Hello runner friends!
Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series
MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!
Now let's get started by talking about those April showers. You know, the ones that bring May flowers? And also the ones that plagued the runners at Monday's 127th running of the Boston Marathon. Whether you're a professional runner or a recreational one (like the majority of us), rain is just part of the game... especially this time of year. But it didn't dampen the spirits of the runners in Massachusetts and it shouldn't dampen yours either.
Which is the very reason that every runner should train in the rain. After all, you have to train in every condition to be ready for every condition right? Consider the plight of Des Linden at the 2018 Boston Marathon. After running through a torrential downpour, she became the first American woman to win this iconic race since 1985. With the rain streaming down and her feet splashing through puddles, Linden crossed the finish line in 2:39:54 in a history-making moment. It was later reported that Linden spent the last few weeks of her training block in northern Michigan, where cold and rainy temperatures were the norm. I'm sure she didn't appreciate the weather then but it made all the difference on race day.
So without further ado, check out these five simple tips Chad Schiffman, Ironman finisher, marathon runner, and a NASM certified personal trainer, who lives in Pensacola, Florida—one of the rainiest cities in the country, gives for "running in the rain safely and comfortably." And remember... you never know what the weather will be like on race day. Put in the work. You won't regret it.
1. Check for lightning
While the traditional running season starts at the beginning of the spring and ends mid-fall, races happen all year round. With that in mind, race organizers won’t cancel or postpone a race due to the chance of rain unless there’s lightning or heavy winds involved. “I've been caught in the rain when lightning has happened, and it is quite intimidating,” Schiffman tells Runner’s World. So, it’s best to check the weather before you head out and ensure there’s no chance of lightning within a ten-mile radius.
2. Gear up accordingly and be visible
Another thing to consider before heading out is picking the right apparel, like a running-specific rain jacket with wicking capabilities, shares Schiffman. Also, “if you're prone to [chaffing], you may want to carry a small thing of Body Glide or something similar, like Vaseline packets, just in case.” This way, you can apply it before a run or during to minimize chafing.While running in the rain, visibility is key. Not only do you want to be seen, but you also want to see clearly. For this reason, Schiffman says he wears a hat with a brim and clear sunglasses when it rains to avoid water getting in his eyes.
Also, save your all-black running clothes for another time, and instead, wear bright shoes or a reflective top. Rain or shine, “I would just want to make sure that I had something that would increase my visibility just in case it did start raining,” Schiffman says.
Another thing to consider before heading out is picking the right apparel, like a running-specific rain jacket with wicking capabilities, shares Schiffman. Also, “if you're prone to [chaffing], you may want to carry a small thing of Body Glide or something similar, like Vaseline packets, just in case.” This way, you can apply it before a run or during to minimize chafing.While running in the rain, visibility is key. Not only do you want to be seen, but you also want to see clearly. For this reason, Schiffman says he wears a hat with a brim and clear sunglasses when it rains to avoid water getting in his eyes.
Also, save your all-black running clothes for another time, and instead, wear bright shoes or a reflective top. Rain or shine, “I would just want to make sure that I had something that would increase my visibility just in case it did start raining,” Schiffman says.
3. Wear the right shoes
Running with soaking-wet feet can lead to painful blisters; to avoid this, wear shoes with the proper drainage, says Schiffman. But if you’re not willing to invest in a new pair of shoes or would rather stick to the pair you’ve got, you can also treat your shoes with water-repellant spray or use trail-running shoes.
Running with soaking-wet feet can lead to painful blisters; to avoid this, wear shoes with the proper drainage, says Schiffman. But if you’re not willing to invest in a new pair of shoes or would rather stick to the pair you’ve got, you can also treat your shoes with water-repellant spray or use trail-running shoes.
*And the right socks. No cotton! Think a rayon/polyester blend.
4. Leave the electronics at home
For those of us who like to listen to podcasts, audiobooks, or music while clocking miles, this tip can be hard to follow. But leaving your electronics at home can be a great practice for race day, “for example, being in the Ironman series and similar races, I've learned some events don't allow headphones, so I've learned to leave them at home,” shares Schiffman.
And for safety reasons, running with fewer distractions is best because rain can drown out the sounds of cars passing by. So, consider turning off the tunes while you run or leaving your phone behind—you can always track your runs using a smartwatch like a Sunnto, Polar, or an old-fashioned watch.
For those of us who like to listen to podcasts, audiobooks, or music while clocking miles, this tip can be hard to follow. But leaving your electronics at home can be a great practice for race day, “for example, being in the Ironman series and similar races, I've learned some events don't allow headphones, so I've learned to leave them at home,” shares Schiffman.
And for safety reasons, running with fewer distractions is best because rain can drown out the sounds of cars passing by. So, consider turning off the tunes while you run or leaving your phone behind—you can always track your runs using a smartwatch like a Sunnto, Polar, or an old-fashioned watch.
5. Pay attention to your running mechanics
While running in the rain, be mindful of your running mechanics and consider how you may need to adjust your approach to finish your run safely. Schiffman prefers to focus on shortening his stride and picking up his cadence to avoid overreaching his leg and possibly slipping or sliding out. “I've had some good run times in the rain. And I don't know if it's because I just focus on my foot strike and then tune in the form.”
Finally, just keep in mind that there isn’t a solid way to approach running in the rain, but the bottom line is that it’s important to plan your run or race carefully: Monitor the weather, check your gear, plan your route, and adjust your approach accordingly. Above all else, be safe and have fun while running in the rain.
While running in the rain, be mindful of your running mechanics and consider how you may need to adjust your approach to finish your run safely. Schiffman prefers to focus on shortening his stride and picking up his cadence to avoid overreaching his leg and possibly slipping or sliding out. “I've had some good run times in the rain. And I don't know if it's because I just focus on my foot strike and then tune in the form.”
Finally, just keep in mind that there isn’t a solid way to approach running in the rain, but the bottom line is that it’s important to plan your run or race carefully: Monitor the weather, check your gear, plan your route, and adjust your approach accordingly. Above all else, be safe and have fun while running in the rain.
So there you have it friends. Running in the rain will not only ensure that you’re ready for race day but it will allow you to realize something only runners know… there’s no bad weather when you have the right clothing and the proper training. So grab a raincoat and get out there.
Happy Running!
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