What to wear if it's raining outside - running in the rain

[escape]

I'm a wimp. If it's rainy outsite, I will do my run on the TM. However, I'm going to run in a half-marathon this next weekend and the forecast calls for 40% chance of rain. I realize that this could change but I need to be prepared for the wet weather.

If it's raining outsite and 40-50 degrees, what do you wear? In other words, do you dress any differently than what you would for a regular run? I can see wearing a light jacket but I'm afraid that I might get hot. Normally, if it is sunny outside, I'd probably wear capri tights and a short sleaved tech shirt. If cloudy, I might wear a long-sleaved tech shirt with my capris. For the rain, I'm not sure. Any suggestions?

 

[windwalker]

A ball cap is nice to keep the rain out of your eyes. It's especially nice if you wear glasses.

The important thing is getting chilled when you are done, a mylar blanket just really doesn't hack it, have a warm-up suit ready for when you finish and a towel.

I've done several training walks/runs in the rain but never have had it rain during a race.

Tired Panda

 

[littlegreydonkey]

I'm with you, I hate running in the rain - to the extent that the last time I trained for the marathon and it started raining on a long run, I ran back and forth up and down a 200 metre stretch of road for 20 minutes until it stopped because it was outside shops and under cover!

However, despite living in a country constantly pleading drought, last week it rained here for 10 days straight so I had to do 5 rain runs. I wore exactly the same as normal and just threw a lightweight adidas water resistant jacket over the top - this was great, except on my 90 minute run - about 40 minutes in I stopped at to wait for traffic lights and put my arms by sides only to get a wave of warm water flooding down my arms - seems the rain was coming in the jacket and collecting around my elbows. I still feel a little queasy even thinking about it!

 

[princessrunner]

I have run a race in the rain and was prepared for it at ToT with the way the forecast was. I usually wear running tights, a short sleeve tech shirt and I have a jacket that I got from New Balance called a Tag jacket. It is a storm dry which means it keeps the water off but the best part is that the sleeves zip off so it is a vest and the sleeves store in a pocket in the back for after the race. I either wear this or if it is a nicer day, I have a vest from New Balance that is all mesh in the back to allow air to pass. They both work well. Good luck in the race and here's hoping that the 60% chance of no rain is what comes true for you!!

 

[scuba diver]

Here in Florida I end up running in the rain a lot. When raining I always wear a ball cap and have sandals waiting for me at the end. I love getting out of the wet shoes.

If it is warm, I don't add anything extra. If it is chilling I just put on a runners rain jacket. IMHO, the main this is to make sure all the clothing is technical, wicking material so when it stops raining it will dry quickly.

I've had some great runs and races in the rain. We just act like little kids and enjoy what our mothers said not to do, playing in the rain.