Hello runner friends!
Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series
MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!
Now let's get started by talking about Marathon Weekend. I don't know about you but I thoroughly enjoyed everything about it... especially the rain on race day. And I'm not the only one either (check out those smiles at the finish line in the photo above). I heard so many runners and walkers talking about how they didn't think they would enjoy running the race in the rain but had a better time running in it than they would have without the rain! Which is a good thing since the forecast calls for more rain this Saturday. So, if you're signed up to run the Dogwood Canyon 25k or 50k and you're a bit apprehensive, take heart. If thousands of other runners enjoyed the experience, you can bet that you will too.
But hey, if you need a few more reasons to be coaxed into running in the rain, check out a few benefits of getting out in the precipitation:
Did you know that when temps are even just a couple of degrees warmer your performance can suffer? That’s because your body temperature rises as you run (hence the reason runners dress for temperatures 20 degrees higher than the actual temps). The warmer it is, the more you have to sweat to cool off. However, when the sky opens up, rain acts as a natural air conditioner to keep your body temperature down so you can keep your effort up. And you'll need all your effort to conquer the hills of Dogwood!
While it may feel ideal to run on beautiful sunny days, challenging yourself to run in adverse conditions like rain will remind you that there are many things in life you can't control. Facing some of the things you can't control (like the weather) will help strengthen you to let go of things you don't need to hold onto or carry anymore and accept the things you can't walk away from but are powerless to change. This will help you to not only successfully complete workouts and reach your goals in races but also deal with adversity in the rest of life. After all, daily life is rarely a perfect, cloudless day or a leisurely stroll in the park.
Water is cleansing, and the sound of rain is relaxing. Combine running and rain and you get even more stress relief since running has been proven to fight depression and anxiety because of the release of those feel good chemicals called endorphins. Be sure to bask in the moment and count your blessings while you're out on the trail as well. This will further help you appreciate the experience and the inner peace nature brings.
Ever notice how the streets grows deserted during a rain shower? Getting out there in adverse conditions will make you feel all the more gritty. And the sense of accomplishment you'll have when you're done will only add to your sense of self assurance that you're capable of doing much more than you give yourself credit for (in running and in life).
You'll be labeled as hardcore!
People may call you crazy, or silly, or even blinded by dedication, but we know these are all just different ways of saying that you got out there and showed Mother Nature who's boss. While most people were cooped up inside waiting out the rain, you’ll be known as the one who defied the climate-controlled treadmill and tackled the hills of Dogwood. Own up to your high degree of awesomeness and embrace your new label of "hardcore"!
No running clothes are going to keep you completely dry in the rain, so you should expect to get wet. But the right gear will keep you more comfortable.
The right shoes
And there you have it friends. We certainly can't change the weather but we can change our attitudes about the weather. And... we can wear the right gear! So rain or shine, I hope you're ready to join me at the start line of the greatest trail run there ever could be! You'll be so glad you did. Happy Running!
Running in the rain will help you deal with adversity.
While it may feel ideal to run on beautiful sunny days, challenging yourself to run in adverse conditions like rain will remind you that there are many things in life you can't control. Facing some of the things you can't control (like the weather) will help strengthen you to let go of things you don't need to hold onto or carry anymore and accept the things you can't walk away from but are powerless to change. This will help you to not only successfully complete workouts and reach your goals in races but also deal with adversity in the rest of life. After all, daily life is rarely a perfect, cloudless day or a leisurely stroll in the park.
Running in the rain helps to relieve stress.
Water is cleansing, and the sound of rain is relaxing. Combine running and rain and you get even more stress relief since running has been proven to fight depression and anxiety because of the release of those feel good chemicals called endorphins. Be sure to bask in the moment and count your blessings while you're out on the trail as well. This will further help you appreciate the experience and the inner peace nature brings.
Running in the rain can boost your confidence.
Ever notice how the streets grows deserted during a rain shower? Getting out there in adverse conditions will make you feel all the more gritty. And the sense of accomplishment you'll have when you're done will only add to your sense of self assurance that you're capable of doing much more than you give yourself credit for (in running and in life).
You'll be labeled as hardcore!
People may call you crazy, or silly, or even blinded by dedication, but we know these are all just different ways of saying that you got out there and showed Mother Nature who's boss. While most people were cooped up inside waiting out the rain, you’ll be known as the one who defied the climate-controlled treadmill and tackled the hills of Dogwood. Own up to your high degree of awesomeness and embrace your new label of "hardcore"!
Now that you're thoroughly convinced that you can and should tackle the hills of Dogwood Canyon rain or shine, check out what to wear so you'll be prepared for the rain should the forecast not change.
No running clothes are going to keep you completely dry in the rain, so you should expect to get wet. But the right gear will keep you more comfortable.
A running hat with a bill that extends out over your face.
A running hat with a bill will shield your eyes from the rain so you don’t have to constantly wipe water out of your face.
A running hat with a bill will shield your eyes from the rain so you don’t have to constantly wipe water out of your face.
Synthetic, form-fitting clothing (including socks).
Don't wear cotton. Cotton T-shirts and socks act like sponges in the rain, soaking up water and sticking to your skin. Even in sunny weather, cotton doesn’t dry out as fast as synthetic fibers, and wet cotton can lead to chafing. Also, aa opposed to baggy clothing, form-fitting gear has less excess fabric to soak up water and cling to your body.
Don't wear cotton. Cotton T-shirts and socks act like sponges in the rain, soaking up water and sticking to your skin. Even in sunny weather, cotton doesn’t dry out as fast as synthetic fibers, and wet cotton can lead to chafing. Also, aa opposed to baggy clothing, form-fitting gear has less excess fabric to soak up water and cling to your body.
Anti-chafe balm
Try Squirrel’s Nut Butter or Body Glide to protect you from uncomfortable rubbing. I'm a huge fan of Gold Bond Friction Defense that can be found almost anywhere (Wal-Mart carries it) as well.
Try Squirrel’s Nut Butter or Body Glide to protect you from uncomfortable rubbing. I'm a huge fan of Gold Bond Friction Defense that can be found almost anywhere (Wal-Mart carries it) as well.
A breathable, running-specific jacket (if it's chilly).
Jackets that don’t breathe well might keep you dry from the rain, but they'll bottle up sweat and leave you feeling clammy. If it's warm, I’d suggest skipping the jacket and embracing getting wet. A jacket will simply make you feel hot and heavy, and getting wet will only make you feel more “hardcore”
The right shoes
This one is super important and always the top priority when it comes to running Dogwood. But it’s even more important when the ground is wet and muddy and lined with slick leaves. Trail shoes are a must at this event! My faves are the HOKA Challenger and the HOKA Speedgoat. No matter what shoe you choose though, make sure they have good traction to prevent or minimize slipping. On a side note, if you're participating in the Dogwood Challenge, it would be wise to have two pairs of trail shoes on hand to ensure you'll have a dry pair on Sunday. However, if two pairs are not in your budget, take off your wet shoes (and they'll be wet even if it doesn't rain because of the multiple water crossings) as soon as possible and remove the insoles. Then place them somewhere where they will dry quickly, like over a heater vent or out in the sun if we get a break from the rain.
*HOKA is the Presenting Sponsor of the Dogwood Canyon 15k this year! So excited about that!!
And there you have it friends. We certainly can't change the weather but we can change our attitudes about the weather. And... we can wear the right gear! So rain or shine, I hope you're ready to join me at the start line of the greatest trail run there ever could be! You'll be so glad you did. Happy Running!
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