Tips to Weather the Rain in a Race

Good morning and happy Friday! OK, racers, we have a very rainy Saturday on tap. No two ways about it, tomorrow is going to be wet and windy. But, not to worry, where there is a will there is a way. You have trained. You are ready. The weather will be no match for your hard work and prep planning for tomorrow. So go out and have fun remembering that the races in the quirky conditions are sometimes the most memorable! 

We have runners racing the Marine Corps 17.75K and the Charlottesville Ten Miler tomorrow and both are shaping up to be soggy so here are some tips to make the most of the conditions. 

Clothing 

Dress for how you think you will feel 5 to 10 minutes into the run, we sometimes tend to overdress for rainy conditions and end up feeling uncomfortably hot once we settle into our run 

Layers are an option for warmth at the start and to keep your inner layer dry but think through what you will do with the layers as you remove them, whether it’s tying them around your waist, handing them off to a friend or family member spectating at a point on the course or discarding them

The outer layer should be lightweight and water resistant but also breathable so you don’t overheat underneath 

Wear sweat wicking or water resistant clothing that is also intended for sport, running specifically, this will help to keep you as comfortable as possible even though it will still be wet 

Wear something warm and dry to the start that you may be comfortable discarding right before you start running - this should be something you don’t care to keep and oftentimes race organizers are good about donating these items 

Have a clothing plan for after the race as you will want to get out of the wet clothes as soon as possible for dryness, warmth and to avoid things like chafing - if you drove to the race or it is any distance away from home, bring these items with you and plan to change before you drive home 

Also bring a towel with you to leave in the car so you can dry your arms, legs and anything that was exposed during the run 

Bottom layer should also be sweat wicking and depending on temperature and personal preference runner’s choice on running pants or leggings versus shorts 

Socks 

Think about the socks you will wear and while these do not necessarily need to specifically be waterproof, they should be good athletic socks that are sweat wicking and won’t sop up all the rain that will inevitably end up in your shoes 

Shoes 

Depending on the terrain, you do not need special shoes for running in the rain though you should think through traction and your shoes (in all conditions) should have a good grip

If you have an older pair of shoes that are still in race-ready condition and good enough quality still to run in, you can opt for these to keep your more current rotation dry for future use but we tend to suggest running in what you have most recently been training in 

Have a plan for drying out your shoes after the race so they are ready for your next run, in other words, don’t just throw them in the back of your car after the race and forget about them for a few days, not only will that be smelly the shoes won’t be dry and ready next time you need them 

Hat 

Consider wearing a hat to keep the rain from falling into your face and eyes and this affects what we see but also creates a distraction where we are constantly wiping our forehead and that changes our running form and pace 

Electronics 

If you plan to run with your phone, make sure you have a bag or something waterproof

If you run with air pods, ear buds or any other listening device, be aware these may be affected or even damaged in rain especially downpour conditions, so plan accordingly 

Running watches are often quite resilient, but check the manufacturer recommendations for your particular type 

Footing & Terrain 

Where possible, try to avoid puddles to keep your shoes and feet as dry as possible 

Depending on race start and temperature at that time, careful for potentially icy conditions and even in warmer weather watch for slippery spots in the rain 

In all types of terrain, and especially on trails or uneven footing, use caution with reduced visibility and keep a look out for changes in pavement, sidewalks, tree roots, pot holes, etc. 

Overall Conditions 

No matter the conditions, these play an important role in our overall run, so plan ahead and adjust your race day strategy to mirror the weather you will face. There is always a solution, always a way if you keep an open mind and are prepared. In rain, cold and wind be mindful this may slow your pace while your effort still feels the same, so go into the race accepting of that and remember, everyone is in the same boat! 

Smile, soak up the day, rain and all, and happy running!