Running in the rain

[HootDad]

Hi all,

So my half-marathon training is going well but when I went out this morning it was raining. I tried, but it was simply raining to hard (although not pouring) and I don't have proper running rain gear. We moved a little over a month aqo and I have not gotten around to setting up the treadmill so that's not an option. So this does not happen to me again - any tips for running in the rain? Any specific recommendations for good running rain gear?

Thanks!

 

[APrunner]

I just go out and run. I cannot think of any gear that would do much good. Obviously stay away from anything cotton. The shoes get wet, but they dry back out. I would not try a poncho or anything like that, you would basically cook yourself. Go out, get wet, and have fun.

 

[HootDad]

Everything I have that I run in is cotton, hence the problem. I have been thinking I should get something like UnderArmor anyway - I would assume that would work better.

 

[PrincessV]

I'm in FL, where it rains most days all summer long, so I've been doing LOTS of running in the rain... tech fabric is your friend. I go cheap and get my and my DS's running clothes at Target; the C9 by Champion line is great. A hat or visor is your friend - keeps the rain out of your eyes. I alternate two pairs of running shoes, which allows time for them to dry between runs. No cotton socks: wicking fabric there will help prevent blisters. Ziploc baggies for electronic gadgets - I wrap my iPhone in plastic wrap and then put it in a snack-size Ziploc.

 

[APrunner]

Everything I have that I run in is cotton, hence the problem. I have been thinking I should get something like UnderArmor anyway - I would assume that would work better.

Get away from the cotton, especially in the Summer, raining or not.

Tech fabric (moisture wicking) is the way to go. I agree with PrincessV that C9 from Champion (at Target) is pretty good. I have bought alot from outlets too (Nike, Adidas, Reebok, etc.). UA is good, but tends to be a little more pricey. I tend to like Nike running clothes, though my shoes are Saucony .

 

[LuLuO]

Cotton is rotten.

You'll be much happier, rain or shine, if you get yourself some nice tech clothes.

 

[hops&dreams]

I agree with pp... tech gear! Mine is all UA from the outlet and c9 from target. Ua shirts are a little shorter, where C9are a little slimmer. Thats my take on the fit for womens anyway.
A hat is also good. Again, make sure its tech so your head can also breathe!!! Ive seen c9 ones. Visors would work to, but make sure they don't rub or you could end up with blisters in odd places.
In the rain, be ultra vigilant about hot friction spots. During a race when its raining, someone in our group always brings a tiny thing of body glide. For a long run in the rain, be sure you're properly lubed... in between thighs, butt crack, under arms. (Sorry if tmi... trying to spare you from learning the hard way.)
If its showers/downpours then sunny, make sure your sunblock is waterproof/water resistant!!! Learned this the hard way this spring during a half. I couldn't wear a normal shirt (let alone a normal bra) for 2 weeks!!!!


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[fashionista311]

i'll take a warm rain over 80+ degrees and sunny any day of the week. it' so refreshing!

I have a great pair of sport sunglasses from tifosi that come with interchangable lenses. one pair of the lenses it comes with is a clear lens. That way the sunglasses keep the water out of your eyes, but your vision isn't impaired by dark lens on an already dark day.

another thing to keep in mind is that if your shoes are constantly wet (either from sweat, water, or a combo) they will wear out faster. so it's super important to keep an eye on how your shoes "feel" rather than a set amount of miles. running in a pair of worn out shoes can be an injury disaster

 

[yensidfan99]

I learned when I ran the Mountain Marathon in March that Smartwool socks are my new best friend. I cannot say enough good things about these socks and running in rain or through puddles. Even when cracking through ice and fully submerging foot in an ice bath after about 5 seconds I was totally warm and didn't have the wrinkled toe effect at the end of the race.

Definitely get yourself some technical gear as the others have suggested and find something that works for you for chafing.

Also, I used to be treadmill only runner on crappy days then I realized that I couldn't pick the weather on race day so I shouldn't pick it on training days. Now if it's a running day (5-6 days per week) then I am running outside no matter what the weather is like.

 

[PrincessV]

I learned when I ran the Mountain Marathon in March that Smartwool socks are my new best friend. I cannot say enough good things about these socks and running in rain or through puddles.

I ADORE my Smartwool socks! The thick ones are my favorite, though they're a little much for summer in FL. The thinner ones are good for hot days, though not quite a delightful.

 

[Ariel484]

I'm a wimp and refuse to run in the rain, so I don't have any helpful hints beyond what was said here (um...invest in a good hat?! ) But I'll pass along this tip from my local running store on how to get your shoes to dry out quickly!

Stuff newspaper into the shoes for 1 hour.
Take that newspaper out and replace it with new newspaper. Leave it in for 2-3 hours.
Take that newspaper out and replace it with new newspaper. Leave it in overnight.

I did this once after getting caught in a freak hail storm and it worked pretty well.

 

[HootDad]

I learned when I ran the Mountain Marathon in March that Smartwool socks are my new best friend. I cannot say enough good things about these socks and running in rain or through puddles.

You anticipated my next question! I went to Target and got a bunch of the Champion Tech stuff. I ran with it for the first time this morning. It was great! But it made me realize how i need better socks. Funny how this turned into a (very helpful) thread about running clothes. BTW - do you know where I can get smartwool socks?

Thanks!

 

[Ariel484]

You anticipated my next question! I went to Target and got a bunch of the Champion Tech stuff. I ran with it for the first time this morning. It was great! But it made me realize how i need better socks. Funny how this turned into a (very helpful) thread about running clothes. BTW - do you know where I can get smartwool socks?

Thanks!

Socks are super important! I like Balega socks myself (got them at my local running store). I think I've seen Smartwool at Dick's...I'm sure if you go to their website you can locate a store. Be prepared to pay at least $10 per pair...good socks ain't cheap, but they are totally worth it.

 

[PrincessV]

BTW - do you know where I can get smartwool socks?

I buy mine through Road Runner Sports online (only because they don't have a store near me.) I'm pretty sure you can get them through Amazon, too. As an aside, my boss has used Smartwool's ski socks for ages and swears they're the best winter socks around.

 

[cewait]

Late coming to the party on this one. I LOVE running in the rain.

1) tech gear is a must!

2) only look to 'rain gear' if cold and even then make it a last resort.

3) While I like wool sox, I generally just run in tech socks. I sweat a lot so my feet already understand wet.

4) I run in a triathlon shoe so it dewaters well

5) get a tech visor. This will keep water off your face and make you feel more comfortable while running.

As far as avoiding rain in training... what would you do if your goal race was held on a day with rain. Get out and train int eh rain on occasion. Be safe and smart about it but you do not want your first rain run to be during a big destination race.

 

[HootDad]

Socks are super important! I like Balega socks myself (got them at my local running store). I think I've seen Smartwool at Dick's...I'm sure if you go to their website you can locate a store. Be prepared to pay at least $10 per pair...good socks ain't cheap, but they are totally worth it.

I went to a local runners supply store looking for Smartwool which they did not have - but they did have Belega so I bought a pair of those. I only bought one pari because my feet are sensitive and I figured I did not want to by more than one in case they did not work. They are awesome! I'm going back this weekend to buy more.

 

[peter.scott279]

First of all wear hat with a brim it will keep the rain off your face, Don't Overdress to prevent chafing, spread Body Glide or Vaseline on parts of your body where you would normally chafe, and were old comfortable shoes.