Running in the rain - any tips?

jlang

I usually try to avoid heavy rain when going running (I'm no fool!), but with the weather we've had over the last few weeks the odds can't be good for a dry race in Achill on Saturday.
Any advice on how to deal with a wet race - clothes, preparation, food/drink etc? I usually just wear a t-shirt and shorts when running.
Thanks.

thirtyfoot

A refuse bag in you gear bag will keep everything dry and then common sense after that, ie, get out of the wet clothes as soon as possible, shower and have a fresh dry set of clothes to put on. If no shower, just towel down.

Get a good set of wet gear for warming up. After that you have no worries.

quozl

If you suffer from blisters/friction burns at all, then it'll be a lot worse in the rain.

Be especially careful of your nipples 13 miles with a wet t-shirt rubbing against them could suck!

Peckham

Don't worry about jumping over puddles, just plough straight through them (within reason!). Your feet are going to get wet anyway, so avoiding a puddle won't make a difference and jumping over them uses up energy and increases your likelihood of injury. That's what the books say anyway! Haven't had a really bad rainy race yet.

I love running in the rain and would personally be chuffed if it started to pour down on Saturday morning, as it will improve my position!

Odysseus

For me if I think its going to rain heavy I run in a running thights and a hat, just have to except that your going to get wet. Personally I love running in the rain once it starts whilst I'm running, however, I hate starting off in it.

puredub

i found running in the rain to be a very exhilarating experience once you are dressed for it.I would recommend a pair of socks other than cotton because of blisters (coolmax) perfect ,shorts rather than tights or if you have rain pants Mizuno make a great waterproof pant that keeps out cold and wind as well ,then a lightweight rain jacket like Pearl Izumi Zephyr or similar,with just a running bra or singlet underneath as the jacket will keep rain out but will keep your torso dry so no chance of getting any chest colds or problems.Also when done put newspaper crumpled up into shoes and leave them in airy place to dry out .Hope this helps .Tony ,Schull

Abhainn

As long as there is no wind I find running in the rain no problem. You dehyrate less.
Actually ran a SB for 10k run on Sunday last in a downpour in Wicklow.
Weather forecast for Achill on Sat is dry and light winds. Don't take my word though.

thirtyfoot

Abhainn wrote:

As long as there is no wind I find running in the rain no problem. You dehyrate less.
.

I find I dehydrate as much in the rain (or cold). The body is working as hard to keep itself warm. Also the fact that you don't feel dehydrated you don't drink as much.

Marathon Man

I have a mantra:

'If one was to base ones decisions in Ireland around whether it will rain or not one would get very little done.'

I run in a vest and shorts most if not all of the time (I'm hard me ) and have never suffered from a cold or flu as a result. Just be careful when you get home not to crank the heating up because thats one sure way of coming down with something.
If you are racing simply bring a change of clothes for after the race.Also if its a road race avoid metal surfaces such as shores and manholes as they can be as slick as ice in the rain. I've lost count the amount of times I've seen runners go down from slipping on these. Just be a bit more careful thats the key.
Anyway who would want to avoid the rain it has a good way of toughening one up.

hunnymonster

what the others have said. Technical clothing if you have it will let you feel a lot more comfortable. Get out of your wet clothes at the end. DOn't carry your mobile with you. Put contacts in if you wear glasses.

macoda

hunnymonster wrote: »

what the others have said. Technical clothing if you have it will let you feel a lot more comfortable. Get out of your wet clothes at the end. DOn't carry your mobile with you. Put contacts in if you wear glasses.

Put yer phone in a ziplock bag

Stark

My only worry about racing in the rain is chafing. Use a lubricant like Vaseline or Bodyglide anywhere sensitive (inner thighs are the big issue for me and nipples are a problem for lots of guys). Lycra shorts are also good for avoiding chaffing and they don't flap about annoyingly when wet. I usually don't bother with waterproofs as I just end up sweating inside them and end up just as uncomfortable. The important thing is to stay warm rather than dry. At this time of year, you should have no problems staying warm once you're moving.

G-Money

I was out walking today and it was slightly drizzling when I started out and it got progressively heavier. I agree with the previous posts, especially with avoiding stuff like man hole covers and any of those metal gratings on the ground. I was just walking and the footpaths are littered with them and they're like ice when they're wet. Definitely avoid them at all costs.

huskerdu

Odysseus wrote: »

For me if I think its going to rain heavy I run in a running thights and a hat

Is that all you wear ?

