How to encourage myself to run in the rain

[MoliJ]

Decided to run today to beat the deluge that is forecast for the next few days as I hate running in the rain. I am really trying not to be a fair weather runner but I really hate rain and wind. Unfortunately I am not going to be able to avoid them as I live near the coast in North Wales. I keep reading posts about running in the rain but they do nothing to encourage me to embrace wet runs 😂. I ran 8k today in just over an hour which is good for me. My best pace was 6.10km. My fitness age (I am taking it with a pinch of salt) is falling and is now 52. This is 12 years below my actual age. What I am really please with is I have now run over 100 miles since the beginning of July considering. I only run 3.9k. In August due to injury. If anyone had told me I would have run that distance when I started C25k in March I wouldn’t have believed them. I am supposed to be running 5k with damienair on Saturday in the (not) park run but the local forecast is for strong winds and heavy rain Thursday , through to Tuesday. Come on all you lovely runners, tell me what to do to get me out in that rain on Saturday please.

[Hidden]

MoliJ cracking tremendous run go girl go 👍..

That rain what rain, get yourself out there you'll really love it🤗 and hey that after run shower it's even better than before 🙃

[MoliJ Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Imc50. My runs have really improved over the last few weeks. I love showers, hot ones. I am really going to have to steel myself for that cold one 😂

[Hidden in reply to MoliJ]

Brilliant attitude, oh and MoliJ don't be worrying about getting wet, embrace that North Wales weather 👍

[MoliJ Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I have lived here 18 years. I still haven’t embraced the wet weather. Before I started running I was terrible at going outside when there was a puff of 💨 😂 My husband can’t believe the change in me.

[Hidden in reply to MoliJ]

That Running mojo when it takes hold MoliJ tends I've found, to change us, but definitely for the better 👍 the only downside if it is one is sports gear shopping 🤭 4th pair of running shoes due this week but.......... A bargain as someone bought the wrong size, that happens to be my size 🥳 and favoured brand....... Result 🙂

[MoliJ Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Wow 4th pair of shoes and a bargain too. I love a bargain. I have to be honest I have been hankering after a second pair for a few weeks now, I also want some more leggings. Trouble is I have also discovered the joy of cycling and now I want a good road bike. 😩😩😩😩 choices, choices 😂

[Hidden in reply to MoliJ]

Aha first the running I'm currently perusing a nice pair of running tights (Ronhill) but they've got the benefits of shorts already attached 👍 but hunt as I am I can't find a cheaper price than £65 anywhere grrrrrr may have to bite the bullet I guess...

Bikes definitely shop around MoliJ, my neighbour works at tweeks cycles (wrexham) and during 1st lockdown he said they were sending bikes out that fast as everyone wanted to get cycling to get fit/pass time etc, reckons that the used bargains are going to be unbelievable when the novelty wears off for some of those new to two wheels!!!

[MoliJ Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I want to buy some compression tights, I would love to get some Sweaty Betty ones but they are about £80. I am lucky in that my son in law is a big bike enthusiast. He keeps offering to get me a better bike ( but we get back to the weather 😂) I keep telling him if I manage to keep riding through the winter he can look for one for me. I have been thinking of getting a good second hand one.

[Hidden in reply to MoliJ]

A good plan and definitely th best option✅

[Speedy60 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Ronhill are a bit old school but I love their stuff. It is pricey, but buy cheap, buy twice. 👍

[Hidden in reply to Speedy60]

Definitely cheap is ok but not for our tootsies 👍

[MoliJ Graduate10 in reply to Speedy60]

I feel a shopping spree coming up 😂

[Knitruntalk 60minGraduate in reply to MoliJ]

If you run in the rain you will definitely need more shoes and running gear while the wet ones dry out!

[MoliJ Graduate10 in reply to Knitruntalk]

That’s true, internet shop today I think and the perfect excuse to buy a second pair of shoes. 😂

[Hareshaw-Granny Graduate10]

What a great time for you, something I'm still dreaming of. Well done. Regarding running in the rain - I started out hating it but living in the West of Scotland I've had to adapt pretty smsrtish. I find a light jacket with hood, has to be fully waterproof though is my way to go and it keeps your top half dry. Better than being completely soaked, and as Imc50 says makes the post run shower even better. 🌧☔

[MoliJ Graduate10 in reply to Hareshaw-Granny]

Thanks Hareshaw-Granny. You will get there I have no doubt. It’s a horrible place on the IC council. I love the West of Scotland however if I lived there I would hate the midge more than the rain. They eat me alive. I have tried a jacket. I hate how sweaty I get in it. I am just going to have to put my big girl pants on and get out there. I am amazed how few runs I have done in the rain since March. I am really good at avoiding it. 😂

