Attire for cold weather races

anything lace will serve you nicely

What do you consider to be very cold? That is, what is the average temperature?

Somewhere between 20-35

You need to learn what works best for you. Some people run in shorts and no shirt in the 20s. At that same temp others are bundling up. If you have been running long enough you should have a feel now for what is optimal for you. One option is to layer and toss stuff.

I do like the guide of "if you are not feeling cold at the start you likely are not going to run a good time". I have gone to the start line in a large garbage bag (usually when raining) so I can toss it aside. I have gone to the start line wearing an old sweatshirt (I even bought one for $5 at Salvation Army just to toss it---no way I am tossing a sweatshirt I actually like).

I have worn cheap cotton gardening gloves in races as well. I think I got a pair for $2 so if I toss them no big loss. If it is dry out, they work fine for me. (And pay homage to Bill Rodgers at the same time.) Hats or head bands too.

Arm sleeves are good because you can roll them up on your wrists if you get too warm. I hate the cold, so I would wear a neck gaiter (aka buff) as well as a beanie and tights and gloves.

Keep in mind that you may be in more danger of losing heat while standing around waiting for the race to start than during the race, especially if you've broken a sweat while warming up. If you don't have someone you can give stuff to just before the start of the race, wear a cheap sweatshirt and other excess clothes. Also, make sure you have a way to change into dry clothes asap after the race.

Luv2Run wrote:

I do like the guide of "if you are not feeling cold at the start you likely are not going to run a good time".

This, at least if it's a long race (10 miles or longer). You do need to learn what works best for you. I detest racing with anything on my legs, so even down to 20 degrees I'd probably wear shorts as long as it's dry, but would definitely add a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and a headband. A headbands is great because it provides a lot of warmth but if you get too warm you can just pull it off and wrap it around your hand and wrist. Then I'd add an old sweatshirt or warm long-sleeved shirt on top of my racing shirt, which I'd toss a mile or so into the race.

Why would you want to race in the cold?

+1

You have to freeze at the start line otherwise you will be too warm during the race.

Daily high temps in KY in November range from 63 degrees to 51 degrees. If you need anything below the waist for that during a race, then you might want to go pick up a Barbie doll on the way home.

Gloves? No.

Long sleeve t-shirt? MAYBE, and then only if it's at the low end of that range and not sunny.

Kyrunner288 wrote:

Running a HM in mid November in Kentucky this year looking to PR at roughly 90 mins. Race starts at 7 am and is generally very cold that time of year in this area. I’ve done most of my races in the past in spring or early fall. What clothes do you suggest for cold races? Long sleeve/shirt, tights or shorts, gloves etc? I don’t want to over heat halfway through or freeze.

Read any of the 2018 Boston marathon threads