# Tips for running in the rain **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 21, 2010, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-for-running-in-the-rain/550986 "2010-08-21T18:44:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![emacknight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3ec8ea/32.png) [@emacknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emacknight)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2010, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-for-running-in-the-rain/550986/1 "2010-08-21T18:44:49Z")
After 6 months of training, it occurred to me that last week was the first time I’ve ever actually run in the rain, and only because I got caught in a thunderstorm. I feel like I’ve spent all summer training for how to run in the heat, but with a fall race coming up there is a good good chance it might rain. So I was wondering what sort of experiences other runners have and what sort of gear you use. Thanks ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2010, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-for-running-in-the-rain/550986/2 "2010-08-21T19:10:45Z")
I love running in the rain. I don’t wear anything special - so you get wet, so what? Unless it’s cold, I just wear what I would have worn anyway and be sure to wear a hat with a brim so it doesn’t get me in the face. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2010, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-for-running-in-the-rain/550986/3 "2010-08-21T19:11:40Z")
Same as hot weather-wicking fabric clothes. Also-lightweight, water resistant, breathable jacket/shell. Socks must not be cotton. Gloves if needed. Head out into the wind, plan out and back courses. ---
**Author:** ![Al\_Bundy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e79b87/32.png) [@Al\_Bundy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al_Bundy)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2010, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-for-running-in-the-rain/550986/4 "2010-08-21T20:52:25Z")
Running in the rain is a most rewarding situation if the temp is above 40 degrees. When over 60 degrees I would never wear more than a long sleeved shirt top, plus shorts of course. Under 50 degrees I would add a windbreaker with a hood. If the rain is very heavy, that windbreaker would also be water resistant. I always wear a visor to preserve vision and/or a baseball cap. For race conditions, start with the minimum and be prepared to discard rain gear along the way and not plan on retrieving it. Guess you could mark it with your number and hope for the best or leave it with a friend along the way. A mild rain helps times and a heavy rain can cost 5%. I have orthopedic problems and tend to drag my feet so wet ground helps me slip over the road more easily. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2010, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-for-running-in-the-rain/550986/5 "2010-08-21T21:09:15Z")
I don’t do anything special, either. It’s a welcome relief–I really suffer running when it’s humid and in the mid-80s or above. Rain on a summer days just makes it much more bearable. And it’s lovely and refreshing in the autumn, too. Oh, yeah, as **runner pat** says, avoid cotton socks. I often don’t, but they can tear up your feet a bit if they get wet. ---
**Author:** ![emacknight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3ec8ea/32.png) [@emacknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emacknight)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2010, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-for-running-in-the-rain/550986/6 "2010-08-21T21:16:07Z")
While flipping through a triathlon magazine the other day there was an ad for sneakers that highlighted their ability to stay light when wet. It referenced several other brands and the extra weight they store when soaked. All this got me kind of worried about dragging an extra couple of pounds for 26.2 miles. I was also worried about how ripped up my feet would be if they were water logged over several hours. I’ve also had problems with waterproof clothing getting too hot and muggy. Like you guys said, I think the temperature will be the determining factor. If I think I’ll be warm enough I’ll probably stick with a tri-top and just enjoy being wet. ---
**Author:** ![silk1976](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8edcca/32.png) [@silk1976](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silk1976)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2010, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-for-running-in-the-rain/550986/7 "2010-08-22T04:38:07Z")
Just wear your normal shoes, making sure you have the wicking socks on. Those ads in the triathlon magazine shouldn’t get you concerned. They’re ads - designed to make you concerned about something and buy their product. It is possible that your feet could get quite abused if they are waterlogged. But if its raining that heavily, everyone else is in the same boat. You’ll find running in the cool fall weather so much more enjoyable - your times will plummet. It takes a lot of energy for your body to cool itself on a hot day. ---
**Author:** ![amarinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2010, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-for-running-in-the-rain/550986/8 "2010-08-22T04:48:58Z")
I live in Seattle. For some reason that defies understanding, the Seattle Marathon is the Sunday after Thanksgiving - dead in the middle of rainy season. Wear layers - including a lightweight water-resistant jacket, have gloves, a hat with a brim, & microfiber socks. Have dry clothes waiting for you when your run is over. It’s one thing to run in the rain, it’s another to sit around in wet clothing while your heart rate is slowing down from having stopped exercising.