Forums >General Running>Running in the RAin: talk me through it!
Beatin' on the Rock
The point is; we are still quite "selected" people who can afford to rejoyce our good health and well-being; that we don't have to worry about dropping down to our knees after a block of "trotting". It is an exhillarating feeling to get out and work out some sweat and actually feel good about it! I sort of feel the same way when running in the rain. I almost think it's our RIGHT to be able to get our, rain or shine or snow, and enjoy this experience. ... Find a short loop, preferably residential area, and plan to go around and around several laps. I have this 3/4 mile loop around the neighborhood, luckily I never had to use it other than some repeats. On the cold Sunday morning, we use this 30-minute loop. If the weather turns absolutely unbearable, we can always call it a day!
One day at a time
I'm in Seattle, so I have to deal with this issue from time to time. If you're going for a run that's 5 miles or less, I don't think it's necessary to dress any differently than normal. I don't, anyway. I figure I'm going to get wet regardless and it's unlikely anything light is going to be effective, and heavy raingear is just annoying. The same goes for a long run if it's light rain. (As for a long run in heavy rain, I have no advice!) If you're not going to wear anything different, it's not necessary to know in advance that it's raining. Therefore, just don't look out the window. Get dressed and head out the door, and find out when you're outside that it's raining. If you know it's raining before you get ready, try to pretend it's not or forget. This may sound a little silly, but I find it so discouraging to head out if I know it's raining. Since it often rains here, I try not to look out the window before getting ready. Once I'm out the door, I'm not going to turn back. What I have found is that the worst part of rain is the intimidation factor. Once you're out there, it's a little annoying, but it's not a big deal. In fact, light rain doesn't bother me in the slightest, even when it's cold.
Man in Tights
... I'm just an old ... What do you wear? ... What do you say to yourself to get out the door in a downpour?