When it’s raining outside, it’s difficult to even force yourself to take out the trash after leaving your warm apartment for 4 minutes. What can we say about running training?
People even call rain among themselves “bad weather.”
However, many athletes find running in the rain useful, interesting, and extremely enjoyable. The whole secret is in proper preparation + morale.
Want to know how to make running in the rain a comfortable, fun, motivating experience? Then this article is definitely for you!
How to dress for a run in the rain
Cap with visor
The cap will partially or completely protect your hair from getting wet. And the visor will save your face from raindrops - this makes the rain less annoying, and your visibility becomes much better. If it's hot, choose a cap with ventilation. If it's cold, wear a thick cap. You can also add a headband.
No clap
Cotton is not suitable for running in dry weather - it absorbs sweat, takes a long time to dry, and becomes heavy. This is also true for running in the rain to a greater extent. The bottom layer (if you dress in several layers) and socks should not be cotton.
Less clothes
You need to dress for a run in the rain without too much enthusiasm. Multi-layered equipment will not save you from water, but it will ensure overheating. Dress as you would in the same temperature in dry weather.
The only thing that may differ is a jacket with a membrane with good breathability and waterproof properties. Read how to choose a running jacket on our website.
If it's cold, the bottom layer is most important
If you're layering, your first layer should be a technical fabric that dries quickly and wicks sweat away from your body. In this case, the top layer is wind and waterproof.
Gloves – not just for winter
If the temperature is about 5 degrees, and with rain there is also wind, it makes sense to wear gloves. Without them, your hands will get wet and start to freeze. This is both unpleasant and, oddly enough, you can also catch a cold through your hands. Protect your ankles too – long socks or compression gaiters will do the trick.
What clothes to choose?
As mentioned above, a lot depends on personal needs and preferences. However, there are also universal recommendations, they relate to the choice of material. This is much more important than choosing a specific brand or model. Another layer is added to the standard equipment; its function is to protect against precipitation. This layer can be made from:
- polyester. It has the property of removing moisture from the skin and drying quickly. Synthetic fibers are unable to absorb water and therefore remain dry at all times. There is a drawback, in cool weather polyester clothes can be cold;
- merino wool. Capable of absorbing moisture, so it will not dry out as quickly as polyester. At the same time, it is able to better insulate when wet. It also cannot be called a warm material, but it brings more comfort;
- gore-tex. Provides water resistance, but does not allow air to pass through very well so that the skin can breathe and give off heat. Provides comfort in the presence of direct ventilation.
Sneakers for running in the rain
You don't necessarily need waterproof running shoes for running in the rain. They will do the job for a competitive road race, but they won't help you with a trail race. The mud puddles found on the highway will become even deeper, and you will probably “scoop” water inside. Ordinary mesh sneakers will also save you from dirt, and they are perfect for simple training in the rain.
It is important to dry your running shoes after a race - this will prolong their life. Dryers and heaters ruin shoes, and the best way is to unlace them, open them with a “bell” and stuff crumpled newspapers inside. Here are some more tips for washing and drying running shoes.
Be visible
Choose outer layers with very bright or visible colors that have reflective stripes. Running in the rain often means drivers have poor visibility and may not notice a runner running onto the road. Because training in the fall often takes place at dusk, we highly recommend:
A) Use clothes, shoes, accessories with reflective strips,
-25%
Running Vest Bjorn Daehlie spring black
4 890 6 490
-25%
Running Vest Bjorn Daehlie spring wmn yellow
4 890 6 490
Running jacket SWIX carbon light softshell jacket w fiery red
14 990
Buy
athlete price
Running jacket Adidas own the run violet tone
6 890
Buy
athlete price
Tights Running Asics icon tight performance black/carrier gray
4 690
Buy
Buff visor silver gray htr
2 590
Buy
new
Mountain gloves VIKING 2021-22 multifunction orton red
2 290
Buy
-19%
athlete price
Cap Asics 2022 lightweight running performance black
1 290 1 590
All clothing with reflective coating
B) Use a lightweight headlamp
Special detailed article – review of the Petzl flashlight collection. One of them will definitely suit you for training at dusk.
What to do if it rains on race day
Go for the race no matter what and apply the following tips:
- At the start, wait in a raincoat - you already know this.
- Warm up before the start in shoes other than the ones you will wear for the race. Keep the starter ones, along with replacement socks, in a bag. Warm up in different shoes and change your shoes before the race.
- After finishing, remove wet clothes as soon as possible. At a major race, you will most likely be given a special blanket - a large piece of foil that will keep you warm. Get to the locker rooms in it.
Read more: Running when you have a cold: is it possible to continue training?
Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 G-TX
Lightweight running shoes with Gore-Tex allow you to run confidently over rough terrain, even in rainy weather. The membrane simultaneously keeps feet dry and ensures free air circulation inside the shoe.
A generous amount of molded EVA foam provides high levels of cushioning, lightness and softness, while the grippy and flexible Vibram MegaGrip tread prevents slippage on uneven and slippery surfaces. The unusual shape of the Meta Rocker sole creates a quick and smooth transition from landing to take-off. In addition, the sneakers use ProFly technology, which allows you to run from any part of the foot with minimal risk of injury.
Ready for the sprint
Weighing just 2.5 ounces, the men's only rain jacket, the Stoic Wraith Jacket The tester who chose it for testing stayed dry throughout the wet Seattle Marathon. “He turned out to be simply an indispensable assistant until the very end of this wet and windy race,” says the marathon participant.
Stoic Wraith Jacket
As soon as the need arises to remove the raincoat, simply put it in a special pocket. A new model for women, the Luminous jacket, is now also available. backcountry.com/stoic
First place
The Brooks LSD Lite Jacket II ($75) received top marks from our testers, earning 4 out of 5 stars for breathability, water resistance and comfort. “It's incredible how something so light (3.4 ounces) can be so waterproof,” said one runner. Drops roll off the surface of the polyester fabric thanks to DWR (durable water repellency).
