Running in the rain can make you feel like a child playing in puddles as you see your normal route with a new lense. It can also be one of the most miserable experiences one can endure, circa Boston 2018 anyone?

As a coach I have the firm belief that running in the rain can actually be cleansing for the soul and enjoyable experience - even in the colder temps. All that it takes is a few slight changes to totally change your experience.

Getting out the door*

You (almost) never regret going out for a run. Running in the rain is something that causes a lot of commiseration and grumpy comments, but it’s really not that bad, right? Typically after 10 minutes of running when I’ve warmed up I hardly care at all, and have no problem getting in the assigned mileage for the day. While it takes some courage to head out the door I always surprise myself with how much I enjoy the whole process of it.

Give yourself 10 minutes. If you’re still absolutely miserable you can turn around. But there is very high chance you’ll be much more comfortable and find yourself getting in the rest of your mileage. The feeling of going and getting rained on is always worse than actually getting rained on.

*I’m referring to rainstorms where no lightening or active danger

Waterproof gear is overrated.

Ok, this is a bit of a hot take but hear me out.

Unless you’re spending several hundred dollars on certain types of jackets waterproof is VERY hard to achieve. I’ve worn some high end waterproof gear throughout my years running and “water resistant” is probably a better descriptor. It’ll help keep some of the water out but not very much.

But heres the catch, if it’s waterproof that also means there it’s airflow proof which creates a hotbox, fast. I’ve found myself tossing my waterproof jacket minutes into my run. Save your money on expensive gear as you’ll so very rarely need the jacket anyways.

Obviously very dependent on the weather but thin moisture wicking clothes would be a great choice. They’ll keep you warm and not soak up loads of water.

Cotton is a no go I know and have plenty of friends with some horror chafe stories after trying to get away with cotton socks, t shirts, pants, really anything.

This is true for Waterproof shoes too

Reiterating from before, if it’s waterproof that means it doesn’t breath and won’t let water out. A combination of overly sweaty feet and waterlogged shoes from rain running down your legs sounds like a nightmare. Waterproof shoes have their purpose but in my opinion it’s on very rare occasions.

Rain with certain clothing items = chafe

Certain people never experience chafe issues. But I have seen rainy weather wreck havock on runners thighs and arm pit area. If you’re someone who has dealt with chaffing before make sure to apply some vasoline.

Braid/Bun it up!

Ok, I’ll be honest on this one. I don’t have the same familiarity with this as much as many others, as I’ve just begun to join the long haired gang. But for those who have longer hair spending just a few minutes braiding (or bun-ing) your hair before a rainy run.

Combing through tangled hair post run is NOT fun. Neither is spending way too much money on conditioner to get the knots out.

As a long hair newbie I learned this one the hard way. Take care of your hair or pay the price!

Puddles: to jump or not to jump?

Typically I find myself the first couple of miles avoiding puddles at all costs as I jump and tiptoe around any pool of water. Once I accept the fact that my shoes are completely soaked I take on a more normal gait.

But there are two reasons I think it’s always in your best interest to avoid puddles. First, for a puddle to form it’s simply a depression or at worst a pothole or divot where the water sits. When we step into murky water we cant totally be sure what our footing will be like. The water can do a great job hiding something that we otherwise would just automatically avoid. I’ve seen runners twist their ankles and fall down when they placed their feet without thinking as they run along

The 2nd reason is when you’re in a group and someone steps into a puddle everyone else gets splashed way more and you really don’t want to be that guy

Post Rainy Run

The run is done but there are things you should do ASAP. Here are a few things

1. Change out of those wet clothes. While you may finish the run quite warm the wet base layers will sap heat away from your body and lower your body temperature. It also just feels so much better to be in dry clothes after being soaked.

2. Dry those shoes!! Trust me nothing is worse then trying to put on your running shoes the following day and them being damp. Take less than a minute and take some old newspaper and stuff them full to dry them out. Putting them out in front of a fan works too. If you don’t take care of this fast that dreaded running shoe smell will overcome a portion of your place.

3. Don’t throw your clothes into a ball or into your hamper for long.. You want to avoid that smell.

Running in the rain is an enjoyable experience. It’s a cool experience to be the only person out there and it feels like you can see the same old loop with new eyes. If you’re prepared and know how to handle the differing conditions you’ll be well set and be able to get in the mileage needed for the day with no issues! Plus you’ll be even more prepared for races like the Boston Marathon in 2018 where for 26 miles a headwind, drenching rain, and 38 degrees is pelting you in the face.

Have fun out there and train well.