Question from a running newbie....

[Deanna "Dee" Lonergan]

So I just started running this year and haven't had too many rainy days in my training so far. With winter approaching and the possibility of rain this weekend on my long run, my questions is

What is recommended running attire in the rain?

(I don't have the luxury of a treadmill or gym membership, plus I prefer running outside anyway.)

I realize this is probably a really dumb question....but I've learned so much so far from this group I am hoping some of you have some good advice to offer.

Thanks so much!!

~ Dee

[George White]

Dee -

No - that's not a dumb question.
I've been running since I was a teenager - so that's about 30 years of running.

I love running in the rain. It really cools you off.
I've had some fantastic runs in the rain.
Hard rain - I don't like it so much - and windy and rainy - really not fun.

If it's cold out and not raining too hard - sometimes I just wear a technical shirt under
a long sleeve T-shirt or sweatshirt. A hat helps keep the rain out of your face. Hat is critical.

If it's raining a little harder - I'll wear a waterproof lightweight jacket with a hood and the technical shirt underneath
and a hat. And sometimes I get too warm - then I take off my jacket and tie it around my waist.

Shorts - I just wear what I always wear. You don't want to wear something that's going to absorb water
and weigh you down.

And like lots of things - just try different things and see what works for you. This is what works for me.

Good luck!

George

[Deanna "Dee" Lonergan]

Thanks, George!

I was wondering about a lightweight jacket...mostly to just keep the moisture off, but I was concerned about getting too hot.

Thanks for the great suggestions! I'll give 'em a try!

~Dee

[Deanna "Dee" Lonergan]

Well....went on a ten mile run from my house to the beach and back on Sunday and low-and-behold it started raining 2 miles into my run. It continued raining the remainder of my run. It wasn't cold, so my shorts and BR shirt worked out just fine. Thanks for the hat suggestion....that saved me! Had a great run!! Felt great to be out in the fresh, clean air. :o)

[Noretta]

If you are driving to any place to run, it would be a good idea to bring some dry/warm change of clothes, towel, flip flops for after your run.

[Deanna "Dee" Lonergan]

Good suggestions...Thanks!

[Betty]

You could invest in a running jacket - they have all sorts of stuff at running specialty stores; just depends on your preference. You don't have to spend a lot of money - You can always ck out Ross, Marshalls, etc.- you'd be surprised of the quality running gear you can find. Cooler weather running gear is made to breathe...but like you already discovered not absolutely necessary.

[Deanna "Dee" Lonergan]

Ooooh good idea...I'll check out Ross and/or Marshalls! Thanks!

[Steve Mackel]

Dee,

Plan on getting wet and it all starts with your feet. The cheapest way to go is to cut some holes in a large plastic trash or you could get the fancy rain suits.

Train focused,

Steve