Water Logged!

image courtesy of The Weather Channel

     Since this is our weather forecast (looks good other places, but note the Southeast there...) I thought today might be a good time to post about running in the rain.  Some folks head for the dreadmill and the dry indoors, but some people just don't have access to one, and that presents the interesting situation of whether or not to skip a run, or go out and tough it through.

     If you do decide to tough it out, there are obviously a few differences and tips that will help make it a lot simpler and much better.  Running in the rain can be a really empowering and enjoyable experience, if you just let it happen and take care!

     Choose your layers wisely!  You don't want to be over (or under) dressed.  Your base layer needs to wick moisture well, and if you wear a light slicker jacket be sure to avoid something totally waterproof, because it will trap heat and be less effective than a lightweight jacket. (Runner's World has this great review article of 9 types for men and women!)  If you dress too heavily, the clothes will weigh you down, and make it that much harder to slog through!

     Wearing a hat with a brim (think baseball cap) can really help too-- the rain will drip off the end of the hat brim, not off your nose or down your forehead into your eyes! Keeping your eyes clear is  paramount to your safety.

     As always, choose bright colors and reflective strips.  Drivers are even more likely not to notice you while it's raining, so give yourself extra bright colors and anything reflective so you are easily seen!

      Dry your shoes out after your run!  Not in the dryer, mind you.  If possible, take the insoles out of the shoes, and lay everything out in the open to dry. You can put crumpled up newspaper in the shoes as well, that helps them dry faster (you may have to change the paper out a couple of times if it's really wet on your run).

     Be really careful with electronics.  This goes without saying, but unless you know that something is waterproof, don't take it! If you feel like you absolutely must, then take any items of that sort in a ziploc or other waterproof case.  Headphones are one thing that I have experienced water issues with-- so it's honestly best to just embrace your surroundings (plus, it's a lot safer in unsafe conditions too).

    Speaking of taking care, be extra careful on your route-- rain fills up potholes and makes the road slick, so just slow down some and take it easy!  You don't want to sprain an ankle or fall, so just like driving, take a little extra care.

      Don't forget to use Body Glide or some other type of anti chafing solution.  Water on skin creates friction, so things that might normally be fine may be an issue in the wet.  

    Above all, don't forget to embrace it and enjoy your run, even in the rain!  You are doing something astounding with your body, every time you go out, and taking a second to realize that you are strong and wonderful can really make your runs (especially the tough ones like rainy and cold!) a special experience.

Do you run outside in the rain?  What do you do to make it easier?  Have you ever felt powerful on a rainy run?  Tell me about it!