Running in the rain.

AddieOverhaul
AddieOverhaul Posts: 734 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello all,

I live in Vancouver, BC. It rains A LOT here. I have a waterproof light jacket and I bought waterproof trail running shoes (which I also wear on the road because they were the only waterproof running shoes I could find). Can you guys give me any other tips? What type of pants?

Right now I just wear a ball cap and lululemon pants...but it isn't very nice. I'm starting with a running group tonight and will be running three times a week for the next 10 weeks, and we are in the midst of rainy seasonn so I'd appreciate any helpful tips!

Thanks in advance!
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Replies

  • Yogi_Carl
    Yogi_Carl Posts: 1,906 Member
    Ugh no! if your gonna do cardio in the wet, go for a swim!
  • _reno_
    _reno_ Posts: 87 Member
    Well the real problem is that running produces a lot of moisture. Even the best water proof fabrics only breathe so much.

    Event fabric has been shown to breathe much better than goretex

    Something like this should work http://www.rei.com/product/843676/rei-rangeclimber-event-rain-pants-womens

    I use an REI Event shell jacket it is quite good.

    Depending on how long your runs are you may consider a good soft shell pant. Not waterproof but should keep you pretty dry for 30-60 minutes, and they will be much more comfortable than hardshells

    My personal approach is to keep my feet dry, let the rest of me get wet, and run hard enough to stay warm.
  • nlsmitty1
    nlsmitty1 Posts: 3 Member
    compression pants work really well for running in the rain.
  • runfatmanrun
    runfatmanrun Posts: 1,090 Member
    I live across the sound from Seattle. And well, I have a different approach but here it is. I just get wet. I make sure that my shoes and socks are not so absorbent that they get heavy. I don't wear a jacket or ballcap. I don't wear long pants, I wear shorts, but I have 2-4 layers on top. If it's cold, I will add a stocking cap and gloves, but those are going to get wet. If it's raining and I want to run, I just plan on getting completely soaked. I have ran a trail half distance completely wet feet, running through puddles the entire time. It's just the nature of running in the Northwest, as far as I am concerned. Doubt that helps you but just another perspective.
  • Sierrasdawn
    Sierrasdawn Posts: 25
    I am not made of sugar, so I just get wet! Embrace it! I wear compression pants and a long sleeve tech shirt, a ball cap to keep the rain out of my eyes, and then I run. I live in Oregon so I too know about the rain. Besides...when you get home the shower is going to feel great!!
  • AddieOverhaul
    AddieOverhaul Posts: 734 Member
    I live across the sound from Seattle. And well, I have a different approach but here it is. I just get wet. I make sure that my shoes and socks are not so absorbent that they get heavy. I don't wear a jacket or ballcap. I don't wear long pants, I wear shorts, but I have 2-4 layers on top. If it's cold, I will add a stocking cap and gloves, but those are going to get wet. If it's raining and I want to run, I just plan on getting completely soaked. I have ran a trail half distance completely wet feet, running through puddles the entire time. It's just the nature of running in the Northwest, as far as I am concerned. Doubt that helps you but just another perspective.

    I actually wouldn't mind getting wet so much if I was running straight home, but I will be waiting for and then taking a bus after and am worried about getting too cold if I get all wet. Maybe I should just bring a towel and change of clothes to the running store where our group is based out of.

    Thanks for the input everyone!
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    I am not made of sugar, so I just get wet! Embrace it! I wear compression pants and a long sleeve tech shirt, a ball cap to keep the rain out of my eyes, and then I run. I live in Oregon so I too know about the rain. Besides...when you get home the shower is going to feel great!!

    This. I like that the ball cap keeps the water out of my eyes. I'll wear shorts if its warm enough or tights. I don't like the wet pants flapping. I put my iPhone in a ziplock bag and just my regular running jacket (a wind breaker type) with whatever layers under to keep warm.
    I actually love running in warm rain. Cold rain - not so much.

    ETA - yeah - definitely bring a change of clothes.
  • links_slayer
    links_slayer Posts: 1,151 Member
    Maybe I should just bring a towel and change of clothes to the running store where our group is based out of.

    Sounds like a great plan to me :)

    Just be sure to dodge as many drops as possible during your run.
  • MelisRunning
    MelisRunning Posts: 819 Member
    I just run in the rain. You know you're a runner if you run in the rain!
  • astrampe
    astrampe Posts: 2,169 Member
    Costco carries thermal running tights/leggings - I did the Resolution Run on New Years in 2 degree weather, and other runs in soaking rain, and the work great! Around $25 I think.. Same brand at Costco - Paradox - thermal running shirt, Running room jacket, "Wright" double layered socks from Running room too...They are expensive, but I would go without all the other stuff, never without the socks...I've splashed through puddles in the cold and wet, and your feet gets wet, and within seconds, they are warm and you don't feel the wet...
    Ball cap to keep the rain out of your face, technical beanie underneath if it's really cold. and ziplock baggie for your Ipod and phone....:blushing:
    Oh, and I carry a small towel to wipe the worst wet off my face....
    A pair of running gloves or even cheap knitted gloves is great - the techical cloves keep your hands warm even if its wet...
  • astrampe
    astrampe Posts: 2,169 Member
    I am not made of sugar, so I just get wet! Embrace it! I wear compression pants and a long sleeve tech shirt, a ball cap to keep the rain out of my eyes, and then I run. I live in Oregon so I too know about the rain. Besides...when you get home the shower is going to feel great!!

