


I just braved the bluster outside the DMN building to film a video on this very subject. The film crew of two and I figured that being in the elements (a mere taste compared to the overpowering weather entree lurking on the horizon) would be more helpful than being all perky and duded up in the studio.

That thought segues nicely into…

1. Cute goes out the window when it's cold. Yes, matching top to pants to shoes to socks is a fine idea - when the temperature is 80 degrees and attire coordination is your only concern. But when wind chills are expected to be in the low 20s, give or take a degree or two, comfort trumps cute.

So instead of lamenting the fact that your pants have a turquoise stripe but your jacket is bright red and your hat is purple, or that you look like a total dork in those ear-warmer thingie…if those will keep you comfy and warm, wear 'em.

2. Dress in layers. Instead of one or two thick clothing items, think thinner layers. An email from the marathon folks suggested this very thing, saying that you can shuck the layers as need be. I think I'll hold onto every welcome one of mine, however.

They include: Nike tights.DeFeet socks (which I got on sale, uh-huh). I usually wear socks with what's called "no-show" tab, which means the top of them is even with the tops of my shoes. But when it's cold, and I don't want even a bit of skin to be exposed, I wear the quarter-top height.

I debated about wearing an older pair of shoes because I'll no doubt be sloshing through puddles. But then photographer Michael Ainsworth mentioned the traction factor, so I think I'll wear my new Saucony Cohesions.

I'll also probably wear a sleeveless built-in bra top, and over that, a top like this one from Brooks.&nbsp;Over that? This wonderful Brooks jacket, which (as I may have mentioned once or twice or 61 times) made me believe in windbreakers. I could probably wear it with a short-sleeved shirt and be fine&hellip;but I'm erring on the side of windy caution and wearing long sleeves.

On my hands, I'll wear two pairs of gloves, including - what IS it with me and Brooks today?! - these (which I didn't realize came in orange!) That colorful part is made of windbreaker material; if the wind's not blowing, you just tuck that part into the rest of the gloves.

I'm also wearing two ear-coverererers - one from Mizuno, and the red cap from my dad. Plus -  oh, watch the video for more info. And yes, if I hear someone snort-laughing, I'll pretend I don't know it's you.

3. Pack an extra bag. After the race, the wind will still be blowing and you won't be moving as fast to block out the chill. So make sure you  have a bag of dry clothes - sweats! a hoodie! socks! tons o'food! - in your car waiting.

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