Run Run Away

Question:

Hi All – notwithstanding the recent posts about the joys of running in the rain, I’d love to hear product reviews of wet weather gear. I wear a low-tech anorak (sp?) that keeps me pretty dry, but breathes poorly.  Quite a sauna inside!   Ads for the new gear claim they keep rain out while allowing sweat to pass through.  I’ve not tried one and am skeptical.  Anybody with first-hand experience? cheers, Jody

Response:

Being from the rain capitol of the USA (Seattle), I think I can answer this question.  A typical fall/winter/spring day is 47 degrees and light drizzle. Rain isn’t even a factor as to whether I run on any given day, so I’ve come up with ideal (for me) clothing to run in the rain. Because running leads to sweating and wet clothes, I figure "Why bother trying to keep the rain off me?"  The important thing is to stay warm.   I avoid shells to avoid that sauna feeling unless it’s cold and windy.  The wind goes right through those polypro tops without a windblock.   Cotton is a big No No as it gets wet, sticks to your skin and sucks the heat out of you leading to hypothermia.  The best clothing is made from synthetic fibers.  I usually wear polypropylene long underwear shirts is various thicknesses depending on temperature and intensity of rain.  One of my favorite tops is a Nike Thermafit fleece zip neck shirt.  I can tell these shirts work because after returning from a run, the outside looks like it’s foaming from all the moisture it wicked away from my skin.  Road Runner Sports has a nice gore-tex cap to keep the head warm, which is important for us folically challenged (balding) guys.  Unless it’s below 45 degrees or raining hard, all I wear is running shorts.  Otherwise, lycra/polyester tights work great.  Finally, the hands get cold unless I wear polypropylene gloves liners.  Hope this helps. — — Harald — Remove X in name to email me (SPAM avoidance) "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little  temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." -Ben Franklin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All – notwithstanding the recent posts about the joys of running in the rain, I’d love to hear product reviews of wet weather gear. I wear a low-tech anorak (sp?) that keeps me pretty dry, but breathes poorly.  Quite a sauna inside!   Ads for the new gear claim they keep rain out while allowing sweat to pass through.  I’ve not tried one and am skeptical.  Anybody with first-hand experience? cheers, Jody

Response: