How to Run in the Rain (Unofficially)

on December 4, 2009
in All Posts

I got sucked into a 2-hour special episode of Private Practice last night (which was soooo good!) and stayed up until well past midnight! I’m regretting it right now.  :)  But oh, the drama!  I couldn’t put down the remote.

 

I ended up having a bowl of granola + yogurt because I got hungry. 

 

As a result, my breakfast is a little lighter than normal.  My appetite just wasn’t raging like it normally is in the morning.

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I had an egg, cheese, and sprout sammie on Arnold Sandwich Thins.

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Plus, 1/4 a melon:

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How to Run in the Rain (Unofficially)

 

Tomorrow, I’m racing in my first Half Marathon of the 2009 – 2010 racing season (and my third Half ever).  However, the weather forecast does NOT look good:

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Looks like I’ll be running 13.1 miles in the cold and rain, which MIGHT be a good thing for my time, actually.

 

I’ve only run one other race in the rain, and it was the last Half Marathon I ran (recap).  However, it didn’t start to rain until Mile 11!  I do have a lot of experience in running in the rain, as it pours constantly in Central Florida, and I rarely let rain deter me from a run.  I actually ran in a tropical storm in June 2008! 

 

Here are my simple rules for running in the rain, when you are too cheap to buy official rain gear (like me):

 

  • Tip 1:  Wear a hat.  The brim will keep water from getting into your eyes, and it will help keep your head warm.

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  • Tip 2: Do NOT wear cotton because it will become water logged and increase your risk of awesome chafing.

 

  • Tip 3:  Cut holes for your arms and head out of a garbage bag and wear it like a poncho before the race starts.  It will help keep you dry and warm until you start running.  Just ditch it in the trash when you start to race.

 

  • Tip 4:  Wrap your electronics in Saran Wrap or a ziploc bag to keep them dry.

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  • Tip 5:  Watch where you step!  Your feet will stay surprisingly dry when running in a light drizzle, but if you step in a puddle, you’re done. 

 

  • Tip 6:  Have fun!  For my recap of Gasparilla Half Marathon, I wrote, “Then… at Mile 11.0, the inevitable happened.  The clouds opened up and it started to POUR.  I was determined not to let the rain get me down, so I screamed out "WOOOOO HOOOO" at the top of my lungs, which started an awesome change reaction all down the course!!! So many people were cheering for RAIN — it was amazing.”   Having a good attitude about the rain makes it more bearable.

 

Will you work out in all sorts of weather conditions, or is rain, snow, or the cold an excuse to take it indoors (or stay on the couch)?  When I lived in Pittsburgh, I would skip many outdoor runs due to the snow!  :)  Snow and ice are a little more dangerous than rain!

{ 80 comments }

 

  • megan December 4, 2009, 8:55 am

    I’ll run in the rain if it’s warm, but not if it’s cold! And I stay away from the snow. I tried once last year, but my feet kept slipping and it was hurting my ankles so that was the end of that.

    we’re currently in the middle of our first big snowstorm in michigan at the moment 🙁

  • Megan @ Megzz Wins At Life December 4, 2009, 8:55 am

    GREAT tips! I have never tried running in the train yet.. Every time it rains I head to the treadmill but one day I am going to get enough courage and certainly will get back to this post as a reference.

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is December 4, 2009, 8:57 am

    I had no idea it rained so much in central Florida. Don’t you miss the snow here in Pittsburgh??? 🙂

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat December 4, 2009, 9:00 am

    Unless I am already committed to a race, I stay out of the rain. Although over the summer this year, I accidentally ran in a thunderstorm!

    Good luck tomorrow 🙂

  • Amy Reinink December 4, 2009, 9:04 am

    Great tips, and great attitude about something we really, truly can’t control on race day! My best running-in-the-rain tip is to train in the rain. If you’ve already learned you can run safely and happily in the pouring rain on training runs, it takes away a major piece of uncertainty on race day.

