How-to-Run-in-the-Rain

RB79: How To Run In The Rain – Top Running Tips For Staying Dry And Comfortable On Your Next Run

As a runner, learning how to run in the rain is important. You don’t always have to run outside, for example you can choose to take your run indoors to a treadmill or indoor track, but getting experience in the rain, will help you on days where it decides to run during your race.

Getting used to rainy runs under various conditions (cold, wind, heat) can be very useful on race day. You will learn how to deal with the weather conditions directly and it will help your mindset going into a run when conditions are bad.

For a complete discussion of these tips, we highly recommend that you listen to the podcast in its entirety because we elaborate on some the tips.

How To Run In The Rain

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 Take-your-run-indoors-to-a-treadmill-or-indoor-track

  • Take your run indoors to a treadmill or indoor trackObviously, you can bypass your run and take it indoors. Problem solved.

 Wear-a-hat

  • Wear a hatWearing a hat with a brim can help block the rain from hitting your face and if it is cold will help keep your head warm since most heat is lost through your head.

Carry-some-BodyGlide-or-Vaseline

  • Carry some BodyGlide or VaselineWet clothing leads to increased risk of chafing and blisters. Men, to avoid the dreaded bloody nipples, I highly recommend applying waterproof band aids before your run to prevent nipple chafing.  You will thank me later. 😉

Last update on 2024-03-16 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-03-16 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Dress-in-layers-when-it-is-cold-with-an-outer-layer-that-is-a-water-and-wind-resistant-shell

  • Dress in layers when it is cold with an outer layer that is water and wind-resistant shellA lightweight waterproof or water-resistant running jacket may be all you need in warm temperatures, but wearing one over warmer clothes will help keep you dry in colder temperatures.  Also, get one that its wind-resistant to help keep the cutting chill from the wind out. When using a water-resistant jacket, be sure to wear a moisture-wicking base layer underneath that will allow sweat to wick away from your skin. Finally, look for an outer shell that is vented.  In other words, a jacket that has vents woven in usually under flaps in the back and under your armpits. This will allow your sweat to evaporate as well as help cool you when you warm up. Some examples can be found here.

 Wear-highly-visible-clothing-if-running-near-traffic

  • Wear highly visible clothing if running near trafficRainy days are usually low visibility days when it comes to driving. Anything you can do to make yourself more visible increases your safety.

 Protect-your-electronics

  • Protect your electronicsUsing a zip lock bag or waterproof covering can prevent accidental water damage to your phone or other electronic devices. Most running watches are water-resistant, but if you are not sure, check with the manufacturer specs to see what the waterproof rating is. Look for ratings like ipx6, ipx7, or ipx8.

Wear-old-shoes-and-socks-and-switch-to-dry-shoes_socks-at-race-time

  • Wear old shoes and socks and switch to dry shoes/socks at race timeIf it is raining before the race, wearing old shoes and socks that you can throw aside will allow you to start the race with dry feet. This works especially well when the rain stops before the race or early enough that you can get through the race with dry feet. If you don’t have old shoes, wrap your shoes with plastic shopping bags and tape them around your feet. Then you can just remove the bag before the race.

 Carry-a-large-garbage-bag-in-your-running-belt

  • Carry a large garbage bag in your running belt  A large garbage bag can be used as an emergency poncho or help you keep warm should you need it.

Watch-where-you-are-running

  • Watch where you are runningIt seems obvious, but sometimes I get talking with other runners and forget to pay attention where I step. I can’t tell you how many times a puddle was deeper than it looked.

Dry-your-shoes-after-they-get-wet

  • Dry your shoes after they get wet  Fill your shoes with newspaper, or put them upside down over a heating register in your house and allow them to dry out thoroughly. Do not put them in a dryer as that can damage your dryer or your shoes.

Avoid-running-when-lightning-is-in-the-area

  • Avoid running when lightning is in the area  Yes, you can be struck by lightning.

 Prevent-and-be-aware-of-Hypothermia

  • Prevent and be aware of HypothermiaIf it is cold or cool out, getting wet can lead to hypothermia, a condition where your body can’t maintain normal body temperature and your core body temperature gets too low.  In fact, the majority of people who dropped out of the 2018 Boston marathon, dropped out because they were cold and wet and many were treated for hypothermia.