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See the Index for more topics, information, hints and tips.
I used to never run in the rain. Now it doesn’t bother me too much, but it is especially hard to start running when it is already raining. If it starts raining while you are out running that’s not usually a big deal as long as you are prepared especially mentally.
I find rain hitting my head and face to be very annoying. To make running in the rain more tolerable, you first want a baseball hat or a hat with a brim. Having a hat to keep the rain out of your face and off your glasses just makes it a lot easier and it keeps your glasses dryer. I take a hat along if there’s even a chance that I’ll get rained on. You can wear a baseball style hat backwards to make it more aerodynamic. If the rain stops you can tuck it into your shorts.
If it’s warm, rain can be welcome and even refreshing. You probably won’t need any other protection – you’ll just get wet. As long as you are wearing synthetic, that is non-cotton, technical clothes.
If it is a bit cooler (and the temperature depends on you and the wind among other things), then it could be more serious. As long as you keep running you will generate heat. But if you have to walk or stop, you may get cold, seriously cold.
Consider for your next purchase a good rain coat. There are a wide variety of options here. One of the main differences in them are the ones that are made with a breathable fabric. Runners generate enough sweat that I'm not sure these are worth the extra cost. I like ones that allow you to stow the hood in a collar. You only need to get a shell, not a lined jacket. That way you can add layers of technical wicking shirts underneath to fit the temperature. You can also use these in cold conditions because they will block the wind.
More cases of hypothermia (your body cooling to below 93 degrees) occur in temperatures in the 40’s and 50’s than in the 30’s. It is more difficult and dangerous to run in the rain with the temperature in the 40’s than to run in the snow with temperatures in the 20’s. I always carry a trash bag for just such emergency occasions (see Emergency Coat).
You can also purchase special light weight running rain gear. But understand that because they are holding the rain out and holding heat in, you are probably going to get wet from your sweat. The more expensive ones that breathe may make you a little more comfortable.
In rain you will have more chaffing issues. Take whatever you use to protect yourself from chaffing along and apply it as needed. Vaseline or lip balm can work in a pinch.
You’ll also notice your shoes getting heavier as they and your socks soak up the water. There’s nothing you can do about that. When you are finished running, remove the sole insole, drain the water out, and stuff newspaper inside them. Change the paper as needed, but remove the paper as they start to dry out to allow more air to circulate inside the shoe. If you can put your shoes in a location where air flows over and in them (like in front of an air duct or small fan) it will dry them out more quickly. Or take the opportunity to wash your shoes. Never put them in the dryer. Don't forget to put your insoles back in your shoes before you run!
You can wash your shoes occasionally in a washing machine. Run them through on the gentle cycle and cool water - don't put them in the dryer. You can also soak them in a mild Clorox bleach solution. Take the insoles out and place them all in a tub and weigh them down with rocks. Let them soak for an hour or more and then rinse them well. Dry them inside the house or outside in the shade.
Be very careful if you are running on a road. Cars can’t see you as well and it’s not as easy for them to swerve or brake. You should carry a light (both front and rear) to make yourself more visible.
Another hazard are potholes disguised as puddles. It's sometimes hard to see how deep a puddle is. Try to avoid them if you are unsure.
Don’t run on natural trails in the rain because it damages them. See Trail Running for more information.
Don’t forget to protect your electronics. You can use a small ziplock bag.
You might want to take a change of clothes along for after your run.
Be careful with lightning! Seek shelter, but not in a metal structure and not under the tallest or only tree around.
If you are anticipating incoming storms, pay attention especially in the direction the storms will be coming from. If you can’t see the horizon very well, notice the general illumination. If it gets dark, you need to heed the warning.
If you live in an area that has severe weather, check out my page Dealing with Weather for more information.