  • Lindsay December 4, 2009, 9:05 am

    Awesome tips for running in the rain!! It might be kinda cool to run in a tropical storm 😉 BUT definitely not in the snow and ice, that does NOT make for a fun run!!

  • Jenna December 4, 2009, 9:11 am

    rock it at the run tomorrow girl! i am NOT a big fan of running in the rain, snow, or cold, i will go indoors to the gym 😉
    jenna

  • RhodeyGirl December 4, 2009, 9:12 am

    Thanks for this post.

    I am SO frightened of running in the rain. The running accident I had in 2008 was due to the RAIN and a guy trying to avoid a puddle, and now I just freak when I run in the rain and run soooo slow to avoid all injury.

  • kilax December 4, 2009, 9:12 am

    Caitlin, Melanie at Life is a Marathon posted an interesting tidbit about the 2-hour Private Practice special on her 12/3 post!

    I love your tips! I had to run indoors last night because the ground was covered in ice. And today it was covered in snow. I almost slipped with I was scrapping snow off my car. Ugh. Winter.

  • Kate December 4, 2009, 9:13 am

    I really like your WOOHOO for the rain – I’ll definitely use that next time I’m in a race with less-than-ideal weather conditions 🙂

  • Justy2003 December 4, 2009, 9:14 am

    I usually won’t run if it’s already raining. If I get out there and it starts raining, then I obviously have to finish. A drizzle or light rain doesn’t bother me, but pouring rain and I do not get along. My contacts start floating out of my eyes and I hate wet shoes. I’ve tried it a couple times and hate it. It’s cold AND raining here in Texas today (we’re supposed to get snow?!?!) so my run will be taken to the dreadmill, unfortunately.

  • SweetiePotato December 4, 2009, 9:15 am

    I love to workout when the weather isn’t too great! Luckily, it doesn’t snow were I live so I haven’t had to deal with that — I don’t think I’d make it if it was snowing outside 😛 That’s just a little too much for me!

  • Allison December 4, 2009, 9:16 am

    If it’s raining, I usually wait until it lets up to start my run. I’ve learned that it never rains for long in Florida, so in a few minutes or an hour, it usually dries out!

    This will be my first winter trying to run in the snow and ice up in Michigan. I’m going to get some cold-weather running tights and just try to brave the cold as long as it’s not too icy!

  • Lizzy December 4, 2009, 9:16 am

    these tips are great! i usually shy away from running in the rain or anything like that, but if its warm out i actually don’t mind, but if its cold you can bet i’m staying inside. lol!

  • Katie December 4, 2009, 9:17 am

    Um it’s been single digit wind chill here and I’m using a sore IT Band as an excuse, but it most definitely does not hurt bad enough to not get out there!

    I HATE rain done it twice and drowned one IPod and just never warm back up.

  • healthy ashley December 4, 2009, 9:17 am

    I might take a little run in the rain right now, so this was great to read!

  • Teacherwoman December 4, 2009, 9:18 am

    Okay, I missed Private Practice last night because I was soo tired and in bed by 8pm CT! So, I will have to watch it on Hulu… love that show!

  • maria December 4, 2009, 9:19 am

    Thanks for the tips! 🙂

  • Jen @ This Vegetarian Life December 4, 2009, 9:19 am

    I will exercise outside in the rain if necessary (and if it isn’t the bitterly cold stuff we tend to get around here) but more often then not, I’ll just take the workout inside. I just joined a gym because of this actually. We are not supposed to get above 40 again for another…oh, 4 months or so. I hate cold. Maybe I need to move to FL. You’re forcast sounds wonderful. 🙂

  • Erin December 4, 2009, 9:21 am

    If it’s already pouring, I don’t usually head out unless I’m running with a running group. If it’s just threatening to rain, I’ll head out anyway. Although, I stay in if there is lightening. I don’t mind running in the snow as long as it’s light and there’s not much wind. Or if the snow is already hard-packed on the sidewalk I just strap on my YakTrax and go.

