Why I Love Running in the Rain
And why you should love it too
I love a run on a rainy day. The temperature is cooler, the air smells fresh, and I’m often the only one out. Also, it makes me feel a little bit hardcore. Anyone can go out for a run on a lovely, sunny day, but only the purest of runners will brave adverse conditions.
If there’s lightning in the sky, I’m the first to head for the treadmill. But a run in a gentle rain, or even a downpour, can be just the variety needed to liven up your daily routine.
Here are 5 reasons you should try running in the rain.
Reason #1: You run faster in the rain (at least during summer)
Merely a few degrees hotter can mean a slower run. Throw in humidity, and your summer runs can be painfully slow. Hot weather even slows winning times for professional marathon runners. But a rainstorm is sure to cool everything down. You’ll feel the difference by naturally picking up your pace.
Reason #2: It’s a distraction
Some people say they find running to be boring. I am not one of those people. But even I have my off days where the same routine gets old. Running in the rain is different, and our brains like something different. Paying attention to the falling rain can help you forget how hard your run is.
Reason #3: It’s a confidence boost
If you can accomplish your run in adverse conditions, you know you’re tough and can handle other stressful situations. You’ll also be ready for bad weather on race day if you’ve trained in the rain.
Reason #4: It’s a stress-reliever
The sound of rain is comforting. Unless you have waterproof headphones, you won’t be plugged into music anyway, leaving you free to benefit from the gentle sounds of rainfall. And the peacefulness of being one of the few people out on your running path is relaxing.
Reason #5: You’ll feel hardcore
The mental toughness you need to get through a run in the rain is going to make you feel hardcore. There’s nothing like running through a rainstorm to make you feel adventurous and gritty.
Tips for success
Don’t just slosh out there in a cotton t-shirt. Plan for your rainy day run to give yourself a much better chance of success.
- Dress appropriately. You’re probably not wearing cotton for your runs anyway, and if you are, I’d advise you not to. When cotton gets wet, it drags and chafes on your skin. Wear technical running clothes with moisture-wicking fabric. If it’s cold, add a waterproof jacket for your outer layer.
- Wear a hat. The brim from a baseball cap will keep the rain from running into your eyes. Nothing takes the fun of being hardcore quite like irritated eyes.
- Keep the electronics at home. You can put your phone in a ziplock bag to keep it dry. But unless you have waterproof devices or a way to keep them from getting wet, you’re better off running without during a rainstorm.
- Stay home during thunderstorms. It goes without saying, but don’t attempt a run when lightning is nearby. Check the radar before going out.
- Embrace vaseline/anti-chafing products. You can buy anti-chafing products like Body Glide, or just use vaseline. Wet conditions can create chafing. Chafing is miserable. Every runner knows, the first rule of running is avoiding chafed skin at all costs.
Embrace the rain
Change your mindset and accept that you will get wet. You’ve got this. Think of it as just another obstacle to overcome. And overcoming obstacles makes you stronger. Not only in running, but in life.
