The weather for the next ten days will be mostly monsoon with a chance of rain drenched hurricane. It's wet out there and cold. The sweats that we issue are rain resistant and unlined which means you will be soaked within five minutes and freezing within ten. You need to be wearing more than what we issue to stay dry and warm. Your ability to compete can be affected by your lack of preparation for the weather. At the very minimum you should be wearing a hooded sweat shirt under the gear we issue. A stocking hat (beanie) and light gloves are also a good idea. Bring extra clothes for after the race and perhaps an old sleeping bag. For more information on this topic check this blogs history.
Side note:
I was a middle school track coach for a number of years. One season we were up against one of the toughest teams in the league. The night before it began to rain and blow, and continued through the next day. I felt the difference between losing to the other team and beating them depended on who could stay the most dry and warm thoughout the meet. So, I went to the janitor and asked for 100 garbage bags. We cut a hole for the head and two holes for the arms. We must have looked pretty comical as we piled off the bus. In fact, I remember them laughing at us - although we thought it was kind of funny also. The other team looked pretty neat in their, what appeared to be, brand new sweats. They jogged the typical middle school intimidation lap, and then went to the middle of the field and began their warm ups with sit ups and push ups which left them dripping wet. The wind was howling and you could see them begin to shiver with cold. Meanwhile our dapper donned troops were warm and dry and ready to compete. We won, and we won by a lot.
I plan to carry garbage bags with me the rest of the season. If you need one let me know. To allow yourself to get cold and wet is - well garbage.
