Running in the rain

how.gareth

Hi Folks, I started running about 4 weeks ago and it's going great, couple of questions if you don't mind helping me out please? First off is whats the best gear to wear whilst running in the rain? I only have shorts and cotton t shirts so what gear should I be picking up? I'm just doing 5 kms in the park at the mo and have been lucky enough to have avoided rain so far!

Cabaal

how.gareth wrote: »

Hi Folks, I started running about 4 weeks ago and it's going great, couple of questions if you don't mind helping me out please? First off is whats the best gear to wear whilst running in the rain? I only have shorts and cotton t shirts so what gear should I be picking up? I'm just doing 5 kms in the park at the mo and have been lucky enough to have avoided rain so far!

Get rid of anything cotton, get yourself a technical t-shirt for starters.

As for what to wear, it depends on the person. Personally I wear same stuff in rain as if it's not raining, but then I'm a warm person and I find it takes alot to make me cold.

Back in may I did a long distance race and had a jacket with me (it was required) . It rained on and off heavily during it but I still rarely used the jacket.

Slydice

I found less was better in rain. The more I had on, the more stuff is clung to me. Was getting warm during the run cos of the exercise so the wet wasn't too much of a bother.

Made sure to have warm showers after. Guessed that it might reduce the risk of getting a cold. Didn't get a cold.

The Muppet

In the summer rain I just wear my performance top and shorts. In the winter sometimes I'd wear a lightweight running jacket and running cap especially on my longer runs if it's a cold evening run . My favourite running conditions is a light drizzle .

Sandwell

Cotton gets heavy when wet and will chafe like hell over longer runs. Technical gear is lighter and tends to wick sweat away better. It'll also dry much quicker after a shower. It doesn't have to be expensive either. Both Penney's and Dunne's do a technical running range and Aldi and Lidl have it in frequently.

Whatever you do, don't invest in a waterproof jacket. You'll end up far too hot and just as wet except from sweat rather than the rain! A light windproof running jacket is handy for cooler days.

how.gareth

Ok thanks for all that advice, I will pick up a couple of proper tops, just had a quick scan and elverys have some for under a tenner which suits my budget! Next question I had was regarding stretching, how long should I spend on it before a 5 k? And whatabout after my run?

hmmm

I find a peaked cap very useful to avoid the rain stinging my eyes

DogSlySmile

The only thing id do differently if I was running in rain would be to lube up "downstairs" and inside of thighs. I've learnt that lesson a couple of times and the memory is still raw

paulers06

how.gareth wrote: »

Ok thanks for all that advice, I will pick up a couple of proper tops, just had a quick scan and elverys have some for under a tenner which suits my budget! Next question I had was regarding stretching, how long should I spend on it before a 5 k? And whatabout after my run?

Stretching before a run is really about personal preference I think. Personally, I don't like stretching while my muscles are cold. i'll often stretch after a mile or a lot of the time I don't bother until after a run.

Before a race I'd jog a mile or so and then stretch. After a run I probably spend 5-10 mins while I'm cooling down before a shower. Sometimes after a really long run I'll stretch again in the shower

how.gareth

Yeah I haven't really been stretching before or after to be honest, i had felt my knees getting quite sore but I think that's more to do with running too fast and "slapping" my feet along the path, read in a lot of previous threads on here about running at the correct speed for your fitness levels so I did my usual 5 k today but slowed my self down and the difference was amazing, my breathing was nice and smooth throughout and I managed the whole 5k without stopping once! I'm delighted with myself, previously I had only managed 2k before running out of steam and having to walk to catch my breath, I managed it in 27 mins which gives me a target to aim for as I find it a lot easier that way

clear thinking

A bog standard adidas response jacket lasts years, worth shelling out on. Wear it over a tech type tee. On a warm day, leave the jacket at home.

I'd wear nothing but a peaked hat and a thong if I could, but race organisers and those restraining orders etc. etc.

Cabaal

Deleted User wrote: »

I'd wear nothing but a peaked hat and a thong if I could, but race organisers and those restraining orders etc. etc.

Not sure about that, sure there's a lad that I've past at 2 dublin marathons and the half-marathon and all he was running in was a mankini...not a pretty sight at all :eek:

DubOnHoliday

A fine day to practice this running in the rain thing!

chatterbox

Also sandwich bags are useful to protect phone etc. from the rain in your pocket .. Cheap and cheerful but they do the job

Slow_Runner

DubOnHoliday wrote: »

A fine day to practice this running in the rain thing!

Yeah, looked out the window this morning g and thought "chafe city' so went and put the compression gear on under my running gear - needed it!!!!!

The Muppet

Slow_Runner wrote: »

Yeah, looked out the window this morning g and thought "chafe city' so went and put the compression gear on under my running gear - needed it!!!!!

The voice of experience obviously I wish i'd known earlier. Just in from an 8 mile run "Chafe City" is right , learnt my lesson today, I won't go into the gory details.

DubOnHoliday

Rub on some body glide and you can wear what you want.