Running in the rain

Options
BronnersHarris
BronnersHarris Posts: 247 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
We don't seem to be getting a summer and I had been putting off running outside until the weather got better, but that looks like it will never happen so I'm taking it outside anyway.....

Can I just run in normal gym clothes? Or are there better fabrics that will be more comfortable? It's not cold at the moment so don't really need anything with warmth yet.

Just any tips on how to make the rain running more comfortable so I don't head back to the treadmill.

Cheers, m'dears :)

Replies

  • Flafster
    Flafster Posts: 106 Member
    Options
    I wouldn't wear cotton in the rain, it's be heavy & miserable v fast, not to mention chafey. Go to JD Sports / Sports Direct & get some running leggings / shorts and a breathable top. They sell their own brand Karrimor v cheaply & also Nike etc. Also I've found a good range in TK Maxx.. I think I'm going to have to invest in a cap to keep the rain off my face too. :(
  • thebigcb
    thebigcb Posts: 2,210 Member
    Options
    No difference, wear light clothing, heavy wet clothing isn't nice to run in.

    You'll only get wet once, you will not shrink, keeps you nice and cool, the paths are clear of people. I love running in the rain
  • Kara_xxx
    Kara_xxx Posts: 635 Member
    Options
    Any thin wicking fabric. Never cotton.
  • ShaunMc1968
    ShaunMc1968 Posts: 204
    Options
    Light lycra shorts, breathable top and a waterproof breathable outer jacket. Nothing too expensive as it's going to get wet, possibly muddy and sweaty. Make sure your feet are comfortable, wet feet causes blisters in minutes. Take time to get your most comfortable sock and trainer configuration right. I have seen the toughest Royal Marine Commandos reduced to limping wrecks because of bad blisters. Hope this helps :-}
  • emmnat
    emmnat Posts: 3
    Options
    I always end up looking like I've run through a storm anyway....shove your earphones in and you won't even notice how wet it is anyway. Just do it and don't forget no matter how slow you go..your overlapping everyone on the sofa :)
  • thebigcb
    thebigcb Posts: 2,210 Member
    Options
    Never mind wearing a waterproof breathable jacket, they are never breathable, just make you sweat and personally I find the horrible to run in, they seen to be quite wind resistant as well, just slows you down
  • juleszephyr
    juleszephyr Posts: 442 Member
    Options
    Actually running in the rain is extremely exhilarating... I love it. Yes good advise to steer clear of cotton, just lycra running shorts and a decent top is fine. You will get wet, you will get splashed but hey you will still feel amazing!!

    Oh and it keeps you cool and everyone will think you are hardcore...
    Jules xx
  • dougt333
    dougt333 Posts: 697
    Options
    Honestly I don't get that option much here in Florida. If it's raining it's usually full of lightning and worse. But Jules advice seems about right for you.
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    Options
    Forget waterproof outerwear unless you're trail running in January. Breathable fabric won't hold much water so you'll stay comfortable and chafe-free. Ditch cotton socks. Don't wear white as it'll look pornographic before you reach the end of the street!
  • annie7hudds
    annie7hudds Posts: 199 Member
    Options
    I love running in the rain - which is a good thing as it seems to be raining every day this 'summer' in the UK!

    I tend to wear as little as possible. Just lycra shorts and a very lightweight sports vest. The longer leggings may seem like a good idea but they domake your legs feel clammy after they get wet.

    Yes, and I agree with above poster -it makes you look hardcore!!! ;)
  • nichojanes
    nichojanes Posts: 76 Member
    Options
    I have been a bit reluctant to go out, with the monsoon like rain we've had lately. Managed to get out at the weekend between showers but got drenched on the way home.
    I've decided that I won't worry about it any more - unless it is tipping down.
  • thebigcb
    thebigcb Posts: 2,210 Member
    Options
    If you live in nrothern europe, and refuse to run in the rain, you will not be doing much running

    And its only a bit of water, you will be getting in the shower once you get home anyway(i hope) so whats the problem
  • Werglum
    Werglum Posts: 378 Member
    Options
    I actually prefer running in the rain - which is a good thing as I live in New Zealand and it rains A LOT here!! I agree with all the posts above, but would also suggest running in a cap - that way you don't get too much water in your eyes and can see where you're going! :happy:
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Options
    I love running in the rain (not so much in monsoon like conditions :laugh: ), you have the paths to yourself and you stay cooler.

    Unless the temperatures are dropping just wear what you would on a warm day. If you're running along the roads pay a little extra attention to being visible (pick bright colours) so the motorists can spot you more readily.
  • BubbleGumKisses
    BubbleGumKisses Posts: 156 Member
    Options
    Don't wear white as it'll look pornographic before you reach the end of the street!

    THIS is all I was gonna say.. LOL Right on Berry!
  • mandy_lynn
    mandy_lynn Posts: 165 Member
    Options
    I wear my normal running clothes in the rain. I do suggest good socks. My favorite are the Asics Kayano ones. I only have 1 pair that I got in a race and I save them for the rain and long runs. The only thing I add is a hat. It helps keep the rain out of your eyes so you can see where you are going. I love the thrill of running in the rain.
  • BronnersHarris
    BronnersHarris Posts: 247 Member
    Options
    Thanks for all the tips, folks. WIll need to get some non-cotton tops but have some capris that should work. Will have a look in to non cotton socks too. Have a sports direct nearby so will check them out this week.

    I did go out in the rain today (wasn't heavy) and it was nice - got an extra workout from all the puddle jumping! I only got in 25 mins though as ran in my trail salomon's to avoid getting my new running shoes muddy and got a blister on my arch (random spot!). Will give it another go on Thurs :)
  • HauteP1nk
    HauteP1nk Posts: 2,139 Member
    Options
    Where are you that it is raining all the time? It has been nothing but HEAT and SUN here... I find running in the rain to be quite refreshing compared to running in the heat. Don't let it hold you back! I'd take that any day.... I am really struggling with my running during this extreme heat & I feel I am falling behind in my training.

    I just wear my normal dri-fit clothing in the rain, and a hat to keep the rain out of my eyes.
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,248 Member
    Options
    I love running in the rain!
    I always end up looking like I've run through a storm anyway....

    This. There's very little difference in how drenched I get from sweat or from rain. The only thing I do differently is wear a baseball cap to keep the rain out of my eyes.
  • sarahcuddle
    sarahcuddle Posts: 349 Member
    Options
    The UK has had a terrible summer so far and rain is forecast for the next ten days apparently. Was also putting off running and doing other exercise but you've all inspired me so I'm going to give it a try! :)

Categories