<p>The grid is little squares of fleece separated by t-shirt thin fabric. The end result is nearly as warm as fleece, but breathes like crazy when you start sweating - the ideal combination for cold weather exercise. I’ve worn it from 11 degrees F (while hiking hard) to 60 degrees F (summer camping PJs). It is awesome. I would particularly recommend the balaclava for bicyclists or skiiers. Ideal to take the chill off the fact and noggin’ without sweating.</p>
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<p>If it’s really cold and you aren’t sweating that much, then the Power Stretch fleece would be the next step up in warmth. I can’t wear it hiking because it’s too hot, but it might be just right for biking.</p>
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<p>For wind protection, something like the Patagonia Houdini jacket and bottom would be fantastic:</p>
<p>I find that the combination of a the Capilene 4 top (by itself or over a tech T) and a Houdini jacket is good for hiking down to at least 15 to 20 degrees. </p>
<p>Next best thing would be any of the Polartec Power Dry baselayer fabrics. They make several variations on the theme – warmth with awesome wicking of sweat .</p>
<p>I swear by my Helly Hansen baselayers. They are designed for downhill skiers and snowboarders who alternate sweat producing activity with periods of inactivity (i.e., sitting in a chairlift). </p>
<p>For cycling, I recommend Sugoi clothing. They make an integrated 3 level system to cover base, warmth and outer layers. It’s my go to clothing for both summer and winter riding.</p>
<p>For those interested in cold weather cycling fashion, you should take a trip up to “the Iceman” challenge in Traverse City. My pal who manages a team said last weekend they were “hoping” for snow ;)</p>
<p>For my part, that Patagonia hoodie sweater that idad turned me on to last year and my snow shoes and grandma-made crochet “chef hat” are a hit on the comedy runway that is the hill ;)</p>
<p>But my favorite thing to wear in the winter is my hot tub :)</p>
<p>Sabaray! Just one sleep now, right? Can you even believe it? Wow! Sending you the “I’m not worthy” mojo ;)</p>
<p>Well, the big day is almost here. I’m packing about 100 possible clothing combinations for every possible weather event. It’s going to be cold but I like that a lot better than being too warm or worse yet, rainy. H and D are driving me down - had a great stretching session this am with my Pilates running guru - we’re staying with a very good friend that I made here on CC - tons of support from my running group, including my two training partners that I’ll be running with tomorrow - 5 years ago I never thought I would find myself here, ready to run a marathon. </p>
<p>Thanks to all of you for encouraging me and motivating me along the way. I plan to cross the finish line tomorrow upright and smiling. </p>
<p>sabaray- I am so excited for you and proud of you for all the work you have done to get to this point. One last little bit of advice- START SLOW! If you think you are starting slow, SLOW DOWN more! There is plenty of time to speed up if you feel like it, and there is nothing worse than getting carried away at the start of a marathon and figuring out at about 8 miles that you started too fast. </p>
<p>It was 22 this morning, so I went downstairs and did a couple of miles on the dreadmill. My TV that H installed is failing (it was a repaired one that a friend had abandoned) so we will be doing some musical-TV stuff- probably move our 7 year old bedroom TV (very large) down there and get a new one for the bedroom.</p>
<p>Sabaray, know that your virtual buds will be here thinking of you and cheering you on across the country. Upright and smiling will be just fine!!! Go get em girl! </p>
<p>Best wishes and good luck tomorrow, Sabaray! Your training story here has already made you a winner in my book. Completing a marathon will be icing on the cake. Have fun! </p>
<p>So excited for you Sabaray! Good luck! You have trained so hard and are so ready for this. Looking forward to hearing about your upright smiling finish!</p>
<p>“One last little bit of advice- START SLOW! If you think you are starting slow, SLOW DOWN more! There is plenty of time to speed up if you feel like it, and there is nothing worse than getting carried away at the start of a marathon and figuring out at about 8 miles that you started too fast.”</p>
<p>Sabaray, MOWC has offered the best advice. Ever. Have a great time, revel in your accomplishments and most importantly, have fun!</p>
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