Need quick advice regarding Marathon in the Rain

William Jenks

I'm running Grandma's marathon in the Duluth MN area tomorrow morning...assuming thunderstorms don't cancel it.

The weather front is unstable, as evidenced by some weather prediction services making constant rain look inevitable, and others suggesting "few scattered thunderstorms".

The good news is that the temps look good.  Probably under 55 degrees the whole time, regardless of the rain.

I've run several marathons, but never that long of a run in the rain.  I'm just writing to ask for any pointers out there...whether for race execution or for keeping comfortable during the race, or just not turning your feet into one giant blister.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Steve West

William, the only time I wear a hat is in the rain. I hate rain on my face when running. Other thing I do is if I am concerned about cool temps and cold hands, I will put a thin film of Vaseline on to minimize evaporation cooling. At 55 and raining, it may feel chilly.

So hat with visor and waterproof the hands.

Good luck tomorrow!

Scott Alexander

I'd be considered with "nip rub"...wet shirt + constant rubbing = no bueno for me.

mgraffeo

never been a blisters on the feet guy, so I can't help on that front. Otherwise, dress like it's warmer than it feels at the start, and don't forget to hydrate, even though you probably won't feel like it at times.

Also, if it's cold enough that you're shivering a little bit at the beginning, try to take on a little extra calories in the first 10-15 miles, since your body is working harder to maintain temperature.

William Jenks

Thanks guys.

@ Steve. totally with you on the hat (though I wear a hat in triathlons regularly because I'm more sun sensitive than most, and it also is a good place for ice on a hot day). Good suggestion about the vaseline. I would never have thought of it.

@Scott...good point.... bandaids or the like for sure.

@Mile Another good point on the calories...

Great stuff!

Peter Greagg

Vaseline your feet

William Jenks

Good news: no rain in the waiting time, and only gentle rain in the last few miles. All good. Thanks for the great advice, though!