- Its hot
- It’s inhumanely humid
- The AC is broken
- I’m bored
- This should be my taper week
- I’m covered in more sweat than I’ve had in a while
I also started researching in anticipation of worst caseB scenarioB in DC –B torrential downpour of rainB
The best running in rain advice Ibve read so far:
b Once you are wet, you are wet. Itbs really not going to get much more uncomfortable…b
Some tidbits I intend on following:
Dress in layers but DONbT over dress b Rain can make the weather feel a lot colder and yet hot and sticky at the same time. B The most important layer is the one closest to your body so make sure it’s a technical fabric (not cotton), which will wick water and sweat away from your skin. COTTON KILLs!!! Although I tend to wear cotton tank tops during summer races (Theybre cuter!), they will never dry and I definitely donbt need the extra weight of rain water. B Your outer layer (if necessary) should be a wind- and water-resistant jacket or vest.B Ibm packing my REI rain jacket if it gets really bad, but will try to avoid wearing it as it looks like high of 70s and even with the air vents I canbt imagine it not feeling stuffy. Donbt over dress as more layers just means more wet weight.B Dress as you would have for a dry but cloudy run.
Lube yourself up! b Chaffing becomes a bigger problem as your clothes get heavier and wetter.B Bodyglide/Vaseline and anything that will keep your skin from getting those clothes burns and don’t forget the toes!
Shelter yourself with a garbage bag and a hat b A garbage bag as a poncho seems like a simple solution to minimize clothes wetness while you wait in your coral for the race to start.B Once the horn goes you can toss if off to the side (donbt be rude, I hate when runners shed layers mid-course, give up those 2 seconds and throw your crap to the side of the course) Meanwhile a hat with a brim (finally a purpose for those baseball caps) will minimize some of the rain that will slap your face.B
Protect your gadgets b I canbt run, especially in rain without my music or podcasts.B Ibm reading that ziplock bags do wonders so Ibm going to bring a few.B Waterproof fancy cases work too. =)
The Vaseline is mandatory if it’s raining. May I suggest you coat your underarms with the thickest layer of Vaseline if it even looks like it might rain. You will be glad you did. Running in the rain is a way of life where I live. Trust me on this. Have fun!
Thanks! I’ve calm down and accepted it! Might even be good practice if it rains for Boston. I just hope my sneakers will survive.