Dreaming of a white Christmas? Or worrying about a warm marathon?
When news broke that the 2011 Chevron Houston Marathon would be held Jan. 30, two weeks later than usual, some thought the shift might mean higher temperatures, which are among distance runners' worst nightmares.
But meteorological history bodes well, says a forecaster.
"The change in average temperatures between mid-January and late January is negligible," said Jim Palmer, a senior meteorologist for Impact-Weather, Inc.
"Average temps are 45 for the low and 63 for the high in mid-January and 46 and 64 for late January. Record highs for the middle and end of the month are 84 and 83, respectively."
But what about the lows, which have a bigger impact on the race given its 7 a.m. start?
"The record low for mid-January ranges from 15 to 27, but the record low for the end of the month is 10 degrees," Palmer said. "If anything, it's possible it would be even colder at the end of the month."
My colleague Eric Berger, aka SciGuy, recently reported that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted a warmer-than-average winter, particularly in January. But the forecast hasn't panned out yet. December has, so far, been cooler than average by a few degrees.
Since 44 days remain until the marathon, it would be folly to forecast the race-day weather. But as any seasoned distance runner can tell you, it's never too early to start obsessing about it.
Still time to switch
Sunday is the deadline for runners registered for the Chevron Houston Marathon or Aramco Houston Half Marathon to switch races.
Marathon runners may transfer to either the half-marathon or EP5K, and half-marathon runners may switch to the marathon or EP5K. EP5K runners may not switch to either of the longer races. The cost to switch is $10, plus $20 for those changing from the half-marathon to marathon.
Also, for the first time, the Houston Marathon Committee will allow registered marathon and half-marathon runners to defer their 2011 entries until 2012. Participants who fill out an online deferment form by Sunday will receive a guaranteed spot for 2012. No refunds will be given for 2011, and runners must also pay for the 2012 entry.
For details, go to chevronhoustonmarathon.com.
Wear it with honor
More than 500 runners earned the honor of wearing the 30th anniversary version of the Marathon Warm-Up Series jacket. Participants had to completing all three of the series' races or finish two and volunteer at one.
The jackets will be available at the Houston Area Road Runners Association's booth at the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute Expo on Jan. 28-29, the weekend of the Chevron Houston Marathon.
For more information, go to houstonmasters.org.
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