Sometimes you have to mix things up, especially if you’ve been stuck in the same routine. When it comes to running, this rule applies as well. One way to mix things up is to run in the rain. Sure, it might be a little more dangerous to run in the rain (visibility, weather, etc.), but when done in a safe way, it also can be quite the fun experience. Running in a light rain can help keep you cool, offer variation to the usual sights and sounds and (if it starts raining a little harder) motivate you to up your pace.
For even more fun, try making up a creative story to narrate your run. Maybe it’s the end of the world. Maybe you’re a secret agent running away from the enemy. Maybe you’re running to express your love to someone, and the dramatic flair of the rain is needed to showcase your urgency. Regardless of what you choose, running in the rain can be a whole lot of fun. Besides, there is nothing more fun than getting wet and dirty during a workout. There’s a reason Tough Mudder has become such a big trend. That said, the greatest pleasure will be the post-run shower and relaxation that comes after a rainy run. It will be far more rejuvenating and more deserved than after running in ideal conditions.
After all, switching up your routine, getting a little wet, and taking on a different challenge is not just a great way to break a monotonous cycle, but it’s also a means of pushing your progression as it relates to physical fitness. If you plan on running in the rain, below are some tips to make it a more pleasurable and safe experience.
Wear a hat with a brim to keep rain out of your eyes. This will give you greater visibility and better depth perception even in heavy rain.
If it’s a cold rain, layer with moisture wicking clothing. Try to avoid over layering with clothing prone to getting water logged. Many water-resistant or waterproof pieces of clothing aren’t always the most breathable, so finding the perfect balance of layers is key. Either way, you’re going to get wet, so just aim for what’s most comfortable. Moisture wicking socks, however, will certainly provide greater comfort than cotton.
- Wear reflective, brightly colored clothing. Both will make you more visible to motorists.
- Put a little Vaseline or Body Glide in the regions prone to chafing. After all, chafing is the quickest way to ruin a run.
- Avoid shoes with flat soles. Instead, wear shoes that have soles with grooves to get a better grip on wet roads.
- Pace yourself as running too fast could place greater strain on your Achilles and hamstrings due to slick conditions.
- Warm up a little inside before you head out. This will make acclimating to the generally cooler rainy air a much smoother transition.
So next time it rains, strap on your shoes and a reflective vest or jacket, and hit the road—or maybe even run through the woods to step it up a notch.