Since starting C25K last October I've managed to time my runs or change my run days to avoid running in the rain, but it's beginning to become unavoidable if I want to keep any sort of routine. I know a lot of you like running in the rain - but what do you wear?? I normally run in shorts and t-shirt. Do you wear the same things and just accept that you get soaked - surely that'd make you very cold, especially if it's windy ... or do you wear a rain jacket - but surely that makes you really sweaty? If you wear a jacket do you have any recommendations.
I'm also not so keen on wet feet and have ordered some Goretex shoes - the first option arrived today, but they are too small, so I will have to order some larger sizes to try.
Many thanks.
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lourunrun
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I'm thinking I might take a small packable windproof jacket with me to put on when I finish my run - I tend to finish about 1km from home for my 'cool-down walk' - which in fact is to avoid a steep uphill slog when I am cream crackered! 😅 (I've just checked and it will fit into a running belt, so that might work.)
Do you warm up inside and start running immediately? I'm thinking a 'warm-up' walk might just make you cold.
Your socks are more important than the waterproofness of your shoes. Your toes are going to get wet, either from sweat or from outside water. Having socks that stay warm even when wet is useful. That means avoiding cotton or cotton mixes. My shoes are possibly the least water resistant you could get, but I have some decent socks (with toes).
Whatever you do, you're going to get wet. If you wear something waterproof, you're going to sweat in it. Having kit that keeps you comfortable when wet is important. Layers can help.
Technical fabrics are usually synthetic and don't hold on to water. I can't comment on how good wool is in the wet, but I do know that some folks love merino wool. Most wools get very heavy when wet, though.
When you say the word 'wool' it tends to conjure images of fishermen's jumpers, but I have three Icebreaker merino wool t shirts which are the most wonderful things I own for walking and running. They are light, cool in the summer, warm in the winter, wick moisture away from the body and wash beautifully. They aren't cheap, but I look out for unpopular colours sold cheaper on Amazon. I would buy one Icebreaker t shirt over any number of cheaper cotton t shirts. 👍
Yes, I have some Icebreaker ski base layers which I love - even with the moth induced ventilation holes! I'll keep a look out for some bargains on Amazon. I have a long sleeved vest but I can imagine an Icebreaker t-shirt would be nice for a cold weather run.
I haven’t yet done any cold weather rain running, but I do know that for the summer rains I took the advice to wear a hat with a brim. It’s unbelievably annoying to have rain drops landing on your face and especially getting in your eyes. Makes the sweat run into your eyes too then they sting...just not good. It’s finally gotten cold here in Texas so I’m going to have to see if my Buff that I use for warmth will fit underneath my baseball cap that I wear for running.
For wet shoes I always stuff them with newspaper for the day to soak up the damp then open them up and let them air dry. They’re dry by the next time I run.
I have a very light breathable cycling jacket which keeps out all but stair rod rain - full zip at the front which helps me keep the right temperature. If I get hot, it ties round my waist. The advantage of a cycling jacket is longer sleeves ( no need for gloves) & longer at the back (warm bum!) I also have a running cap to keep the rain off my glasses. 😄
If you're going to buy a running jacket, it's worth buying a good one. The cheap nylon ones you can buy in places like Sports Direct and supermarkets will just hold your sweat and you'll be as wet inside it as the weather is outside it.
I have a Ronhill running jacket which my son bought me for Christmas. I'm not bothered by rain as long as it's not lashing it down, but I live on the coast and I do like wearing it in strong cold winds.
I’m like you & don’t like getting wet. I’ve just bought an ASICS fitted rain & wind proof jacket. I’ll wear leggings too. Gonna get wet but I suppose it can’t be totally avoided. Think I’ll have to put up with wet feet!
I do have a pair of Goretex-lined Brooks Ghosts which are great if running through wet grass or there is some surface waters BUT, as has been pointed out, if you step in a deep puddle and the water goes over the top, you're going to be sloshing around for the rest of your run. Breathable shoes will let water in, but they also let it out again so, in terms of your feet, concentrate on the socks.
For me, at this time of the year, it's all about the base layer: merino underlayer on top and full leg running leggings (I have a couple of cheap pairs that I bought from Sports Direct a couple of years ago that are still fine). Finishing touch is a brimmed running hat to keep the rain out of my eyes.
Other than that, it's just my usual outer layer of shorts and running t-shirt. I tend to find even when it's below zero, I warm up quite quickly so by the end of the run, my sleeves are rolled up and my hat sometimes ends ends up in my pocket.
I am thinking more of running through wet grass than sloshing through deep puddles. I managed to tip-toe through one puddle which blocked the whole lane this morning without getting much water in my non-waterproof shoes. Goretex shoes will give me a bit more leeway for the puddles/floods which inevitably happen on this part of my regular running route. I'm not intending to let water come over the top! 🙂
I live out in the middle of nowhere, and I've recently discovered all to frequently to my cost that you should never trust fallen leaves; you've no idea what lies beneath them...
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