Rainy Marathon

Bally8

Im just wondering if anyone here has ran a marathon in the rain? Does it make everything more difficult? I have done a good few of my training runs for the DCM in the rain and my runners have ended up feeling like they weigh an extra stone and my t-shirt was dragging me down. Would it also add to possible blisters and chaffing problems? I had been imagining the marathon as dry all along and it just occured to me that maybe things will be very different if it rains

TFBubendorfer

If you do enough marathon, you'll invariably end up doing some on a rainy day!

1) Rain is easier to cope with than heat.
2) Unless it's a very windy day, you won't feel cold. Running keeps you warm.
3) Don't wear cotton. That prevents the "extra stone" feeling.
4) Yes, blisters and chafing can be an issue. Vaseline (or body-glide or similar products) is your best friend

Don't worry. If it's a rainy day you'll feel miserable at the start waiting for the gun to go off. Once you get going, you'll feel better.

RJC

Rain is definitely easier than the heat. as per the previous post - don't wear cotton.

wet feet (and blisters) is your biggest concern.

Wear a bin bag to the start to stay dry and then rip it off (ála superman) as you start the race.

BJohnson

I agree with the two above - it's not as bad as you might think. Wearing a dry-fit shirt (i.e. not cotton) makes a huge difference in terms of weight and comfort. There's usually so much going through your head during the race that the rain becomes much less of a concern. As long as it's not a prolonged, heavy, windy rain you'll be fine.

To prevent chafing, I find that Sudocream works best for me. It's waterproof too.

Too true about the rain being better than the heat - I think a lot of us learned that the hard way at the Cork marathon this year!

Peckham

Incidentally, the weather for DCM in 2006, 2007 and 2008 was glorious blue skies on each day. Perfect autumn day on each occasion. Hopefully this trend continues.

(2005 was miserable)

Another tip I was told is don't try to jump over puddles on a rainy day. Your feet are going to get wet anyway, and jumping over puddles can lead to tripping/falling!

Invest in a disposable poncho or similar that you can wear at the start to keep yourself dry and warm whilst waiting for the gun, but if doing so don't wear too many layers as you don't want to be sweating before you start running.

n-dawg

To quote Crissy Wellington

Vaseline: The difference between a smooth winner and a sore loser

This is even more important on a wet day, think of everywhere that could rub and lash it on.... I'm talking feet (only a small bit you don't want your shoes/socks slipping), crotch, waste band, chest/nipples, shoulders, neck, armpits!

And as other people have pointed out DON'T WARE COTTON

Condo131

I agree with the previous posters re cotton. Also get lightweight socks, aka 'racing socks' - they won't hold as much water in the rain (lighter overall) and don't move about/bunch as much....BUT....make sure you wear them before the day!!!

DCM 2001 (the year Sonia ran)..started raining (lightly) about 30 min before the start and continued until about 1:30..and the temp never rose above 6 degrees C :eek::eek::eek:

Historically, the weather has been good far more years than bad! Lets hope it stays that way.;)

RacoonQueen

If you're wearing a bin bag at the start line PLEASE don't just dump it at your feet as you start it is a hazard for those behind you. I've seen people slip and get hurt before they even make the start line because of this.