May Running

[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?

[OakLeaf]

Aw bummer, Crankin. Hope you feel better soon.

[Crankin]

No, I didn't have the flu. It's part of my fibromyalgia/immune whatever response to whenever I get sick. I've had this for about 25 years... whenever I get sick, usually at the end of the illness, I get these muscle aches on one side of my body. Yeah, it's weird, and no one can figure it out, but I take it as knowing my body is fighting off something. This came on quickly, was definitely allergy related. The aches were on both sides of the body, which was a little different, and very intense. They were pretty much gone by 6 PM last night. Still not 100%, but good enough to do an easy ride today, as it's going to be raining for the next 3 days.
I highly suspect this is my body's way of telling me I'm over training. Thursday, I rode to the gym, did an intense circuit training class, rode home (total of about 16 miles), and then did a 3 mile walk with a client at the end of the day. Friday I rode 38.5 miles, and while it was a social ride, it wasn't super slow, and it was hilly.
The run went well, according to my friend, despite the rain. I may try to do another 5K later in the year, but I am done with running until the fall. Well, maybe some trail runs .

[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!!