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I have a favorite race, the Red Flannel Run (a 5-miler) happening on Saturday (Des Moines, IA). And there's a lot of snow in the forecast for Friday and cold temps on deck for race day (and possibly more snow that morning as well).
But, I have run this race many times, and the cold never bothered me anyway (well, not much #iowatough). After all, this is Iowa, and it's February. Historically, it's always cold for this race, although there have been a couple years where we've had pleasant temps in the 30's and there's usually been ample sunshine.
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| Some of my past Red Flannel Runs |
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| Yes, indeed! Shorts for a February race! |
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Dilemma #1) This is a favorite race. After all, I have run it every year since 2011 (except in 2014, when we had a scheduling conflict). It's a fun race, with the bulk of the participants donning red flannel in one form or another. I will have serious FOMO if I stay away.
Dilemma #2) Although cold weather is a given for this race, this year there's gonna be a lot of fresh snow on the ground. Des Moines is a mere hour down the road from my hometown...and we received 6+ inches of the white stuff on Monday afternoon, another inch or so Tuesday overnight, 3+ inches Thursday afternoon, and there's more in the forecast for Friday and early Saturday morning. I'm not afraid of the snow, but it does make for a messy (and wet) running experience.
Dilemma #3 My father's oldest sibling, my Aunt Thelma, turned 95 this week! There is a big party/reception for her on Saturday afternoon that I'd really like to attend. This party is in southern Minnesota, a good 3+-hour drive from my house. The race is at 9:00, so I'll be finished well before 10:00, but won't be back to my house until 11:00 or so...which means I'll have to really clean-up quickly and hope for clear roads for the drive to the celebration.
Dilemma #4 I have a friend who is running the race, and they have offered to get my race packet for me. In other words....I will at least get my race shirt, even if I don't run the race myself. But, do I even really want the shirt if I don't participate? I plan on running 5 miles Saturday morning regardless...would I be content with doing the race in a virtual manner? Desperate times, desperate measures?
Dilemma #5 The hubby thinks I should just go for it, and run the race. He knows how much I have been looking forward to it. After all, I do have a special headband and matching gloves I bought for the occasion (#priorities). He offered to drive me to the race, so I could potentially "clean-up" in the car, on the ride home, and save some time.
I do plan to pay attention to the weather overnight on Friday, and make my final decision early Saturday morning. But, I really am torn. Hopefully Momma N will cut us Iowans some slack and grant us light (as opposed to heavy) snow, clear (and safe) roads, and plenty of sunshine to neutralize the cold temps. Am I asking for too much?
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| I'm so confused...... |
What would YOU do? Have you ever had a favorite race that you've run repeatedly, despite the temps? Ever taken a DNS (Did Not Start) due to weather?
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I think I would be mostly concerned about the safety of the roads getting there- thats a decent drive to get through in fresh snow! Im sure you guys handle winter weather better than us, but just a dusting of snow seems to make a huge mess around here. It sounds like you have some other reasons making you question it too. I don't know- its a tough call, but if you're really doubting it just remember that there is always next year and there will be plenty of other races coming up!
ReplyDeleteAs of the moment (8:30 Friday night), I think we're ON for the race ;-)
DeleteWhat a pickle your in! Good luck deciding!
ReplyDeleteha ha...yes a pickle (that I will NOT be eating or drinking its juice LOL)
DeleteLooks like you have a lot on your plate, but I know you'll make the right decision for yourself. Good luck!
ReplyDeletedecisions. decisions....I think it's a GO!
DeleteThat's alot of dilemmas, but I say go for it!!! That headband and gloves need to runt hat race....
ReplyDeleteExactly! The headband and gloves need the race more than I do LOL
DeleteI say go for it. If you don't you will have major FOMO!
ReplyDeleteSerious FOMO....I better just go for it ;-)
DeleteGo! As long as road conditions are safe. You'll have a good time!
ReplyDeleteExactly...I'll regret NOT going
DeleteLike Wendy said, only you really know the right decision for YOU. Hope you have fun whatever you choose to do.
