JimB.
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 18, 1999
I'm from right here in sunny, warm Florida (where IS that place, anyhow??), so ya' know how much cold weather experience I have.
On Saturday, I rode my bike as a Volunteer medic. I thought it was going to be a really bed day when I saw the freezing rain bouncing off of the ground at the start. I loaded up on the mylar blankets as a precaution, but, surprisingly, didn't have to give any out on the course.
As for my self, I made the most amazing discovery, that once the ice melts and turns into REALLY cold water, my front tire on my bike is just perfect for loading my shoes up with the previously mentioned water. Long story short - I took MYSELF off of the course and back to the medical tent when I lost all of the feeling in my feet. When I got my shoes/socks off, my feet were (literally) purple with a VERY slow cap refill time. But after about 1/2 hour of warm packs and rewarming, I was ok.
On the marathon I layered up real nicely and even had to shed 2 of the tyvek jackets I cannibalized off the road the day before. Was nice and cozy. Until the sun came up and the wind kicked up with it. Then the wind chill made me basically miserable for the rest of the course. I won't blame that for my lousy time, but it did not help.
The next time I wish for a cold weather race I'm gonna' poke myself in the eye with a sharp stick.
On Saturday, I rode my bike as a Volunteer medic. I thought it was going to be a really bed day when I saw the freezing rain bouncing off of the ground at the start. I loaded up on the mylar blankets as a precaution, but, surprisingly, didn't have to give any out on the course.
As for my self, I made the most amazing discovery, that once the ice melts and turns into REALLY cold water, my front tire on my bike is just perfect for loading my shoes up with the previously mentioned water. Long story short - I took MYSELF off of the course and back to the medical tent when I lost all of the feeling in my feet. When I got my shoes/socks off, my feet were (literally) purple with a VERY slow cap refill time. But after about 1/2 hour of warm packs and rewarming, I was ok.
On the marathon I layered up real nicely and even had to shed 2 of the tyvek jackets I cannibalized off the road the day before. Was nice and cozy. Until the sun came up and the wind kicked up with it. Then the wind chill made me basically miserable for the rest of the course. I won't blame that for my lousy time, but it did not help.
The next time I wish for a cold weather race I'm gonna' poke myself in the eye with a sharp stick.