Hullabaloo all over the place

Can you say Hullabaloo?

What is a hullabaloo? According to some googling, it's 1) a very noisy and confused situation or 2) a
situation in which many people are upset and angry about something.

Well, I'm going with the first one.  My situation isn't noisy, but it does have me in a state of confusion right now.

Granted, I'm in process of marathon taper (Did you know I'm running a marathon in a few days?). But I am one of the rare running weirdos who actually enjoy taper time. I don't go through any of the typical mood swings, rants, training doubts, or night sweats (usually).

I do have a myriad of confusion right now, though, as race day approaches...

What's with the weather?  Don't we all experience this? Route 66 is in Tulsa, OK, which is much farther south than Iowa. The odds are pretty good the temps will be near perfect. Currently, the marathon forecast is showing a high of 60-degrees (with a low in the 40's). It also shows 10-15 mph wind....is that a cool breeze or a hot blast in Oklahoma? Anyone?

What to wear? For the marathon, I'd like to go with shorts and a tank (with arm warmers) and compression sleeves on the legs, thank you very much. I've yet to run a marathon in anything other than shorts or a tank top, but should I consider capri's? It's probably gonna be cold at the start line, after all. I'll probably go with a tank (and arm warmers) with a long-sleeved throwaway top....(?)

Did I also mention the 5K on Saturday? Similar temps, but it's a much shorter race....so it won't warm up much in the time I'll be running. Probably warmer clothes, right? For sure capri's (and long sleeves). And gloves?

What about my head gear? Will a hat (or visor) stay on in the wind? Should I go with a funky headband (for fashion sake)? or a fleece headband (for warmth)?

And, the shoes? The "newer" shoes have felt a little weird the past month, but recently they have felt better. Could it have been all those crazy miles? Maybe I was taping my arches too tight? I have been experimenting with taping (again) and things are feeling better in the newer shoes. The jury's still out...

Race goals? Ugh. I'm all over the map on this one. I have trained hard (easily, the hardest I've ever trained for anything. Ever). I'm in the best shape of my life. And, oh, how I'd LOVE a shiny, new PR! But, Route 66 is a hilly route  (not exactly PR-friendly). I'm not afraid of hills, though. Heck, I embrace hills because "flat" is boring. I knew it was a hilly course when I registered....if I wanted more insurance of a PR, I would have chosen a flatter course.

Also, I do have a plan to keep my pace in check....no sprinting right outta the gate, steady pacing, ride the hills. Etcetera. And, this is a famous marathon, I want to enjoy the route, the crowds, the experience of simply being there... and not be a victim (or prisoner?) to my watch.

So...what to do? First and foremost, my goal is to enjoy the race. I want to run the entire route (with the exception of water/aid stations). And, I'd love to finish (conservatively) under 4:30....which would give me a PR of three minutes and some change. Physically, I think I'm in prime condition to finish even faster...but there will be numerous hills to battle along the way (and some wind). Realistically, I know it will not be a cake walk.

So yeah. Hullabaloo all over the place!

Have you ever had similar confusion prior to race day? Wardrobe stress? Race day goals? Course elevation challenges? A good attitude regardless?

I'm linking up with Deb for the Wednesday Word. Today's word is Hullabaloo (you probably saw that coming, huh!) and also with Susie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches' Corner.