Hi everyone! Today’s post comes to you courtesy of my post work run on Monday. See, on Monday it was raining…again. Just like it was on my long run on Saturday. And as I drove home from work and told my husband I was going to go out for a quick run before dinner, he said what most people would probably say in this situation – “You’re going to run in the rain?”. Of course, I could head over to the gym and run there. Or I could just skip my run and lay around wishing I was out running. But instead, I laced up my shoes and threw on my rain jacket for a 3 miler along the coastal trail.
Rain in Anchorage = awesome low clouds below the mountains
As I ran down the trail I saw some friends from my running group, passed a bunch of adorable puppies out for a walk, and successfully avoided all moose. And I did it all while it was pouring! I was far from the only person out there, and it seemed like most people didn’t even mind the rain. And it made me wonder about why runners are so willing to skip running when it’s rainy out – because honestly, it’s secretly awesome! If you’ve never tried it, here’s what you’re missing:
- First of all, you’re probably going to get wet and sweaty while running anyways. Why not just get wet sooner to get it over with?
- The hardest part is getting out the door. Once you’re a few minutes into the run you’ll want to keep on going.
- You get to be “that crazy runner” who’s out there in the rain, getting those miles done no matter what.
- Rain helps keep your body temperature down, so you feel more comfortable when it’s hot out.
- You don’t have to worry about getting off track on your training plan just because of weather.
- Chances are, you’re eventually going to have a rainy race day. Now you’ll be prepared and know how to dress to avoid any race day mishaps. In fact, my current half marathon PR happened in the pouring rain!
- You totally earn that post-run hot shower.
- If you’re a road runner, your shoes will get a little shower too!
- And if you’re a trail runner, you’ll get nice and muddy, which totally adds to the character of your trail shoes.
- It’s really, really fun to splash through puddles like a little kid!
If you’re not a fan of rainy running, you might just need the right gear! I always wear a rain jacket – even though I usually end up getting wet and sweaty underneath anyways, it’s nice to have a barrier against wind so I don’t get too cold. If you’re not a fan of rain jackets, just make sure to wear something that won’t chafe when you get wet. Body Glide is the best for preventing this! I also make sure to wear absolutely no cotton anything (which is a great rule anyways with running). It’s easy to overlook socks, but you definitely need some non-cotton socks if your feet are going to get soaked. And make sure to keep your phone and any other non-waterproof electronics in plastic baggies to keep them safe! If you’ve never tried it before, I challenge you to run outside on your next rainy day!
Do you like running in the rain? What tips do you have for people who have never tried it before?
Mom in the Mtns 
I just started running this year and haven’t run in the rain yet. But, I just ordered a rain jacket for running this week because Fall is here and I can’t wait to run in the rain after such a hot and humid summer. I’m so excited to run in the rain. Thanks for the tips. They are really useful.
Awesome! Yeah it’s definitely hard the first time to actually step out the door, but once you start running it’s no big deal! Good luck!
I like running in the rain when it’s warm. When it’s cold, no, although I’ve done that, too.
Yeah, I got a lot of you’re going to run in that from my husband. 🙂
My husband is constantly confused by my running habits (long runs, rainy runs, snowy runs, etc.). But those kind of runs are way more fun than they sound!
If you dress right, yea, it;s not so bad! I’ve run in rain (pouring!), snow, ice, wind, the works! And I always survive!
Haha so true!
That is one thing I have yet to do – I’m afraid I’ll ruin my shoes lol! But I really want to at least once!
This is why it’s nice to have an extra pair of shoes for rainy runs! I thought for sure I was going to ruin my shoes during my first rainy race, but they ended up being totally fine. I also don’t own white shoes for this very reason 🙂
I don’t have white ones either! I guess that could be a good way to get some new ones! Lol
This is great! I LOVE running in the rain! No music, less people out and about, totally cathartic experience. And YES on cleansing/muddy-ing the running shoes! 😉 (Gorg pic of Anchorage! I need to get back there!)
Yes! I feel like in Alaska people don’t care about weather and just get outside no matter what, so I have some pretty busy runs in the rain. But it’s really nice to be out there running even when it’s not the best conditions. I think all of my “best” runs recently have been in the rain!
agh, i really dislike running in the rain. i don’t mind a bit of a sprinkle and splashing around in puddles, but when it starts to pour, i just get so uncomfortable and can barely see! plus, i’m super clumsy and always feel like i can slip at any moment (i was just WALKING to work the other day in the rain and managed to lose a shoe -__- ). but you’re right, you’re awesome for getting your miles in despite the weather!
Haha I have to laugh at the shoe thing! That sounds like something that would happen to me. I feel like when I’m in real clothes and it’s pouring I’m a huge mess flailing all over the place trying not to get wet. When I’m in my running clothes though, I feel like it doesn’t matter how wet or dirty I get because my clothes are going to get sweaty anyways. Maybe that’s why I like it so much – I don’t have to worry about how I look for once! It can be hard to see though so I totally see your point.
I couldn’t agree more with all of your reasons! I had to laugh when we had our first rainy day in a while on Tuesday and a friend saw me heading out after work in my running clothes and was like “you’re running outside?! in the RAIN!?” I guess it’s a completely foreign concept to all non-runners 😛
I feel like a total badass when I’m out there in the rain! Like I’m a serious runner, getting it done. And running in the rain is one of the few times I’ll forgo headphones and just let my mind wander. It’s a nice change of pace.
Cheers to rainy day PRs too! If that doesn’t convince anyone, what will? 😉
Love it! I also feel like a serious runner when I do it. I love that it’s your way to change up your running routine and go without headphones. Have fun on your next rainy run!