If you’ve ever gone running in the rain, you know the joy it brings. It’s an incredibly relieving activity. While most people are shirking away indoors, you’re embracing the outside world, with all its wetness and mugginess, taking nature exactly as it is.
For a runner, it can be exceptionally enlivening, too, as you’re forcing yourself into a potentially uncomfortable situation. Best of all, you’ll find in no time that you actually love doing it!
But how do you stay safe while running in the rain? The best way is to ensure you get your gear in order. The right clothing is a priority of rain running, as you want to stay dry without overheating. Add in some illumination and a medical alert bracelet and you’re all set to go.
Here’s your official wet weather running safety guide:
- Put on a waterproof jacket
Chances are you won’t want to run while holding an umbrella. That’s why it’s essential you wear a waterproof jacket. Now, why waterproof? There is a difference in waterproof vs. water-resistant clothing. Waterproof is clothing that is entirely sealed off so it will repel all water and water-resistant clothing will repel water but only for so long. Water-resistant clothing can do the trick for quick runs, say one mile to a 5K. But you should reach for a waterproof jacket for anything longer, as it will keep you dry from start to finish.
- Wear your layers
Depending on the time of year, you might want to consider how much you wear, too. If you happen to get wet on a cool day, it can lead to your body temperature dropping. For that reason, it’s a good idea to wear a few layers. While they’ll eventually get wet with time, they’ll ensure you stay warm enough to fight off any side effects, such as hypothermia.
- Don’t wear too much, though
You should layer up, but don’t overdo it. If you wear too much, you might find that you overheat. Suddenly, amidst the gloomy, cool, wet weather, you’re struggling with heatstroke. Instead, keep the clothes to a comfortable minimum.
- Leave any cotton clothing at home
Cotton clothing may be comfortable while worn at home, but it’s no fun on a run – especially a wet one. Instead, grab running-specific clothing, clothing intended solely for running. Merino wool clothing tends to be the most appreciated, as it remains breathable while also wicking moisture away from the skin.
- You may want to lubricate
Hear us out. You don’t want any extra chafing on your run, and wet clothing will only make it worse. Instead, you should consider lubing up here and there. Your skin will greatly appreciate it.
- Consider wearing GORE-TEX shoes
GORE-TEX shoes tend to be most commonly worn by trail runners because they work wonders for runners taking on a rainy day. Guaranteed waterproof, breathable, and windproof, they’ll keep your feet cool while staying completely dry. Just watch out for any especially deep puddles – the shoes don’t do quite as much if your foot gets completely submerged beneath the water.
- Keep your health at front of mind
One thing you should never forget is your personal health. For anyone with a pre-existing medical condition, they should carry their medical information with them. You never know when something may happen, whether it’s diabetic shock, a heart attack, or a seizure. We recommend wearing ID bracelets for that reason, as they allow you to carry your relevant health information wherever you are – whether on a rainy road or a muddy trail.
- Watch where you step
You also need to watch where you’re going. Part of the danger of running in the rain is that it can easily lead to sprained ankles and worse. Reason being? Potholes covered with water, slippery surfaces, loose rocks, and more.
- Stay visible to others
You’ll also want to wear bright clothing. It might sound silly, but it’s an important way to avoid getting hurt. Your biggest threat while running in the rain is vehicles, as fog and heavy rain can lead to drivers becoming more distracted than usual. That itself is cause for concern, and it’s why you should make sure you wear clothing that increases your visibility. This includes neon jackets, reflective shorts/pants, and shirts/jackets, and illumination vests.
- Bring some illumination
While you’ll want to make yourself known to those around you, you also want to guarantee that you can see, too. Running headlamps are the best way to achieve this. Battery-powered, they make it easy to see where you’re going. Lamps come in varying strengths, so you’ll want to do your research to find the one that best fits your needs.
- Change once you get home
Once you’re home, it’s time to strip down. Don’t linger in your wet clothing, as it will just be uncomfortable on your skin. Instead, get dry and begin stretching. It will ensure you can comfortably cool down post-run.
- Avoid running altogether if it’s bad enough
But wait? Didn’t we just tell you all about how incredible wet-weather running is? We did, and we stand by it. But you need to know when the weather could be potentially dangerous to you. If it’s especially cold, there’s a lot of thunder, there’s lightning striking in the distance or it’s truly a downpour, well, it’s time to call it quits for the day.
Running will always be there for you. You shouldn’t push it on one day all because you think you need to get a workout in. Value your overall health first and foremost. Your body will truly thank you in the long run.
But if there are thunderstorms in your area that include lightning, or there’s a downpour and the temperature is below freezing, running in the rain may be dangerous. If you’re going to run while it’s raining, make sure you’re appropriately dressed for the elements.