I agree, running in the rain is great. Especially after spending a rainy day stuck inside with 3 kids.

My only advice is avoid pavements/roads with moss, fallen leaves etc. Very slippy in wet conditions.

shels4ever

If i was racing in the rain i'd just wear a small singlet and not worry about it much. Just don't put too much hair gel in your hair that morning . Once your have nice dry gear after the race .

G-Money

huskerdu wrote: »

My only advice is avoid pavements/roads with moss, fallen leaves etc. Very slippy in wet conditions.

Just wondering where else is good to run if it's been raining? I mean wouldn't grass be just as slippy?

Been thinking of starting out jogging myself and there's mostly just footpaths around where I live although there's a couple of green-ish parks nearby that might be ok to run in.

I agree with avoiding footpaths, especially those metal manhole covers and grates etc.

ocnoc

if you think about it enough you might never get out the door! Sure won't a cars stopping distance increase and because of less light they mightn't see you - you might get run over and good bye running!

So its raining, big deal - its IRELAND!

Just go for a run as normal and get changed when you get back. If its seriously lashing, bring a light rain jacket to keep the wind off of you.

Stark

ocnoc wrote: »

Sure won't a cars stopping distance increase and because of less light they mightn't see you - you might get run over and good bye running!

Oh jesus, don't say that. People will use that as an excuse now that you mentioned it. (At least they'll no longer have to rely on "slippy manhole covers" as an excuse for not training though).

Emer911

I used to absolutely HATE the rain, but once you get used to it it's quite invigorating, especially once you finish!?:D

My essentials are:
Light rain running jacket.
Peaked cap - to keep the rain out of my eyes
And if it's cold, running gloves. (the ones that wick away water - I get cold hands!)

Definitely agree that only essential electronics be taken, and I usually use a plastic bag, but the ziplock idea is a good one!

For racing the #1 is to have dry gear for after so make sure your bag is waterproof, or use a plastic bag for extra safety.

Get out there and enjoy it! :D

ThisRegard

I'm one of the odd ones that looks out the window, sees the pouring rain and thinks "I'd like to be out in that!", Sunday morning and last night being 2 recent cases, there's just something refreshing and peaceful about it.

G-Money

I have to admit it was kind of nice being out in the rain, although I don't know if I'd fancy it if it was a terrential downpour.

Is it possible to get some sort of running/waterproof jacket? I usually need to have my music with me and on when I'm walking and stuff. Would be nice if I could keep my iPhone on me and avoid any water damage at the same time.

TFBubendorfer

grandmaster wrote: »

Is it possible to get some sort of running/waterproof jacket?

You can buy all kinds of stuff promising God knows what, but one of the first lessons you learn is that waterproof isn't.

macinalli

grandmaster wrote: »

Is it possible to get some sort of running/waterproof jacket?

The other point is that the more waterproof the jacket, the heavier it gets. What you're looking for is a trade-off between something that will stop you getting completely drowned, while not sweating too much!

RubyK

I got a light-weight waterproof running jacket in Lidl a couple of months ago. It's perfect, does the job grand All for €9 iirc.

ocnoc

grandmaster wrote: »

Would be nice if I could keep my iPhone on me and avoid any water damage at the same time.

Zip lock bag... buy a proper water resistance case for it.... or buy a cheap mp3 so you don't have to bring an expensive piece of hardware out at all

Krusty_Clown

I've killed about 5 mp3 players in the last 18 months (who said running was a cheap sport?!). Now I always head out with some kind of plastic sandwich bag, in which I keep a €5 note, front door key, tissues etc. If it starts to rain, I throw the mp3 player into it too.

Tips for running in the rain:
1) Don't wait for it to stop, get out there and embrace it.
2) You're already waterproof. No point in wrapping yourself up in waterproof clothes.
3) Take comfort in the fact that your race competitors are probably hiding indoors.
4) Clothes might become a little more body-hugging, so there might be a little more chaffing (cover them nips!).
5) Smile - you've got the place to yourself.

Dotcomdolly

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Tips for running in the rain:
1) Don't wait for it to stop, get out there and embrace it.
2) You're already waterproof. No point in wrapping yourself up in waterproof clothes.
3) Take comfort in the fact that your race competitors are probably hiding indoors.
4) Clothes might become a little more body-hugging, so there might be a little more chaffing (cover them nips!).
5) Smile - you've got the place to yourself.

As I was heard once "you're not a dispirin, you won't melt!"