Running in the Rain

Since taking up jogging/running on a regular basis I've been supremely lucky with the weather.  Mild, bright and dry it's been for weeks now.  But, this being the UK, it won't last...  dark, cold and wet is just around the corner.

I'm not a wimpy type and my other form of exercise is hillwalking in truly miserable conditions.  I'm no stranger to heavy-duty Gore Tex and mud up to the knees!  But what about running?  Will my Nikes slip in the wet?  Do they make waterproofs for runners or do you not bother?  Reflective stripes a good idea?  Any other wet-weather winter running tips?

Reflective stripes would be worthwhile.

As for running in the rain it doesnt bother me and i kinda enjoy it,mind you it will get alot harder once winter hits up here near Newcastle.

Sounds like I'll just be getting wet then!  I shall try to see it as 'refreshing' ...

You might be surprised at how much you like it.

Think of all the puddle jumping as hurdles.  See you just boosted your workout to a new level.

If your Nike's get wet stick some newspaper in them over night (all day if your a morning person), it helps dry them.

I have no idea what to do when it starts snowing?  wear my UgGs?

Running in the snow is nice too.

rain doesn't bother me unless its torrential.  Be sure to wear layers, wear water wicking fabrics.  I avoid running in the snow because usually that means ice will be accompanying it, so on the winter that means I become very well acquainted with my treadmill (much less fun IMO, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do).  I live in Boston so weather sucks.  I think I am going to be training for the Boston marathon this winter though so I suppose I'll figure something out in regards to the snow/ice.

Dplatzer- Hi neighbor, I live just north of you.  I live next door to UNH in Durham.  For training just run in front of the subway cars (just kidding)

I enjoy running in the rain myself, it's kind of cooling and motivating when the rain hits your face! 

I live in Colorado and I will be the first to admit I am dreading winter this year. I have done so well preparing for my 1/2 marathon (in 19 days - yikes!) that it will be really hard to be stuck inside on a treadmill!

I agree with making sure you wear layers and also moisture wicking fabric helps a lot too.

Good luck!

I was using the lovely Irish rain as an excuse not to go running one day and friend looked at me sceptically and uttered the immortal words 'Ach well - it won't melt you.....'.

It's a mental barrier to overcome but you won't even notice it once you get started.  If you run in a park or on grass it does get slippy so watch your step.  I have a light weight cagoole (sorry can't spell that!) that keeps the wind chill down and I find that invaluable in the winter months.  Wicking fabrics are great to keep from getting too wet and chaffing.

Happy running

Sorry to hi-jack the thread. I have a related question!

What about blisters? That's what I'm always afraid of. Getting my socks all wet and then having them slip around in my shoes until I'm raw. Ick.

Running in the rain can be an awesome experience.  This might sound kind of lame, but the reason I like it is because it makes me feel hardcore.  I always think, "Wow, I am such a bada** out here in the rain...Go me!"

A couple tips:

-After your run, stuff your shoes completely full with crumpled up newspaper. Leave them like this for several hours, and then take out the paper.  This will soak out all the water and leave you with dry shoes.

-Be careful of the temperature while running in the rain.  You might not realize how cold it is because you are running and working out, but as soon as you stop, your body temp will drop FAST!  Make sure you end your run very close to your house/car so you can immediately get into a dry place and avoid the risk of hypothermia.

Have fun!

I resisted rain running for a bit and now actually find it refreshing if its not too bitter cold out - but people will start looking at you funny:)!  

I back up what a few others said about wearing wicking materials on your first layer of clothes - makes a huge difference. They are a little more expensive, so typically I'll wear the pant and bottom layer shirt in the wicking material, but just throw a fleece or light wool as a top layer. And a baseball cap to keep the rain out of your eyes.  I also make sure to wear a wicking or primarily synthetic sock on those days as well rather than the usual cotton ones.

I would go online to some of the bigger athletic/sporting goods stores in the UK and check out their 'outlet' sales (as these wicking materials are more pricy!) ...I usually find some decent sales at the US ones to help me build up a new appropriate all weather running wardrobe! But its well worth the extra investment - it makes a world of difference and I now can't imagine running around with a soggy tush and chilly wet shirt again!

Also, I would be cautious with the heavy weatherproof stuff like Gore-tex --that can sometimes make you feel too overheated/muggy...test it out but you may feel more comfortable with a plain old cheap fleece instead.