Rain runner
If Joe English avoided running in the rain, he wouldn’t have his job or athletic accolades. “Running in the rain is freeing,” says the running coach and multisport athlete who grew up in Seattle and now lives in Portland, Oregon. “Running in the woods on rainy days is particularly relaxing, and the sound of the rain hitting the leaves of the trees can be quite soothing.” But for folks whose livelihoods and reputations don’t rely on bearing all weather while working out, lacing up when the sky opens up can require extra motivation. Try these expert-endorsed strategies to stay safe, and maybe even have fun:
Assess safety.
Sure, running in the rain can be liberating — but it can also be risky. “At some point, it’s just dangerous — especially if you’re near cars [whose drivers] are also struggling to see,” says Ann Wessling, a Denver-based sports announcer who covers running, triathlon and cycling events. Rain running can also up your chances of slipping, says Chris Heuisler, a 33-time marathoner, former personal trainer and former running coach who’s now Westin Hotel’s global run concierge. Take care in cold weather too, English cautions, since cold and wet makes you more likely to develop hypothermia than cold and dry. Finally, if there is or might be lightning, stay indoors. Look safe? Read on.
Dress for success.
If it’s warm, less is more, says Jonathan Levitt, a five-time marathoner in Boston who’s achieved personal records running shirtless in the rain. “The only thing clothes can do for you is weigh you down,” so long as it’s at least 45 degrees, he says. Not so brave? A light, breathable rain jacket (read: not made of sealed nylon) will do, English says. If it’s cold, wear a warm layer under that rain gear and gloves, he adds. No matter the temperature, wear bright colors and reflective gear to help drivers spot you, Heuisler says. Finally, accessorize with a hat to keep your head drier and vision clearer, Wessling suggests.
Focus on your feet.
If there’s one body part that’s most important to try to keep dry, it’s your feet. “Avoid the big puddles and be aware of the potential [for] blisters if your feet get soaked,” says English, who recommends investing in waterproof trail running shoes if you’re a runner living in a rainy climate. Otherwise, get creative to keep your feet dry before you start moving. Wessling, for instance, saw someone wearing what looked like dog collar cones around his ankles before he started running this year’s wet, cold and windy Boston Marathon. Since that race, she says, “I think there are a lot more patents being sought for zany ideas.”
Try trash bags.
It’s more important to stay dry before you start running than to futilely attempt staying dry during the long run or race itself. That’s where garbage bags come in. “A trash bag with cutouts for your head and arms is a good way to stay dry at the start and in the first couple of minutes,” Levitt says. After you warm up, you can ditch the bag. When you complete the run, dry off quickly and stay that way. Most races have a way for participants to drop off a bag of personal items (such as dry clothes) at the start line that will be transported to the finish line.
Mind your mindset.
You could see rain as an excuse — or you could see it as a different way to experience nature or a chance to act like a kid, says English, who doesn’t hesitate to jump in mud puddles during rainy runs. It can also be meditative, says Heuisler, who’s found that typically packed routes like Central Park are serene on rainy days. “I enjoyed every drop and the lack of sound,” he says. Most of all, consider rainy runs an opportunity to enhance why you run: to build physical and mental stamina, Levitt says. “If you skip runs when it looks tough outside,” he says, “you’re not helping yourself in the long run.”
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5 Pro Tips for Running in the Rain originally appeared on usnews.com