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna go for it!
DeleteI actually remember you running this race the last few years bc I love the flannel! I guess you will have to see how the weather goes. Hope you make it!
ReplyDeleteI have my outfit ready...there may be an extra layer of fleece under the red, though...
DeleteThe fact that there might be snow the morning of the race is what is concerning me. Actually getting to the race might be hard if the roads aren't plowed. Also you wouldn't want to slip while running the race and maybe cause an injury. If it were me, I'd wait until the morning to make my decision based on the weather.
ReplyDeleteI am cautious about slipping/falling with my knee. I certainly will be running with caution
DeleteI'd definitely just go with your gut and do what you feel is right! Weather is always such a sticky situation and safety is always most important! :)
ReplyDeleteThe weather is ALWAYS cold for this race...it's just a matter of the morning road conditions. Most of the snow last night adn today missed us...so #fingerscrossed
DeleteIf the roads are clear, I'd say go for it, but I did see pictures of the big pile up on whatever Iowa highway that way. My concern is always roads more than actual weather.
ReplyDeleteThe bulk of the snow missed us (and Des Moines), so it's looking better than originally forecasted
DeleteI love the flannel attire! It seems like a smart idea to make the decision once you see how the snow is. I'd say go as long as the roads are safe :)
ReplyDeleteYes, we're gonna see how things look in the morning, but most of the snow missed us last night and today ;-)
DeleteI'd be more concerned about drive than the race itself. You're definitely tough enough to run in this weather!
ReplyDeleteha ha...I'm not afraid of anything Momma N throws at me
DeleteWhat a tough decision! I think the weather will help you make the call. Just be safe!
ReplyDeleteThat's our plan!
DeleteI think you should take your hubby up on his offer, as long as the roads are looking reasonably safe.
ReplyDeleteha ha, the hubby is actually the one who is all excited about going, and he's not even running!
DeleteGo for it!! But be safe on the roads!! I'll be checking to see what you decided!
ReplyDeleteIt's looking like we're ON for the race ;-)
DeleteOn the one hand, go for it. On the other, I loathe winter so I'm not a good sounding board. I know you'll make the best decision!!
ReplyDeleteWell, you and I both agree that winter is DUMB....but I'm not afraid of it. Bring it, Momma N!
DeleteI think it makes sense to make it a game time decision. We've had funky weather reports the last two weeks, and by race day, everything has been fine (hotter than desired, but not pouring with thunder and lightning).
ReplyDeleteIf it's your favorite, and you can safely make it work, I would go for it. Us runners are great at cleaning up and turning around for the next event, so you'll totally be able to make that birthday party, too.
Good luck!
True...I can clean up pretty quick after a run ;-)
DeleteHope you decided to run the race! :) It sounds like a fun one, plus you've the history AND the support of your husband. Either way, hope you're having a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteSometimes there are tough choices. I am one for trying to get it all in and wish for the best with the weather!
ReplyDeleteWell clearly you already made your decision so I am a little late commenting! To me, all the driving that day would be the kicker. But it doesn't sound like you mind that too much! If it's a road run, I bet there won't be too much snow or slush on the ground. We get lots of snow around here, and it's surprising how fast the roads are clear, even if the sidewalks and trails are still a mess. I hope you are okay with whatever you decided to do! Yes, I have DNS'ed due to weather. My favorite race was at the beginning of January. It's an hour and fifteen minutes away. The real feel was supposed to be 5 degrees. The race is a 1.7 mile loop. The first loop you have 20 min to do, then 19, then 18, etc, until you can't complete the loop again. So cool, right!? Not many races like this, so it's truly a once a year experience. Oh, it's also on trail. With such low temperatures, it just seemed so dangerous to be out on the trails. If the race was closer, I'd have risked it and just gone and run a couple loops. But I didn't want to drive so far and then end up only running like 6 miles, you know what I mean? Oh well, next year!
ReplyDeleteLate to the party. But you know what I would do.
ReplyDeleteGooo