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels December 4, 2009, 9:22 am

    I’ve been running in some pretty cold weather and some rain lately too . . . but it’s just getting far too cold here to run outside anymore

  • Amy December 4, 2009, 9:23 am

    Hi! I know with that attitude you’ll have a blast. The only thin I’d say different is to not cut arm holes in your trash bag – just the head hole and I’d add to body glide everything more than normal! Have fun!

  • Erin December 4, 2009, 9:24 am

    I haven’t been able to get into Private Practice at all this season…

    Great tips! I don’t mind a light drizzle but HATE heavier downpours. The snow is just bad because it’s so darn cold, but at least it’s pretty. 🙂

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance...after a 100+ POUND weight loss! December 4, 2009, 9:25 am

    I ran for the 1st time in the Rain last week before Thanksgiving when we had another few rainy days here in Orlando (which is not the normal for this time of year)! I wore a hate, however I also wore cotton cloths so I was socked by the time I finished but no chaffing luckily as it was a quick run. It felt quite good actually. Very calming! =)

  • Evan Thomas December 4, 2009, 9:28 am

    I’m such a baby when it comes to running in the rain. I’m convinced I melt 🙂

  • Tami December 4, 2009, 9:30 am

    there are always obstacles, you just need to decide if you want to face them or not

  • Allison December 4, 2009, 9:31 am

    Snow would stop me- I fell on ice once and it hurt! I just got done running 5.25 miles in 25 degree weather. It wasn’t too bad. I run in the rain only when it’s not pouring- a light drizzle is fine, but torrential downpour= gym time.

  • Britt - Runnerbelle December 4, 2009, 9:33 am

    I run and have done races in all kinds of weather…. negative temps, rain, snow, sleet, freezing rain. Just makes the run more memorable. Did a 20 miler in March that was about 40 degrees, rainy & windy. There is also one race I do every January that you just never know what you will get, they only postponted it once I think. Its a tough course, but often made worse by snow and sub zero temps. http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/1/1_39/2298.shtml

    Yes, runners are crazy! 😉

  • Ashley December 4, 2009, 9:34 am

    For a long time I had the horrible habit of deeming Rain as a reason for not working out. ha. Living in FL that is not a good idea.

    Have fun with your race tomorrow!

  • Courtney December 4, 2009, 9:36 am

    I had a reader offer me her race number for a 5k tomorrow she can’t do due to an injury and I took it…even though it is 27 degrees today and an inch of snow on the ground…so I guess I’m going to find out just how cold of weather I can run in!! eeek!!
    Good luck to you tomorrow!
    Courtney
    Adventures in Tri-ing

  • Mo @ MommyRD December 4, 2009, 9:39 am

    While I grew up in MN, since moving to AZ 13 years ago, I’ve become a wimp. I can run in heat, but not snow and rain. Good thing we almost never have either here. 😉

  • Chari December 4, 2009, 9:41 am

    I’m here in O’Town with you, so I run in the rain and thunderstorms all the time. Because I’m normally a trail runner, I’m constantly leaping over mud puddles and just plain ‘ol mud! You’re right about plopping your foot into a puddle — you’re soaked and run the risk of blisters after that.

    We were just discussing the garbage bag thing yesterday — they will also keep you warm on early race mornings when it’s not raining, but just COLD!

  • Lee December 4, 2009, 9:42 am

    I ran my last half in the rain. I guess that when I’m just running to run, I’ll skip it if the weather is bad or switch my schedule around but if it’s an actual race, I’ll run it.

    100% agree about the hat and non-cotton shirt. And make sure you have non-cotton socks as well.

  • Anne December 4, 2009, 9:46 am

    since i started trail running, i actually prefer puddles and rain drops! the folks i run with give prizes for the messiest runner! its all about attitude. and in the hot muggy dc summer, i grab every rainy run possible as an escape from the gym. hot, muggy hot yucky is the only thing that drives me in to the gym. and the dark. i’m injury prone so running in the dark is not my first choice.

    good luck tomorrow-have fun!

