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As Don Oliver says, trying to
predict the weather on Comrades day
is much like trying to predict your finish time. You know
what you’d like, but it’s not necessarily what you get!
Be
aware that the down run
start in Pietermaritzburg can be very cold. The temperature often
drops to about 2° C so it is advisable to wear a “throw away”
long-sleeved top over your running vest. It is also a good
idea to wear a cap and some cheap cotton gloves. Remember
heat escapes through your extremities and head so covering these does
help somewhat. On a down
run I have often kept my throw away on for at least 25km
before discarding.
Regardless
of early morning temperatures,
make sure you use a good sunscreen
lotion and apply generously. During the run, if
the opportunity arises, reapply the sunscreen.
I am very fair skinned so have to smear it on thick. I also
keep my cap on all day to keep the sun off my head. I wear a
very light weight cap (New Balance) which has lots of ventilation gaps.
From
my own experiences, it can get fairly warm between about 11 am and
3.00pm, I’d guess between 24 and 26° C. Itt can seem
warmer because we are generating our own heat through the “exercise” we
are doing. The secret, well it’s no secret, is to manage the
heat effectively.
Make
sure you remain well hydrated but be mindful not to
over-hydrate! A simple way of keeping your outer body cool is
to wet yourself at the refreshment
stations. I use a water sachet or two and just
“spray” it over myself (works especially well if the water sachets are
ice cold!) Look out for hosepipes at the refreshment stations
and on the grass verges of the residential areas you will run
through. These really help to keep one cool!
During
the training months try doing some of your training during the heat of
the day. Even 30 minutes running in the heat is good
“conditioning” training.
Keywords: weather,
temperature, down run, sunscreen lotion,
Internal links:
refreshment stations, conditioning,
External links: Official Comrades
Marathon
website
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