How to run in the rain and survive

Hey, hey, hey go check out an interview with yours truly here.

I tried my hardest to mention as many dumb things as possible.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t that hard.  Thanks Brandon for the interview!

RAIN RUNNING

Jessica tweeted me earlier asking for rain racing tips because sometimes you just gotta pull a Tim Tebow and run in the rain… but with clothes on preferably.

Here’s my tips so that you don’t melt or drown:

1. Lube Up

When you’re wet, things tend to chafe more so use Vaseline, Body Glide (they even make Body Glide just for women) or other non-chafe cream.  Use it on your feet, men, on your nipples or anywhere else that has a possibility to cause friction and rub.

2. Layer Up

Usually the standard rule is to dress for 10 degrees warmer than it really is because your body heats up, but with rain, it can feel colder so dress in layers.  Then if you get hot, you can easily shed one.

But at the same time, don’t overdress.  Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean it’s cold – there’s a huge difference in rainy, humid 70 degrees and rainy, windy 40 degrees.

**Start with a breathable base layer; I have a simple long-sleeve DriFit Nike shirt that I usually wear.  It’s thin but wicks moisture and dries quickly.

**If it’s wet and windy, I’ll throw on another long sleeve, usually a technical race tee.

**Then I’ll put on my outer layers: pullover, rain jacket and cold weather tights.

**Also consider running gloves (my mom bought me this Saucony pair) if it’s cold enough and a wide-brimmed technical fabric hat – the bill will keep water off of your face and out of your eyes.

A Fashion Don’t…

Wear anything flouncy or with extra material: it’s going to get wet and weigh you down.  Even if it’s warm out, stick to body-hugging materials that aren’t going to weigh more than a toddler by the time you’re done.  That Lucy skirt is cute but was heavy as heck.

…which makes total sense why I would wear it again for another rained out marathon…

3. Invest in cold wet weather running gear

If a rainy race is a “one and done” and you never plan on running in less than perfect conditions again then don’t bother, but if you foresee rained out runs in your future, it’s worth it to buy some weather-specific gear. 

Yes, it’s pricey but if you take care of it, your tights and jacket should last a long time.  I wash my “nice” running clothes in the washing machine, but I hang them to dry instead of using the dryer.  Look for gear that has taped seams, is water repellant, uses material that breathes and dries quickly, has ventilation and some reflective areas on it.

This is what I have:

{Christmas Day Instagram in Oregon; 7 miles in the rain and wind with Elmer the dog}

*New Balance sent me their NBX Windblocker Half Zip which is really nice: it’s warm but repels rain, has hand coverings, and reflective strips for visibility.

*They also sent me their NBX Windblocker tights which are pretty awesome too.  I don’t love the drawstring waist, but as far as functionality and keeping me warm and dry, these tights are sweet.

*For a jacket, I have a Red Ledge Rain Parka – it’s super thin and breathable and of course, waterproof.  I bought it because my brothers wear the brand out on the fishing boats.  If it can keep them dry out fishing, I’ll probably survive too.  And it fits in a little ball for packing:

4. Other Tips

*Dry your shoes.  If you have shoe inserts like I do, take them out post-run to dry faster.  You can stuff your shoes with newspaper to help them draw out moisture, but don’t put them in a dryer or too close to a fireplace.  If you plan on running in the rain often like I did in Oregon over Christmas, you might want to pack two pairs of shoes.

*Wear reflective clothing with high visibility, reflective material or wear lighter-colored clothing if you can.  A lot of times it’s darker when it’s raining and you want to make sure people see you.  hello, gorgeous.

*Pack for the post-race: bring a towel if needed and warm clothes and shoes.  Think fleece sweatpants, UGGs and a sweatshirt: clothes that are comfortable and easy to slip on, not your one-piece Lycra denim jumpsuit a la Jenny from the Block.

*Try out a trash bag before the race.  I’ve never done this before, but I see it at races all the time.  You just take a big trash bag and cut out holes for your head and arms, and now you have a gorgeous outfit!  You can take it off and toss it before the race, during or keep it forever.

{Yes, that’s Bradley Cooper in a trash bag.  I know not why but shall not protest.}

*Watch your electronics.  I still wear my Garmin 405 inside my jacket under my gloves, but not an ipod or phone.  Unless you’re ok with it getting wet, don’t bring it.  If you really want your phone with you, put it in a Ziplock bag first.  Or if you’re not into trash bag couture, consider a waterproof phone case.

*Be careful out on the course.  Roads gets slick rick when it’s wet.  You might be jumping over and around puddles so be extra careful and watch your footing.  Water stops can be hazard zones with all the wet cups on the ground.

*Be proud and own it.  Running in the rain isn’t really fun if it’s cold.  A lot of times it’s miserable… hello, Houston Marathon.  But once you get wet, you’re wet.  And you’re a tough runner: you don’t run just because it’s oh so easy and always fun.  So stuck it up, stick with it, and craft a killer story in your head to brag to all your friends about.

Any wet weather tips to add?

Have you ever ran a race in the rain?  Which one?

Tagged as: gear, how to, interviews, rain running