[Hareshaw-Granny Graduate10 in reply to MoliJ]

I hate the midges too, really spoil everything here in the summer. If you run fast enough they dont get you 🤣

[MoliJ Graduate10 in reply to Hareshaw-Granny]

Better get training then to improve my times for next time we visit 😂

[Blackberrypie Graduate10]

The Nike Run Club "A rainy run" might help - it certainly gets you going and keeps you distracted. I find it's much easier to deal with rain that starts while you're already moving than actually set out in the rain, so maybe try to find a clear moment to start out. I have to say that I do sort of like the feeling of mid-run rain - it cools me down pleasantly and there's something superpowerlike (readybrek glow!) about feeling my body keep itself warm and push itself forward despite the weather. I do more of my warm up and cool down as exercises in the house as the walk at the beginning and end can easily be the coldest part. A cap with a brim keeps rain out of the eyes. Wicking clothing helps a lot - a raincoat is less use than you might think because most coats keep more sweat in than they keep rain out. Oh, and a bit of vaseline on the feet helps prevent blisters - for some reason wet socks are more likely to rub so it's a good precaution.

[MoliJ Graduate10 in reply to Blackberrypie]

Thanks Blackberrypie, some good advice. It’s the warm up and warm down walk that worries me the most as I know I will get cold if wet. I think they are so important to prevent injury.

[Blackberrypie Graduate10 in reply to MoliJ]

Yes, definitely don't skip warm ups and cool downs, but I find I can get quite effectively warmed up without leaving the house - things like jumping on the spot, kick ups and high knees to get your breathing going and your muscles working before you go out, plus some dynamic stretches and twists for mobilisation. After the run you will probably be warm enough for 5 mins of walking, and then maybe add some yoga or gentle walking round once you get in.

[MoliJ Graduate10 in reply to Blackberrypie]

That’s a good idea, I will give that a go. Thank you x

[mrrun Graduate10]

The thing with outdoor running is that we get all that's thrown at us (hot/cold/wind/sleet/rain). Another choice is indoors running on a treadmill. No third option. I love running, I dislike indoors running, hence I go out rain or shine. Whether we like/love/dislike or as you say hate certain weather conditions, will make no difference. If I really disliked something that much I simply wouldn't do it. No point in doing it if it's not fun, but then again that's just me. 😉

[MoliJ Graduate10 in reply to mrrun]

I think I am going to have to bite the bullet and just try it. If it’s as horrible as I perceive it’s going to be, I will have to be a fair weather runner 😂

[Raspberrypink Graduate10]

I don’t like running in the rain that much but I once you’re out there it’s not so bad. Wearing a cap definitely helps 👍🏼

[MoliJ Graduate10 in reply to Raspberrypink]

Thanks Raspberrypink, I will let you know how I get on. 😀

[Gememms Graduate10]

Yes- wearing a cap helps - just out now for a trot and feel a shower coming on - I think I hate running into the wind more than heavy rain...see you out there...

[MoliJ Graduate10 in reply to Gememms]

Hopefully on Saturday 💪💪💪💪

[Gememms Graduate10 in reply to MoliJ]

...just back - quite refreshing, looked at the positives of getting out there and feeling alive! A nice 5K in 36 and a bit mins, happy with that. Enjoy your trot.

[MoliJ Graduate10 in reply to Gememms]

Fabulous time, well done 👍 thanks for the encouragement x

[Gememms Graduate10 in reply to MoliJ]

It has been a steady improvement, Back in March i was chalking off 42mins and lockdown has been the making of me. Keep going, lady.

[MoliJ Graduate10 in reply to Gememms]

I will, my fastest time pre injury was 37. Hoping I get back to that soon x

[Buddhagal]

Incredible running journey,way to go gal😁😁😁👍👍. What an inspiration...you loverlies keep me motivated, W7R1 tomorrow for me. Enjoy your run and that rosy glow after a shower. 😁😁👍🏃‍♀️🙋

[MoliJ Graduate10 in reply to Buddhagal]

Thanks. Not long for you now and you will have completed C25k. Have a fabulous run tomorrow. Only 9 more runs to go 💪💪💪💪💪

[Buddhagal in reply to MoliJ]

Thanks lurverly....👍👍🙋

[Speedy60 Graduate10]

I love running in the rain too. I'm finding that as the weather cools down, my speeds are coming up again. The combination I don't like is strong wind and rain. The wind just takes your body heat away and it's harder to run against. This weekend doesn't look good for me. 😕

[MoliJ Graduate10 in reply to Speedy60]

I envy you enjoying running in the rain. I think I hate strong winds more than heavy rain. The weekend is looking pretty awful here too. I am hoping there will be a lull in the torrential rain and it will be more of a drizzle.