    • Anne December 4, 2009, 9:48 am

      quick question on running in weather though…don’t you hate waiting for your shoes to dry after? i end up wearing old sneaks in weather, but that’s terrible for my footsies. maybe i should just invest in a second pair of decent shoes…

      • Chari December 4, 2009, 9:56 am

        Anne, I have two pair of the same type of running shoe. I used one for the road and the other for the trail. You can DEFINITELY see the difference between the two! 🙂

  • Matt December 4, 2009, 9:47 am

    Yeah I learned over the summer that iPods are NOT waterproof 😉

  • Carolyn December 4, 2009, 10:03 am

    A 2 hour Private Practice!! I was too distracted with my new laptop to notice. I’ll have to watch it on said laptop tonight!!

  • Jess December 4, 2009, 10:07 am

    I’ll run in any conditions. I just look at it as an extra challenge and I like extreme conditions. I absolutely LOVE the rain and running in the rain is one of my favourite things.

    I’ll be doing a 26k run (16 miles) in what’s forecast to be -20C (-5F) on Monday. It’s not ideal, no, but training through winter just makes me appreciate weather and nature more.

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg December 4, 2009, 10:08 am

    You are a MUCH better woman than I. When my half-marathon forecast called for rain, I was totally going to skip out on it 🙂 Rain in Louisiana usually = monsoon. Luckily, it skipped over S’port and I was able to run the whole thing rain-free. I am a total wimp when it comes to bad weather.

    Now that I live in PA, I’m already moving my workouts indoors on the dreadmill. How far into the winter months did you workout outside, just out of curiosity? And, if you took a break from outdoor workouts, when were you able to move them outside again?

    • Caitlin December 4, 2009, 10:12 am

      i think i moved it inside when it started to snow and moved it back out around april when it started to get warmer. you cant just suddenly switch from treadmills to outdoor though (the surfaces are so different you risk injury), so i transitioned one day a week at a time until i was back outside 100%

  • Lauren @ Eater not a runner December 4, 2009, 10:09 am

    Good luck at the race! I usually wimp out when it comes to running in the rain 😉

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing December 4, 2009, 10:13 am

    Best of luck in tomorrows race!! :O)

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie December 4, 2009, 10:14 am

    I LOVE running in the rain! One of my favorite runs ever was in a massive rain storm with pouring rain, thunder and the whole shibang. However, it was a summer storm. I don’t like the cold at all.

  • Laura Georgina December 4, 2009, 10:15 am

    We get some serious tropical downpours here in Trinidad, which makes it odd that last Monday was my first downpour run. I had my music player in a ziploc as usual, and loved the rain–until it mixed with sweat and ran into my eyes, and then onto my glasses, and then I couldn’t see.

    So I’m with you, Caitlin, on the hat from now on! And good luck on the race on Sunday-you’ll rock it as usual!

  • Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries December 4, 2009, 10:17 am

    I’ve never ran in the rain haha. But sounds like you’ve got a good strategy… and way more will power than I…

  • stina December 4, 2009, 10:17 am

    I giggled a little when you said you were going to be running your half in the cold and rain and the forecast the low 60s. I’m going to be rocking a 5K Saturday morning in temps that will *hopefully* be above freezing!

    I love how people perceive “cold” or “hot” temps based on their location. It always makes me smile!

    Rain is the one weather condition that does stop me. I HATE! the rain. I absolutely cannot stand being wet.

  • skinnyrunner December 4, 2009, 10:20 am

    the first and only race ive ran in the rain i wore a white cotton shirt…. hmm, not so bright of an idea.

  • Karla December 4, 2009, 10:27 am

    If it snows… I will definitely stick to indoor running. I’m a wimp when it comes to cold weather.

