May Running

[Veronica]

Wear the socks; you'll feel better.

Can you get them on quickly in transition? I swear it takes me five minutes to get them on.

Veronica

[Susan Otcenas]

Can you get them on quickly in transition? I swear it takes me five minutes to get them on.

No. I'm an uncoordinated klutz. At my Half Iron 2 years ago, I made the big mistake of trying to put them on in T1. Seriously bad idea. Longest T1 EVER. After a long and brutally cold swim, my hands were non functional.

If I wear them I will put them on before the swim. I swim with neoprene swim booties (I'm a human popsicle), so they won't get dirty on the run from the water to my bike. I'll simply strip off my wetsuit and booties, put on my shoes, and be good to go. I'd expect them to dry out over 58 miles.

Alternatively, I could wear compression calf sleeves under my wetsuit, and put on regular (dry) short socks in T1 to wear on the bike and run. This would be preferable f I had concerns about the wet socks drying out. I don't want to run in wet socks. I've NEVER chafed or blistered in my compression socks, but I've also never run in them after they've been wet for 58 miles either.

[Crankin]

Wear the socks, Susan.
So, my 5K is tomorrow. Weather forecast at the start: 55, showers, chance of heavy downpours/thunderstorms.
Lovely. What should I wear?

[Susan Otcenas]

Wear the socks, Susan.
So, my 5K is tomorrow. Weather forecast at the start: 55, showers, chance of heavy downpours/thunderstorms.
Lovely. What should I wear?

I would choose a light knicker, a thin long sleeve performance tee and a cap with a brim to keep the rain off my glasses. I'd rather risk being a little too warm (at which point I can push up the sleeves) than be too cold. But, I chill very very easily and my Raynaud's kicks in at the drop of a dime. When I look around, I'm usually the most warmly dressed person visible. So, perhaps my advice just sucks.

Good luck on your race!! Looking forward to a race report.

[OakLeaf]

Good luck Crankin, and have fun!

I'm always cold too, but you'll warm up fast in a race. If you do go with long sleeves, make sure the sleeves can be pushed up as Susan suggested, and also a long zipper at the neck will help. But I'd also give yourself an option in case it doesn't wind up raining. Wool socks for sure.

[Catrin]

I ran this week. Monday an entire mile, and did the same thing Tuesday. This was at the gym during a class and it wasn't all at once. This is nothing compared to what you ladies are able to do - and frankly that is what my bike is for. However, I DID IT My knees were only moderately unhappy with me later - but my hamstrings were most unhappy and are finally about over it 3 days later. No riding since Monday morning because of it. Who would have figured that running would get hammies cranky

I am not about to take up running at 52, though if my knees were better I would love to take up trail running. I am starting a 6 week free summer cross-training class at my gym that will revolve around a physical challenge that the class starts/ends with and in-between we work with a trainer twice a week on various ways to get better and the running is a small portion of it.

It was kind of fun to just start running though - and my heart rate didn't get any higher than it does on the bike. I think I can see the attraction.

[Crankin]

Your clothing suggestions are very much what I thought. I do get very warm when I run, but rain at that temperature could mean slight hypothermia for me. I was actually thinking of a very light wool LS base layer, where I could push the sleeves up. I do have a LS PI running jersey with a 1/4 zip, but it might be heavier than I want. I was thinking the wool would keep me warm in the rain.
I hate wearing hats, but I have a long visor running cap.
I haven't run in a week, but somehow I am looking forward to this. The last time I did this race, my time was 34:00 exactly and I think I am way ahead of this, but who knows. MY goal is 30:00.

[Veronica]

So, my 5K is tomorrow. Weather forecast at the start: 55, showers, chance of heavy downpours/thunderstorms.
Lovely. What should I wear?

I have a wool bike jersey that I wear when it's cold and rainy. It's got a pretty long zipper so I can ventilate if I need to and knickers.

Have a great time!

Veronica

[Catrin]

Have fun Crankin, have a great time and I am sure you will meet your goal!

[emily_in_nc]

Good luck, Crankin! Maybe the rain will hold off, and it will just be overcast and coolish -- much better than too hot, no? I'm sure you'll do great!

[7rider]

Wear the socks, Susan.
So, my 5K is tomorrow. Weather forecast at the start: 55, showers, chance of heavy downpours/thunderstorms.
Lovely. What should I wear?

When I did a 10k in similar conditions (light mist - didn't actually have a big chance of rain for the event), I wore shorts, compression calf sleeves, a light LS base layer under a tri top and my Pearl Izumi vest. And a brimmed hat. I ended up carrying the vest, but probably for a 5k, you wouldn't need to.

Good luck with it!

[katluvr]

Susan you make me laugh, as I quote you : My legs are "stout" and I feel really goofy wearing an outfit that basically just exposes my knees. The pros can look cool doing it, but as a short, stout, back-of-the-pack, middle-aged female, I feel a bit silly."

I am 4 foot 10 inches tall with legs like tree trunks and I'm slow. So I am sure I was not very athletic looking or attractive...off course all was doing was running through the rain and puddles. I have NEVER done knee socks. Just the fact that you do all you do I think that makes up for looking silly. Of course I DO understand how you feel! I just gave up all vanity for running! Do/wear what you need to and kick some middle age butt!

K

[jessmarimba]

I did it. I dragged myself out of bed and got through 12 this morning. My nose is still running, my head still hurts, and my ears are still clogged, but I don't really feel any worse off for doing it. And I slowed down a little, but not as much as I was expecting. After about 10 miles I caught up to one of our coaches, who ran a marathon 4 months ago at my goal pace for this year so I was pretty happy.

Also, random tidbit of info, I was looking for music for my ipod last night since I knew I wouldn't be with my usual running buddy. NPR has a ton of free concerts on itunes that I just discovered. Pretty neat.

[emily_in_nc]

Crankin, so sorry you are feeling bad -- if your muscles ached too, it almost sounds like the flu or at least a bad cold, not just allergies.

Sorry you were unable to do the 5K. Maybe try for one in the fall?

[jessmarimba]

Wear the socks, Susan.
So, my 5K is tomorrow. Weather forecast at the start: 55, showers, chance of heavy downpours/thunderstorms.
Lovely. What should I wear?

Only thing I'd do differently than everyone else has suggested, is short sleeves and arm warmers rather than a long-sleeved tech tee. But that's just me - I hate long sleeves pushed up that keep falling down, and I HATE having fabric bunched in my sweaty elbows

Good luck!

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I'm also a human popsicle - one of the reasons I don't swim - and I want to learn. Looks like I'm going to have to remember to ask about tips to keep warm when I do. Haven't gotten in a pool since I developed Raynaud's.

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Supposed to run 12 tomorrow. I have a cold. So far, just painful ears and a stuffy nose, so hopefully I can slog through it (or at least most of it), if just slower than usual. And since no one offered any food suggestions for the "potluck," I bought Nutter Butters. If no one eats them...more for me!!