11 replies to this topic

[rebuz]

I've never done a marathon before - and don't know how hot/sunny Gold Coast will be during marathon in July. Is it advisable to run with a hat? I'm assuming a hat with an open top so you
can stay cool. Expect to be running at least 4 hours    :)

[vat]

It's probably advisable if you're out there for that sort of period.  I ran Sydney last year in a cap - but make sure it's a proper running cap - the regular cloth ones get very heavy with sweat and don't allow ventilation.

Here is a really good one!

[Tesso]

You know what they say about this fantastic state some of we lucky CoolRunners live in .... beautiful one day, perfect the next.  That's especially true in winter.  I wouldn't think about spending too long out there even in July without a cap and lots of sunscreen.  Trouble with the peak type is they keep the sun out of your eyes but you can still get burnt on the top of your head.  But a good cap isn't just useful for protection from the sun, it can keep the sweat out of your eyes as well.  And if it rains on the day it'll keep the water out of your eyes!

[Pasty]

You'll be quite surprised but it can be freezing cold at the start of the Gold Coast marathon (it is winter afterall).  2002 it was only 4oC a week beforehand, and about 9oC or 10oC on race day at start time, which rapidly heated up during the race to high 20oCs by the finish.

You'll definitely need a hat, and maybe gloves if it's cold.

Pasty

[rohan]

hat?.. whatever you usually like during training in similar weather.
re the gloves. i was surprised at the amount of them being used at gcm 2003. really the start wasn't that cold... or is it because i'm from melbourne?

[rabbit]

more to the point - whatever you're wearing/drinking/eating before and during your long runs leading up to the race do EXACTLY the same for raceday.

Start experimenting with what works best now.

Unless you live in Tahiti it's not 'freezing cold' and you won't need gloves(I've never understood the concept of wearing those flimsy gloves with shorts and race singlet) - just strip down to your race outfit 10 mins before the gun and jump into the pack according to your finish time. Don't be shy - wade right into the middle -I guarantee you won't be cold in there with all the nervous energy!

[rebuz]

Thanks for all the hints.

I'm definitely not worried about the cold! I figure training early May/June mornings in Sydney will take care of that. It's the sun I'm more worried about. I've never run in a hat before, and never run a full marathon (only a half) - so interested if the majority of people doing GCM wear a hat :-)

I note the CoolRunning hat (thanks for the suggestion) doesn't have an open top - although the description say's it's breathable. Is there anyone who's worn it in a marathon who cares to comment?

Apologies for continuing on such a mundane question, but it's amazing what you can get obsessive thinking about a marathon. I guess it's to stop thinking about the 42 km ...  :)

[Pabags]

enzuber
I would recommend wearing a cap (I noticed you said hat, but I think your talking about a visor?)
Like vatman said the CR cap is good and they also have caps for sale at the GC tentland where you pick up your running kit a few days before.The best caps have ventilation holes so you wont need one with a "hole in the top" to keep cool.Both the CR and GC caps are ventilated.
If you havent worn a cap in training I suggest you try it out first. You may not like it.
if you are going to be out there for 4 hours it will be warming up by the time you finish and you may appreciate keeping the sun of your face and head.

Ian C   :)

[Gem]

I wear the Cool Running cap on all my long training runs and sessions (up to 2 hours in 28 degree plus heat) and my head stays cool - it is the lightest running cap that I have ever had.

Highly recommended.

[rebuz]

Thanks folks! That's all the info I needed -
nothing like personal recommendation from people who've been there   :)

[Jogger]

Twinkle Toes passed this on to me:
Hats are great but just keep in mind that you may prefer just to wear sun screen instead. Hats can make you feel too hot during a marathon and you can't get the full benefit of tipping water on your head when you have one on. But if you plan to stop running when you drink or get water, you can probably do both. You won't usually see many elite athletes wearing one for this reason. If it gets a bit windy ( and it can) it will bug the hell out of you also.

[Davo]

Take a hat. You can always discard it, or tuck it into your shorts, if you don't want to wear it on your head after a while. But if you don't start with one and then after it warms up, realise you should have one, you're up the creek aren't you.
Another advantage of a hat is, if you have slightly longer hair, it helps to keep it from flopping about your head and looking very un-cool!!  :)