I run a lot of races. (Umm, understatement?) One of the awesome things about running a lot of races is that at least the occasional race has absolutely perfect running weather. The not so awesome thing about running a lot of races is that more than a few do NOT have the perfect running weather.
I’ve run in a torrential downpour…
I’ve run a race so cold and windy that I wore all.the.layers and still didn’t warm up…
I’ve run in awful heat…
And I’ve run races where the weather did not do what was predicted…
But those perfect temperature races? None of them were a specific temp. My comfort zone has a wide range. Two things are key for me: the temp needs to be below 70* (I’d rather run when it’s below freezing than over 70) and there must be no wind. That’s right – I’m happy with rain, snow, cold, warm, sunny, cloudy… you name it, but if there’s wind? I’m not a happy camper. And I hate being hot, which kind of sucks since Virginia summers are definitely hot.
I’ve just finished a week of nearly perfect running weather (New Hampshire was a bit too windy) and I’m about to be thrust full on into summer with no real spring temps this year. So, I predict I’ll be whining about the weather from now until the end of September. Remind me again why I thought it was a good idea to sign up for a fall marathon??? Good thing my treadmill has a fan and sits right next to an air conditioner…
Do you have a preferred running/racing temp? Tell me what makes a perfect race for you.
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You, my friend, are hardcore when it comes to your races. I ran one race in 29 degree temps with 20 mph winds and some rain… and it was enough to know I do not need to repeat that experience. LOL
Anything below 60 is ideal but I’ve run in all conditions too except snow!
Yeah, wouldn’t you know I had the one freakishly hot day for my half in ME? Which wasn’t predicted when I packed.
I’ll take wind over heat any day!
I don’t mind a little rain if it’s a shorter distance like a 5k. I think cold an windy would be the worst. I use to not mind the heat but I think as I get older it bothers me a bit more!
We have definitely had challenging running and living weather the past month! My perfect running temps would be in the 60’s. Congrats on your achievements this week!
I definitely do have a preferred temperature. I love running in the low 50’s, that’s like my sweet spot! No humidity, not too hot, and I don’t mind a breeze, but I’m terrible at running in the heat because I warm up so quickly! I’ll be complaining all summer too, lol!
I feel you on the 70 degree limit! As I have gotten older, I seem to impacted by the heat more. I struggle here in central VA, it just stagnant in the a.m. when I can run, and it is hot. I will listen to you vent anytime, I am right there with you lol
Wind is tough, I had some very windy bike rides a few months again while I was recovering lol no fun! Whew!
OMG, wind, no thanks. My 5k last November would’ve been a nice crisp, maybe bordering cold, but the wind was awful. I swear it was gale-force. I put on all the layers I brought with me to wear after the race, and I only started warming up when I finished.
I’m with you – I don’t like running in heat and humidity. I also don’t like wind. It can only be a gentle, cool breeze 🙂
My ideal temps would be 40-50 and cloudy. Sun and heat are what always make me do worse. I much prefer cold even rain to sun. You’ve done it all!
I agree – I can’t stand running into the wind! I’m a little pretty wussy about running in inclement weather at all. One of my worst races through was in San Diego in August and I forgot to wear a hat. There was a long flat stretch that felt like running on the surface of the sun – I thought it would never end!
that is amazing! You are my running weather hero! I get scared on rain below 50 degrees.
I’m the same way, I’d rather be cold than hot when running! I’m a wimp and when it starts climbing to high 70s and into the 80s. My ideal temps are in the 50s or 60s with no wind but a decent breeze:)
Wind is surprisingly draining! I always feel parched after a windy run, which is unfortunately a common thing here in Nebraska. I never seem to notice the wind helping me nearly as much as it hinders me.
I love sunny, dry, blue-sky mornings in the 50s, a rarity in the Michigan tundra. But a girl can dream.
huh.
this has given me things to ponder about OAKLAND as Id have thought/said RAIN RAIN RAIN IS THE BEST.
or more honestly anything but austin heat 🙂
I can’t take the cold, it seems like I never warm up.
Wind is definitely hard to deal with! I’m not a fan of rain either.