could ask for (keep in mind this is still very early). It will be chilly at the start. In fact it could even dip down close to the upper 30s.
Bag Check: Remember, you should plan to check a bag at the start. You need to provide your own bag. I suggest using a sling pack bag. You all probably have these from past races. They are small, but hold enough for a bag check. Bag check lines can back up right before the race, so don't wait too long. Also, listen for announcements. These trucks often close up early so they can drive to the finish.
Here are some tips:
- Technical: No matter what you wear, make sure your bottom layer is technical fabric. No cotton on the bottom!
- Jackets: If you wear a wind jacket, you will sweat! Don't plan to keep it on the entire race. Layers of shirts are better.
- Wear gloves: I recommend the cheap kids gloves at Target. They look tiny, but are super stretchy. I think you can buy two pair for about two bucks. If they are not thick enough, put both pair on together. If you can't get gloves before you leave for DC, there will be lots of cheap throw-away options at the expo.
- Long Pants: If you plan to have on pants or tights, I strongly recommend testing that out on a run today or tomorrow. 26.2 miles is a long way to run in long pants. It will feel good at the start, but at mile 16 how will it feel? I am not saying don't do it, but do think ahead. Tights will likely be the better option over pants, because pants can introduce lots of potential chaffing.
- Trash Bags: Take a trash bag with a hole cut for the head. This is a great pre-race cover. It also keeps you dry, and holds in body heat.
- Dropping: Plan to drop layers in the first few miles (don't put everything in your bag-check). Don't bring your favorite shirt or hat if you can't part with it during the race.
- Band aides: Not really a clothing thing, but guys should remember band aides or body glide (not both) for their chest. Cold weather can make any potential chaffing become severe. I have seen men finish races with two lines of blood running down their shirts.
- Head and Ears: You lose the vast majority of your body heat through your head. Take an ear warmer or toboggan hat for pre-race and the early miles.
- Race Number: Think about where you pin you race number. I pin my number on the layer I plan to race in (not the other throw-away layer). You don't want to waste race time re-pinning your race number. Pinning it to your shorts is a common approach too, but remember three things: 1) is it comfortable when you run, 2) can you use the bathroom without having to unpin your number, and 3) will it annoy you making noise every step you take?
It is easy to think you are preparing for a sub freezing race based on my comments above. To be honest, preparing for 10F would be easier, because it is cold the entire time. We are trying to make certain we stay warm pre-race, but then comfortable during the race. This means layers (onion reference again).
Post Race:
- You will be sweaty after the race, and can quickly get cold.
- If you are checking you bag, put some warm dry clothes in the bag. This likely will include a hat and maybe some extra gloves just in case.
- If you are not checking a bag, be sure you can get to your hotel to change if needed.
- They will have the shiny space blankets at the finish. These will help, but they are not as good as a warm sweatshirt and a hat.
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