  • Emily Eats and Exercises December 4, 2009, 10:36 am

    I’ve had some of my best runs in the rain over the summer – it keeps you nice and cool (though I do prefer when I manage to stay out of the puddles.)
    I just started running late last winter and at that point I was on the treadmill only. Now I can’t stand the treadmill – I’m curious how long I can make it outside in the Boston winter. Part of me thinks it sounds like fun, but definitely not worth an injury.

  • Tammy December 4, 2009, 10:39 am

    Great tips and I would agree with every one! We have had an unusually rainy year this year in Arkansas and we didn’t escape having to do long runs in the rain! Thanks for the tip on putting a baggie on the ipod, I will use that one!

    One time we were doing our 18 miler in the rain (we thought we might luck out, but it started raining at mile 2!) and we did NOT have our hats…so we were being blinded by all the water running in our eyes…we stopped at a paint store to see if we could get a hat (because they usually give away free caps)…well, the store was closed, but we ran into some cyclists outside a starbucks and one of the guys offered a few of the caps in his car to us! So all 3 of us borrowed a cap and it saved us! The guy who so graciously loaned them to us worked at a local bike shop, so we returned them later. The athletes in our community are awesome!

  • Anne Marie@ New Weigh of Life December 4, 2009, 10:42 am

    Awesome tips! I don’t run outside if it’s raining, but that’s just my thing 😛

  • Katie December 4, 2009, 10:55 am

    The first Boston Marathon training winter was SO hard, I was running outside throughout it, I think it toughened me up a little though!

    I’d love for you to check out my blog – giveaway coming and workout songs!

    http://katiechangesforkatie.blogspot.com/

    Katie

  • Kristie Lynn December 4, 2009, 11:19 am

    Temps like that would be pretty warm for me so I would LOVE the rain. I actually really do like running in the rain, though. It just makes me feel like a little kid 🙂

  • Julie @savvyeats December 4, 2009, 11:24 am

    I’m not a rain, snow, cold running fan. I might run in the cold if I had a good scarf or something else to cover my mouth. Sucking in all that cold air is not beneficial to running!

    I like how I say I don’t run in the cold, and yet I am running a 5K on New Year’s Eve…

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) December 4, 2009, 11:26 am

    I hate running in the rain! I actually dropped out of a 5k a couple weeks ago..but it was raining sideways…and in the upper 30s.
    Either way, good luck with your race, woman!

  • Krista December 4, 2009, 11:29 am

    Running in the cold…and I’m talking Canadian cold….really hurts my lungs and I’m not sure why. For this reason I stay indoors on the treadmill…

  • Lu December 4, 2009, 11:31 am

    I am extremely deterred by the weather. I work out in a yoga studio. I’m a weenie about things like that. Your tips are awesome though.

  • Rose December 4, 2009, 11:34 am

    Good tips! Being from PA – I know exactly what you mean about snow.

  • Wendy December 4, 2009, 11:51 am

    I ran my very first half marathon in the rain, and it was awesome! Good luck!!

  • Tania @ Moment Anew December 4, 2009, 11:51 am

    I’m definitely an indoor gym kind of person. Weather has to be perfect for me to venture outdoors. But your tips are great! 🙂

  • emily December 4, 2009, 12:12 pm

    I guess you guys aren’t getting the snow that the rest of us in the deep south might be getting tonight/tomorrow? I just heard it’s snowing in Houston! I’m crossing my fingers.

  • Anne@ the doctor takes a wife December 4, 2009, 12:32 pm

    I have no idea what I’m going to do when I go back to Michigan for the holidays. I’ve been lucky here in TX with the weather (even though it’s COLD and I don’t know what to do with myself…) but I’ll have to take it inside around Christmas, because I don’t want to die on the ice back up north!!

  • michelle December 4, 2009, 12:41 pm

    I ALSO did Gasparilla in the MONSOON last year- that was no “rain” chica. 😛 I did the team marathon relay and I was supposed to do leg 3 but our anchor got sick so I ran legs 3 and 4. By the time our first 2 legs (it was my friend’s first race) finished it was later and I was SOAKED. 🙂 I also ran my best that day. 🙂 Have fun! Ipod in a bag and a hat are the best. 🙂 Good luck!