    Problem is not the getting wet, it's the chafing if you do get wet and stuff does not fit they way they should.....
  • yogibella
    yogibella Posts: 321 Member
    Hey I'm in Vancouver too & I totally know about living with the rain!

    How long are your runs? I have to admit that I run mostly in light rain/drizzle and avoid the heavy downpour, unless it's a shorter run. Then I just brave it and expect a hot bath & a load of laundry afterwards:) I too run in a cap, light water resistant jacket & lululemon tights and it has done it's job. Even in our light snow flurries. I don't think you're supposed to be completely waterproof--you need breathable materials when you run. I suggest to stick to tights and get a good long (covers your hips) running jacket at the Running Room or MEC, etc.

    Sounds like you're doing a run clinic! I just finished one and starting another. Take a towel and good luck!
  • AddieOverhaul
    AddieOverhaul Posts: 734 Member
    Costco carries thermal running tights/leggings - I did the Resolution Run on New Years in 2 degree weather, and other runs in soaking rain, and the work great! Around $25 I think.. Same brand at Costco - Paradox - thermal running shirt, Running room jacket, "Wright" double layered socks from Running room too...They are expensive, but I would go without all the other stuff, never without the socks...I've splashed through puddles in the cold and wet, and your feet gets wet, and within seconds, they are warm and you don't feel the wet...
    Ball cap to keep the rain out of your face, technical beanie underneath if it's really cold. and ziplock baggie for your Ipod and phone....:blushing:
    Oh, and I carry a small towel to wipe the worst wet off my face....
    A pair of running gloves or even cheap knitted gloves is great - the techical cloves keep your hands warm even if its wet...

    Thanks for the tips! I will check out those socks for sure, that sounds great. I hate having wet feet, which is precisely why I invested in waterproof shoes. The rest I don't mind so much but not my feet!
  • simonjones1534
    simonjones1534 Posts: 1 Member
    How about going to the gym or indoor track?
  • AddieOverhaul
    AddieOverhaul Posts: 734 Member
    Hey I'm in Vancouver too & I totally know about living with the rain!

    How long are your runs? I have to admit that I run mostly in light rain/drizzle and avoid the heavy downpour, unless it's a shorter run. Then I just brave it and expect a hot bath & a load of laundry afterwards:) I too run in a cap, light water resistant jacket & lululemon tights and it has done it's job. Even in our light snow flurries. I don't think you're supposed to be completely waterproof--you need breathable materials when you run. I suggest to stick to tights and get a good long (covers your hips) running jacket at the Running Room or MEC, etc.

    Sounds like you're doing a run clinic! I just finished one and starting another. Take a towel and good luck!

    My runs are about 30-45 minutes at this point. And yep - I'm doing a clinic with the Running Room!
  • AddieOverhaul
    AddieOverhaul Posts: 734 Member
    How about going to the gym or indoor track?

    That's not an option with my run clinic.
  • sunsnstatheart
    sunsnstatheart Posts: 2,544 Member
    I agree with the poster above that said embrace it. Just accept that you're going to get wet and enjoy it. Somewhere along the line a lot of fun was taken out of fitness and there's no reason for that! Embrace your inner child and go play in the rain!

    I would suggest using something like the product "Glide" for those eh'm "areas" that may rub a bit more when soaked. I'm a guy so we have different "issue areas" though.
  • plcowner
    plcowner Posts: 106 Member
    Rain doesn't faze me at all. I'm going to get wet when I take my shower so it doesn't matter :)

