February 14, 2010 The cold makes for good marathon weather While most of us are wondering where the warmer temperatures are, there are some people that are very glad for the cool mornings, especially on Sunday. Sunday morning will be the start of the Austin Marathon; and since the race is “sold out,” it is assured of being one of the largest here in Texas. With temperatures to be in the high 30s to low 40s for the start, and only warming up a few degrees for later in the morning, it is an ideal run for the marathon entrants. It will feel cold at the start; but after only a few miles, the body temperature will warm up and runners will be very comfortable. As the runners move along the route, the discarded clothes from overdressed runners at the start will be seen along the side of the road. Experienced runners know that you do not wear a new warm-up uniform at the start of the race, and then try to tie it around the waist or carry it in the hands when trying to complete the 26.2-mile run. Experienced runners dig down in the bottom of the drawer and pull out some of the grungy old sweatshirts or long-sleeved T-shirts that can serve as a warm-up while standing around waiting for the start of the race, and maybe for the first few miles. After that it will more than likely be cast off to the side of the road and leave room in the running drawer for the new shirt given at the Austin Marathon. “Out with the old and in with the new,” as the saying goes. Usually, if a runner can keep the hands and head warm, that is about the only warm clothes needed, other than running tights or shorts and a shirt. Sock caps are the most common headwear, as the cap can be pulled down over the ears in the beginning; and as the temperature warms up, it can be rolled up to cover just the top of the head. Gloves are good for keeping the hands warm. The most common wear is the knit gloves that have good ventilation and work to keep the hands warm. My favorite was the yellow or gold cotton or fleece garden gloves. They kept the hands warm and were very inexpensive, so that if I wanted to discard them there was no great financial loss. One other point in favor of this glove is that it is soft. Running in cold weather has a tendency to also make the nose run a little. Rubbing your nose with the knit glove is scratchy and creates a rash after the race. The garden glove is soft and absorbent, and so much better for keeping the runny nose clean during the run. I have heard from a good number of local runners that are planning on running the marathon, and will try to have their results next week. It is a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. After running 26.2 miles, if someone gave you a box of chocolates for a gift, you would not feel guilty about eating a few, and maybe a few more for the road. The Vancouver Olympic Games start this week, and it is always fascinating to watch the speed skaters fly around the track. It is hard to imagine just how fast they are going until you see the times that they record. Knowing how fast runners complete the 5K and 10K distance in races, and then comparing the same time for the speed skaters over those same distances, it is hard to imagine someone going that fast. Speeds of up to 35 miles an hour are not out of the question for a speed skater to obtain. It looks like they are just gliding along; but each 400-meter lap time lets you know that the skaters are moving at a very rapid pace. Downhill skiers are right up there when it comes to speed. Skiing downhill for two miles and having times within hundredths of a second for place winners makes you wonder what little thing the second or third-place skier did to cost them that precious time. Going that fast in a car is one thing; but standing on top of two boards coming down a hill is something else. Great viewing ahead for two weeks; but don’t forget to put in your own time on the road between events. Dr. Maurice Johnson - better known around San Marcos as “Moe” - is a professor in the Department of Health, P.E., Recreation and Dance at Texas State University - San Marcos. Moe has been a fixture in the San Marcos running community - both as a runner and race organizer - since way back when Moby Dick was a minnow. His column on running and fitness appears each Sunday in the Sports section of the San Marcos Daily Record. • Recent “Running With Moe” Columns • Home • About the Club • Current News • Club Runs • Places To Run • TX Running Clubs • Running Links • Useful Stuff Upcoming Races • Race Results • Country Roads 10K & Kids Run • ARA-Moe’s Better Half Marathon • “Running With Moe” Contact Us!