  • Katharine December 4, 2009, 1:00 pm

    I got sucked into Private Practice last night, too! (Does this mean Grey’s wasn’t on?) It was a really good episode!

  • Hethir December 4, 2009, 1:14 pm

    Great attitude about the rain. I always cheer when the Garmin toots a mile has been had.

  • Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun) December 4, 2009, 1:17 pm

    I can think of many advantages of being married to a British man, but I have a thing for them, so go figure. Tea is a splendid thing, for sure.

    I adore that mini-casserole. How innovative! Yum, yum, yum.

    Thanks for the rain run tips!

  • Bree@beeskneeslife December 4, 2009, 1:19 pm

    I love running in the rain. Living in MN and ND, you get used to the cold and snow. In high school I would run in the teens as long as the windchill wasn’t below zero. Crazy I know. I see people here running in all types of weather. I won’t go now if its below 20, but people here run on the coldest days 20, 30, 40 below! No joke.

    Good luck in the race!

  • Janna December 4, 2009, 1:42 pm

    Love the tips. Love your reaction to the rain at your other race even more. Totally put a smile on my face. It’s all in how you look at things!

    My favorite thing is when it starts to rain right at the end of your run… best feeling.

  • Michaela December 4, 2009, 3:36 pm

    Body glide. All over the feet to prevent blisters. It’s a life saver.

  • Michelle@eatingjourney December 4, 2009, 4:47 pm

    I use this awesome product/line called IceBreaker. It’s made out of wool and it’s totally worth the 80.00/item. I know you’re on a budget…but perhaps you could review them for them 😉

  • Heather O'Donnell December 4, 2009, 5:00 pm

    I have a 5K race tomorrow and the high temp for the day is 28 degrees. Yikes! It is going to be a cold one. I don’t have any cold weather gear, so I just wear layer upon layer and hope to finish quickly.

  • Susan December 4, 2009, 5:04 pm

    I lucked out this summer and never had to force myself to run in the rain! But I can’t do snow or ice. Mostly because it gets reeeeally icy here in the winter, and it’s legitimately not safe. I’ve been doing the treadmill a lot lately because I can’t afford winter running gear, but it’s actually been a nice change 🙂 (I don’t detest the treadmill like most)

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) December 4, 2009, 8:08 pm

    Rain tends to send me to the gym and snow is a no go because I don’t want to reinjure my back now that it is fixed. But If I’m training for a race I like to get in some runs in the rain to prepare me for if it happens. I also love to run in the rain if it super hot outside.

  • Sarah S. December 4, 2009, 8:21 pm

    was that private practice not SO GOOD!??! i definitely got sucked into it too! and i had to get up at 530am for orientation alllllll day today at the college i’m transferring to… but it was so worth it.

  • Lily @ Lily's Health Pad December 4, 2009, 9:10 pm

    Ok, it cracks me up that weather in the low 60’s is considered cold! That Florida weather must be spoiling you. As a side note, I’ve read that 55 degrees is the optimal temperature for running performance (although I’m sure individual differences must be taken into consideration), so hopefully you’re in luck!
    You’ll be awesome!

  • Nicole December 4, 2009, 9:32 pm

    I personally hate running in the rain, but I will run in light rain/drizzle. I have run in snow many times and to be honest, would rather run in the snow than the rain..but it depends on the type of snow. As long as it’s not super windy, extremely cold and icy, I have no problems running in the snow.
    Your weather report looks very northern-like. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the race anyway!

  • Katy @ These Beautiful Feet December 4, 2009, 11:51 pm

    Ahh! I pray the rain just happens to not happen. 😉 Which is unlikely, but happy thoughts. I will be thinking about you guys!! I hope you have an awesome race. 🙂

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