Tuesday, November 15, 2016

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. 




46 comments:

  1. es, my mind would be swirling too! Definitely wear shorts for the marathon. Even for the 5K you could warm up quickly. Good luck!



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    1. It's crazy! So many decisions LOL I'm gonna take several options along in the suitcase ;-)

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  2. And that 5k? You will be running, NOT racing, my dear.

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    1. ha ha ha...no doubt ;-) My coach would put me in time out if I did otherwise

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  3. Oh didn't realize you were doing the 5K and the marathon! Fierce woman :)

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    1. well, the 5K is more of a shakeout run for me....but it comes with a nice medal ;-)

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  4. My mind always swirls like this before a marathon! There's so much to think about!

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    1. I know...no matter how many races I've run, I get thrown off trying to fine-tune what I need. I'm just glad there's sun in the forecast and ZERO rain!

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  5. Best of luck on your races! I hope that it's one great hullabaloo weekend!

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    1. I think the race will be a great time regardless....just trying to figure out my best wardrobe options is driving me nutzo LOL

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  6. That wardrobe stress is real! Tulsa is windy. I've visited my sister several times and have run the Route 66 half twice. I've never seen the sun there. Seriously. My sis and I joke about it. Now, I'm jealous because it looks like you'll get sunshine. I hope you have a fantastic race and meet your goals!

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  7. Best of luck this weekend! I'm so excited for you!

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  8. OMG, the wardrobe stress drives me insane & I've gotten wrong often enough & actually had it effect my race. Don't even get me started on weather.

    Thanksgiving is taking my mind off the fact that my next half is shortly afterwards!

    Enjoy this weekend -- that's the main thing.

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    1. I plan to enjoy the weekend, no matter what. Running is a gift, and being able to go 26.2 miles is truly a blessing...no matter what happens along the route.

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  9. I hope you have a great race! I'm doing Philly on Sunday and the weather has got me a little worried because I never bring throwaway clothes to a race and I don't know what to wear since I do warm up quickly!

    I'll be rooting for you to get that PR, I have no doubt you will kill it!

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    1. Best of luck to you, Janelle!!!! I will be thinking of you all day!

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  10. Good luck on your race! How exciting! I like your idea of taping arches. I need to try that!!

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    1. I started taping my arches last year when I had PF for the first time. When the PF tried to make an appearance (in the other foot) earlier this year, I immediately started taping BOTH arches as a precaution. So far, so good!

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  11. Half the battle is figuring out what to wear! Dang why does it have to be so hard? You always always look cute in your race outfits.
    I'm liking arm sleeves more and more these days!

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    1. I LOVE arm sleeves! I might have to pick up another pair at the expo ;-)

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  12. Yikes, lots of hullabaloo going on. Good luck on your race and I hope you get shiny new PR

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    1. Thanks ;-) I didn't specifically train for a PR, and the course is definitely not gonna be an effort-less one LOL I'm just gonna take it easy and follow the plan my coach has...that whole "have faith in the training" thing LOL

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  13. Ha, ha, I always freak out about what to wear for a race. DEFINITELY enjoy the race!! Fingers crossed for you for a PR though ;)

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    1. Thanks!! I'm not worried about the race itself, but the first couple miles are gonna be cold. Such is life!

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  14. That's a lot going on! But you are going to do great!

    Those temps are chilly for me, but I would still probably wear shorts and a tank for the full and shorts and a super light long sleeve for the 5K. I always need gloves because I have Raynaud's and I like an ear warmer because the cold wind blowing in my ears hurts. I sound like such a princess LOL!

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    1. The ear warmer is what I was wondering about. I have lots of fleece head bands, and they would be great...depending on how crazy the wind is at the start line (and the first hour or so)

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  15. Oh, lady. I Hullabaloo all over the place, too sometimes. Ha! There's a lot of Hullabaloo'ing going around these days anyway.

    You have lots of decisions to make. What I suggest for marathon is this: bring throw away versions of everything. Then as you get warm throughout the race you can just shed layers and not think twice about it!

    Good luck!!

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    1. thanks ;-) It was in the 50's (at 5AM) this morning when I ran...and I had a tank and long-sleeved tech shirt and capri's...it was near perfect. SO...I think I have my 5K outfit ready, too ;-)

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  16. I have never been to Oklahoma but your outfits look appropriate. I do not wear wear calve sleeves during races since I am usually in capris instead.

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    1. I have worn calf sleeves with capri's...not ideal, but they work. They looked better with shorts or a skort, but I think my legs will appreciate compression for 26.2 miles of hills ;-)

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  17. I love that your first goal is to just enjoy the race. Hopefully you also run really well and feel strong!

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    1. Yes, first and foremost, I want to enjoy the race. I'm not attempting to BQ (ha! NOT on this course LOL), so there's that ;-)

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  18. I would wear shorts for the marathon too. I can't wait to hear about it!! Good luck and have a great race(s).

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    1. yes, I think it's gonna be shorts (or maybe a skort) for the marathon ;-)

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  19. Definitely wear shorts for the marathon. It's going to be warm when you are done. If you need something to keep your legs warm, take an old blanket or towel to wrap around them. (Or get a robe from goodwill. That seems to be the pre race wear of choice here...)

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    1. I've seen the bathrobes (not in Iowa, but on social media elsewhere). I'm definitely going with shorts for the marathon...and leaning towards capri's for the 5K. Thanks for your input!! ;-)

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  20. I do agree. Weather is so unpredictable. But I would rather be cold than too warm. I too always wear a skirt and tank. With throwaways if it is cold to start.

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    1. I'll probably be needing a throwaway for Sunday. Saturday is still up in the air...gonna depend on what kind of weather I wake up to LOL

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  21. Good luck with your race! I am starting to feel wardrobe hullabaloo over my race in Wisconsin. I know it is only a 5K but I am looking at weather in the 30's! WTH??????

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    1. It's gonna be cold in Iowa, too! I'm glad I'm leaving town for a couple days ;-)

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  22. Excited for you ! and glad to hear about near perfect weather. One less thing to add to the stress of race day. You are prepared, both physical and mentally. You got this woman !

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  23. Hullabaloo is probably my favorite wod ever. hahaha.

    I'm dying over here in the cold in eastern TN! I'm from California! I ain't used to this!

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  24. Race week is definitely hullabaloo time!
    Just bring a whole mess of stuff and go with what the day brings. FWIW I think you can PR. Even on the hills.

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  25. Good luck tomorrow! I hope you get that shiny new PR!

    Thanks for linking up!

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