    Running when it is really windy is a drag.
  • GiddyupTim
    GiddyupTim Posts: 2,819 Member
    I agree with the Seattle guy. Keep your feet as dry as possible. Wear layers up top for warmth. Don't wear leggings or sweat pants. Have sweat pants in your car for when you finish.
    I gotta say . . . I don't have to go out in B.C. weather and rain, day after day . . . but I like running in the rain and cool weather.
  • Hbazzell
    Hbazzell Posts: 899 Member
    Compression pants....some kind of scarf for over my mouth in the real super cold. I hate breathing cold air.
  • dawnna76
    dawnna76 Posts: 987 Member
    Fellow north-westerner here (below the boarder) and I ride my bike all the time. Under armor has some great gear to keep you warm. Thermal, compression, etc. I wear doubled up socks and a light weight barrier jacket for wind and rain. Other than that, just do it. It could be worse the rain could be snow :)
  • cjack19
    cjack19 Posts: 158 Member
    I am also from Vancouver area and run in the rain. For the most part I just get wet.... But on the way home I do get cold as I cool down.... Definitely bring some dry clothes if you need to wait for/ride a bus home home so you don't get chilly! Friend me if you want a local friend :)
  • astrampe
    astrampe Posts: 2,169 Member
    I did a few clinics at RR and taught a few - if you have to take the bus after, bring a set of dry clothes - all running rooms have change rooms where you can change into dry gear........Only someone who never had to stand and wait for a bus after running in p..sing rain and cold in Vancouver would tell you to "enjoy" it....
    Have fun!
    I'm in Vancouver too - used to take my car to RR and still had a warm dry jacket and towel in the car for afterwards - and I live 10 minutes away from RR....
    You will probably get a talk on wet/cold and (wishfull thinking right now!) warm weather running and gear...
  • AddieOverhaul
    AddieOverhaul Posts: 734 Member
    Thanks everyone! I am going to embrace getting wet on the run, but with good socks and my waterproof shoes, and then bring dry stuff for after, since it takes a while to get home on the bus.
  • uphillbattle9
    uphillbattle9 Posts: 1
    Addie, Congrats on maintaining a running program! After your run, make sure you have a toque for your head. You lose most of your body head though your head so you'll feel a lot warmer with a very warm hat. I usually buy my toques (fleece is your friend) at MEC.
  • AddieOverhaul
    AddieOverhaul Posts: 734 Member
    Addie, Congrats on maintaining a running program! After your run, make sure you have a toque for your head. You lose most of your body head though your head so you'll feel a lot warmer with a very warm hat. I usually buy my toques (fleece is your friend) at MEC.

    Thanks! And yah I did bring a toque last night for afterwards and it made a big difference. Luckily it was dry last night!
  • 1holegrouper
    1holegrouper Posts: 323 Member
    After experimenting with Goretex Active and eVent (waterproof but very breathable's) I have realized that they just are not breathable enough during a serious run. What works best for me in cold wet weather is a soft shell running jacket (I use Gore Bike Wear) that is windproof and a Merino wool underlayer. So, unless its a light rain I do get wet but I'm warm and don't notice any ill effects. I also make sure I'm wearing a ballcap type of hat to shed the rain away from my eyes. I also do NOT wear special running shoes that are waterproof because you are then compromising on breathability and possible on the optimal model for you. If it is not the model you would wear in a dry climate then why run in it? A better fitting/performing shoe trumps your feet getting wet- in my opinion. Running shoes can always dry out- just take the insole out when they are drying.
  • kyodi
    kyodi Posts: 376 Member
    Bump!!
  • Ms_Pixie
    Ms_Pixie Posts: 148 Member
    I also do NOT wear special running shoes that are waterproof because you are then compromising on breathability and possible on the optimal model for you. If it is not the model you would wear in a dry climate then why run in it? A better fitting/performing shoe trumps your feet getting wet- in my opinion. Running shoes can always dry out- just take the insole out when they are drying.

    Excuse my ignorance - I'm fairly new to this whole running thing lol - I've never run in the rain & I don't have a treadmill. I would've run today if it weren't bucketing down outside! So wouldn't running in wet shoes and socks be horribly uncomfortable and encourage chafing, rubbing and all the not so great stuff that can happen to wet feet?? And about the drying out thing, what if you need your shoes for say a gym session the next day?

    Like I said please excuse my ignorance, I'm just trying to work out the logistics of running wet :)
  • astrampe
    astrampe Posts: 2,169 Member
    I also do NOT wear special running shoes that are waterproof because you are then compromising on breathability and possible on the optimal model for you. If it is not the model you would wear in a dry climate then why run in it? A better fitting/performing shoe trumps your feet getting wet- in my opinion. Running shoes can always dry out- just take the insole out when they are drying.

    Excuse my ignorance - I'm fairly new to this whole running thing lol - I've never run in the rain & I don't have a treadmill. I would've run today if it weren't bucketing down outside! So wouldn't running in wet shoes and socks be horribly uncomfortable and encourage chafing, rubbing and all the not so great stuff that can happen to wet feet?? And about the drying out thing, what if you need your shoes for say a gym session the next day?

    Like I said please excuse my ignorance, I'm just trying to work out the logistics of running wet :)

    Wet socks definitely tops my list of pet peeves when running - and I live in Vancouver BC.....Solution is synthetic special double layer expensive as hell running socks.... IBrand name "wright socks" But they last long as I only wear them for running...No chafing, no blisters and no cold feet....Even after stepping in a puddle and getting my whole foot wet, it warms up and feels dry within a minute or so....
    As for wet shoes, I run with one pair (Need stability shoes as I over pronate badly) and do regular gym stuff with regular cusioning gym shoes...So gym shoes never wet....

    I run in the rain, I do not run when it buckets.....That's when indoor cardio dvd's like P90X (cardio/plyometrics) gets used....

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