"Great Minds, Great Hearts, Great Futures." That’s the motto for Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho. Despite my agnosticism, I will proudly represent the Crusaders and their great stuff in the hours before the California International Marathon—and perhaps for a mile or two of the actual race.
Back in 2005, when I ran CIM as a marathon neophyte, I was unschooled on the disposable pre-start clothing concept. So there I was, my drop bag dropped, standing in a short-sleeved technical shirt and shorts in the dark in literally freezing cold for a half hour or more waiting for the race to begin. The sun came up and out as the race began but the temperature rose slowly and I felt tight for miles, and running on tight quads, I submit, cost me late in the race.
Since then I’ve learned what to do in the days before an early race: head down to the Salvation Army store on NE Halsey Street in outer east Portland and buy a sweater that I can wear up to or past the starting line and fling aside whenever I determine it’s no longer needed. This fine Northwest Nazarene University hoodie cost me $2.75, which is an especially good deal, I’d say, since it will also provide cover for my bald head.
Whether there's rain or not, I can assure you it will be chilly in Folsom at 6 a.m. on Sunday—probably high 30s at best. So hit a local thrift store in the next couple of days and grab an obscurely logo'd garment. Or maybe you’ve got a sweatshirt or jacket you need to get rid of. (If you don’t think so, check with your significant other, who might provide valuable insight.) A bonus at CIM is that if the clothing isn't it bad shape, it'll end up helping keep someone warm later.
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