Running in bad weather

[Pymander10]

Hi guys

Just here for some advice as I managed to get motivated and well enough for a run on Thursday! I managed 20 minutes and it was wonderful!

I’m due to run today but wow the weather is bad! Rain and lots of gusts of wind which I haven’t ran in before and it’s putting me off going if I’m honest! Does anyone have any advice or tips to get through running in bad weather?!

Thanks!

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Your choices:

a) wear appropriate clothing and get it done

b) wear inappropriate clothing and get it done

c) use a treadmill instead

d) don't run

On a day like today, my choice would be (a) or (c).

Cold - no problem, wear layers, hat, gloves etc

Wind - urgh, no-one likes wind, but

Rain - no problem

Cold/wind - not nice but tolerable

Cold/rain - ditto

Wind/rain - ditto

Cold, wind AND rain? No thanks and off to the gym and treadmill I go.

[Pymander10 Graduate in reply to John_W]

Wow lots of options! I’m probably leaning to maybe a or b as I’m not sure if I have the appropriate clothing. I do have quite a loose rain Mac which I’ve ran in before but it made me feel weighted down a bit.

No treadmill option for me although that would be nice! Unfortunately also leaning to D! However I do have a few hours to build myself up!!

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Pymander10]

Get that mac on and get out. You'll be warm soon enough.

[nowster Graduate]

If it's really horrible, the couch beckons. Cold, wet and wind is a horrible combination.

I prefer not to start out if it's actively raining. If I'm caught in the rain whilst out, I'm fine with it.

Cold is just a matter of layers and judging things such that when you initially get outside you feel a little cold, but when you're warmed up you're comfortable.

Wind is difficult. Layers help a lot, but there's the possibility of overheating when the wind drops.

The problem with waterproofs is that whilst they keep the wet out, they also keep the wet and the heat in. "Boil in the bag."

[Roxdog Graduate]

I would just say that once you're running, it's quite fun to be running in wild weather! You have to be brave initially, but once you're warmed up, the wind and rain can be really invigorating. There are limits of course, but you may find that if you face it, you'll end up having a great run!

[Pymander10 Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

I’ll take that on board! Kit on now it’s time to get out that door! Thanks for the advice! I think I’ll just go with it and see what happens!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Try it and you may find it not nearly as bad as you think.

At least then you have a reference point to use in the future.

[mrrun Graduate]

I am only careful to avoid areas where I could get hit by falling/flying bits in gutsy winds like today is Sarf Landan. Otherwise it's just a different run. Go out and see how it goes. Convince yourself that there's no good or bad weather, the weather just is and we are gatecrashing its party. The worse that could happen is that you can get wet (and you'll get sweaty anyway) or that your elaborate hairdo will get messed up. I'm going out in an hour as well, needs must. 😉

[Pymander10 Graduate in reply to mrrun]

Thanks! Got my kit onjust need to get out that door! I hope you have a good run!

[Newbie59 Graduate]

Oh well done Pymander10 for getting out there!I got up, got ready, looked out, cold, rain, gusty winds, No Thanks!

Tomorrow is another day ....

[Pymander10 Graduate in reply to Newbie59]

I know how you feel! But I did do it and it was an enjoyable run even with the wind and rain and of course wet feet! Feels good to be home now showered and fed! I hope you manage to get out tomorrow and the weather is better!

[Newbie59 Graduate in reply to Pymander10]

I do run in light rain, and also in wind, but I find both together a bit much

[Pymander10 Graduate]

Yes it’s a bit intense and the sofa seems very comforting! I did it though and it wasn’t as bad as I thought when I got out there as I just ran with it!

[00marks Graduate]

I did my long run this morning and the weather was dreadful. Very windy and driving rain. I was considering turning back because the rain on my face hurt. It felt like it was hailing but I don't thing it was. Also with standing water I ended up running through puddles and so my feet were wet.

Thankfully the weather improved a little but it was grim running into a headwind. I must be totally crazy but I got done what I needed to do.

My advice FWIW is always to have a plan B. Have a short cut home if possible and know when you reach the point of no return.

If at all possible don't stop but keep running. If it is wet and you stop you will get very cold very quickly. Walking back home when you are cold will take longer than if you are running and you'll only get colder.