Brooks LSD Lite Jacket II
Elasticity around the wrist prevents moisture from entering and allows excess heat to escape. After the rain stops, simply put the raincoat in a special pocket and fasten it to your shorts. The only drawback, according to our testers, is that the hood is not the most comfortable, but it can simply be unfastened and hidden under the collar. brooksrunning.com
ASICS Gel-Pulse 13 AWL
This model is one of the excellent examples of sneakers whose upper is made of durable, breathable material with a water-repellent finish. It maintains comfort when running in cold and wet weather, securely locks the foot, maintains freedom of movement and guarantees maximum wear resistance.
These training shoes feature strong cushioning and a comfortable fit. The combination of AMPLIFOAM technology in the midsole and GEL heel unit provides a soft landing and helps distribute the impact of your run effectively. FLYTEFOAM PROPEL foam facilitates push-off and improves rebound. This model is perfect for athletes with neutral pronation.
Salomon Sense Ride Invisible 4 G-TX
The new version of the universal training model Sense Ride retains the usual softness, responsiveness and elastic cushioning. The upper is made from a more durable, breathable Profeel Film mesh that helps keep rocks, bark and other small objects found on the road out of the sneaker. Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane protects against wetness.
The outsole uses Optivibe foam to provide optimal cushioning and reduce muscle vibration. This helps reduce leg fatigue without losing precision and dynamics of movement.
For cross-country running, reliable traction is very important. This shoe features a durable, durable Contagrip outsole.
There is also a convenient, minimalistic Quicklace lacing system that tightens in one motion.
Bright cap
Waterproof Saucony Velocity Run Cap ($28) with mini-USB headset conveniently located on the right side. “The cap is very light and gives excellent visibility in the rain.”
Saucony Velocity Run Cap
The polyester is a very lightweight fabric and the DWR helps droplets roll off onto the visor, preventing them from getting on your face or eyes. This cap has only one drawback, there is no hole for a ponytail or pigtail. saucony.com
Lowdown
“I couldn't believe how well protected I was in heavy rain conditions,” comments one tester of the Craft Performance Run WP Stretch Tight ($110). The front of the legs is maximally protected from wind and moisture thanks to waterproof fabric, while the back has stretch material that does not restrict movement while running.
Craft Performance Run WP Stretch Tight
Sealed zipper pockets are located at the ankle to help keep your driver's license, keys and other essentials dry. craftsports.us
ASICS Gel-Trabuco 9 G-TX
Trail running shoes with a Gore-Tex membrane are the perfect companion for your daily workouts.
Lightweight FlyteFoam combines with GEL heel units to provide maximum ride comfort and soft cushioning while reducing impact. The DuoMax support system integrated into the midsole guarantees excellent stability while running. Athletes with overpronation should pay attention to this feature of the sneakers - they will find it especially comfortable to run in this model.
GUIDESOLE technology helps save energy by reducing ankle flexion and reducing stress on other leg muscles.
Soft protection
The Asics Spry Jacket uses silk-soft materials. However, the raincoat showed excellent water-resistant qualities and also demonstrated excellent wind protection. This is the lightest material called Asics. This rain jacket was definitely a favorite of one of our testers, who said, “This material made running very easy and free.”
Asics Spry Jacket
Lightweight mesh prevents wet fabric from sticking to your body. In addition there is a small convenient pocket for storing keys or ID. However, despite the fact that the raincoat performed very well in light rain, in heavier rainfall it begins to leak moisture, which for many people results in wet forearms. asicsamerica.com
Tips for inclement weather
No more than 30 minutes
On average, the rain cover remains waterproof for half an hour in heavy rain (45 minutes in light drizzle). If you plan to spend more, it's worth considering more robust protection.
Do not use cotton under any circumstances
Cotton absorbs moisture, which will make your run a nightmare. Unlike cotton, a material such as polyester can get wet, but does not allow moisture to pass through.
Choose the right socks
Choose the thinnest socks, because... a lot of fabric gives more opportunity for moisture to spread, while your feet will be completely wet. We recommend the Drymax Running Lite-Mesh and Hyper Thin Running for rainy weather. (drymaxsocks.com)
Wash, do not dry
When washing, you must strictly follow the instructions on the label for certain waterproof fabrics. Using a wash softener may reduce the reliability of DWR.
No seams
Your equipment should have a minimum number of seams, because... they provide more opportunity for moisture penetration. In addition, all seams must be sealed as in waterproof raincoats.
Update
Of course, DWR does not last forever. However, don't rush to throw away your ammunition, try using different tools, such as DIY or Nikwax (nikwax.com)
Brilliant idea
For cooler temperatures, check out the Craft Performance Run Weather Jacket ($150), available in vibrant yellow-green hues. Although it is bulkier than all previous models, it performed very well in heavy rain.
Craft Performance Run Weather Jacket
It is made of waterproof material, all zippers are sealed, which cannot be said about the seams. The detachable parts of the raincoat in the wrist area become a reliable barrier to moisture, and a special mesh prevents the fabric from coming into contact with the body. craftsports.us
Drink more water
In winter and autumn we drink less water than in summer, because our body hardly sweats. Because of this, you may not feel thirsty after running. But you still need to drink water. During a run, our body consumes a lot of fluid, so it is important to replenish it. Keep a water bottle with you so you can take a couple of small sips every now and then. Warm it up before going outside to protect your throat.
Make sure you stay hydrated after your workout as well. 10-15 minutes after returning home, you should drink warm tea or freshly squeezed juice. They will warm you up and help restore water balance in the body.
