Weather And Marathon Running
How do I train in the rain?
Take and wear whatever is necessary to keep you warm during that time. Usually for most people, a very light plastic parka is certainly efficient, or a light windbreaker over a heavier shirt will keep you warm and dry to get to the run. The main thing running in the rain, is that you do not want to stop in the rain. You need to go out the front door, run for thirty minutes, go back to the front door, and do not let that dampness sneak in and let your body cool down.
How should my training differ in the heat?
Training in the heat can be very dangerous, so you must differ your training. Most runners, I prescribe to them to get up early in the morning when the temperature is cool, or to wait to the sunset part of the evening and run during that time. Running in the heat is very dangerous for every runner, but especially for a runner that might be over 40 years of age.
How do I train in cold weather?
To train in cold weather, you wear warm clothing. You don't want to overdress. You want to wear just enough, because your body is going to generate a lot of heat, and so you need just enough that's going to keep you comfortable. It's okay to have a little bit of a chill, but you don't need to be warm all the time. So, in the cold weather I think you've got to be very, very careful not to go out in freezing temperatures, or that air can cause damage to the lungs or the eyes, and you must protect yourself very carefully.
How do I prepare for the weather on race day?
It's very important to prepare for race day, weather wise, by looking at the five-day forecast. I'm going to be racing in five days on a Sunday morning, what does the forecast tell me? How can I prepare? Obviously, if it's going to be inclement weather, it's going to be damp. I'm going to be putting things together to wear that are going to keep me dry and so that hypothermia is not going to be a problem. If it's going to be very hot, I know that I'm going to get my cap out to wear, I'm going to have my sunscreen, I'm going to have lightweight clothing, and that breeze to give me ventilation, and prepare that way.
