Tips for Running in the Rain

Running in the rain can be a little intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's like one of those rare treats that make you feel like you're on top of the world.

When I'm running on a rainy day, I always feel like I'm enveloped in this extra bubble, like there's nothing I can't do and nothing anyone can do to me.

Something about the fact that most people don't want to walk in the rain, or even step foot outside, but I'm taking it on and going for a run.

It helps that my baby loves it too. I put the weather-shield on so it can't get to him, but he can see it and hear the pitter patter of it, and he always sings the whole run whenever it's raining and tries to lean forward in his stroller and grab each drop.

Another good thing about the rain is no one can tell if that is water, sweat or snot pouring down your face.

So if you're ready to take on the adventure of running in the rain, here are some tips to help you stay dry where it counts.

Keep Your Toes Dry

Wrap your socks in saran wrap before you put your shoes on. Just make sure the saran wrap doesn't touch your skin because this can cause chafing.

Keep Your Eyes Dry

To me the most annoying thing about running in the rain before I figured out how to fix it, was getting water in my eyes. Some ways to prevent this are, wear a hat with a brim, wear sun glasses (or those goggles that swimmers wear), or if you're pushing a jogging stroller, you can always keep a dry towel under the weather shield.

Prevent Chafing

It's never recommended that you wear cotton when you're running but even if you wear cotton anyway, you do not want to wear cotton in the rain! Wet cotton...ouch! For more anti-chafing tips, click here.

Wear a Parka

One of my favorite thing that they give out at races some times are those big plastic, parka looking things. These are so much fun to wear, will keep your warm and dry, and as long as you wear it over anti-chafing clothes and don't let it touch your skin, you will be nice and cozy.

If you don't have one, no worries, a big garbage bag will do the trick...you can even mark it up with a water-proof magic partner and write something really clever and inspiring, like "Take this Rain!"

Related Tips

Running in the cold rain? Find tips here on running in the winter.

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