long runs and rain

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Question:

Running in the rain is fun and a good idea.. Ken Mc

Depends on your part of the world. In Colorado warm rain is almost always accompanied by lightning. Else it is 30-40 degrees F and freezing.

Response:

Doesn’t matter if it’s wet, so long as it isn’t <cold. Individual tastes apply, but I’ve done many, many 20-milers in the rain, wearing a long-sleeved t-shirt if it’s warm, and a light hooded rain jacket if it’s cold. I like the feeling of rain. — George Beinhorn "How to Run Your First 50-Miler" http://www.oceansofenergy.com.

Response:

I hate/can’t run in the rain. My perspiration is very acidic and burns my eyes. I was in a 10K several years ago when it started raining near the end. By the time I got to the finish I could not see because the rain washed the sweat into my eyes and no amount of wiping could get it out. I walked around squinting and flailing at my eyes for about 20 mins. before I could leave. I guess I could use swimming goggles but have never pursued it. Regards…John I’ve been lurking for the last few weeks but haven’t seen this come up. I’m training for the Chicago Marathon, using the Runners World beginner program. Tomorrow I’m scheduled to run 16 miles. The weather forecast is for rain. I can’t really reschedule my long run due to the training program and my time committments, if the weather is yucky. Does anyone have any suggestions for surviving a wet long run? Or is that just a bad idea? Thanks in advance, Marisa –

– to email replace ‘at’ and ‘-dot-’ carusoj at bellsouth dot net

Response:

Isn’t there a simple solution like wearing a wide sweatband on your forehead and a cap with a long bill to protect your head?

Response:

John, try a head band, it catches the sweat/salt. Been doing this for almost 20 years. — Caveat Lector Doug Freese

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I’m not very good at reading minds, but if you had put a smiley face at the end of the sentence I would have seen that you were using satire.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – On 25 Aug 2001, "Max Power" FYI – colds are caused by viruses. The only real danger of running in rain is hypothermia. I was within 6 weeks of the marathon and I was worried about getting a cold, pneumonia, typhoid, that sort of thing. FYI – colds are indeed caused by virii. My above reference to illness was facetious and deliberately hyperbolic, specifically satirizing the marathoner’s abject fear of contracting illness so close to the goal race. We are afraid, aren’t we? Paranoid even? I think it’s funny. — //Lorne Sundby

Response:

Thank you to everyone that posted and/or e-mailed me! Depending on which way you look at it, I had good/bad luck today, in that there was no rain. It started to mist around my 3mi point, but cleared up by the 4mi mark. Over all, the weather was pretty decent today- not too hot or humid. I’ve done shorter runs in rain, but that was a long time ago. I used to like running in the bad weather, even if the people who drove past looked at you like you were crazy. My main concern about the long run was the wet shoe/sock problem; I run in coolmax/dri-fit shorts and sportsbra, so I wasn’t too worried about the clothes. Thanks to all the advice, I am hoping to get a chance to have a wet run before the marathon. Marisa –

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thank you to everyone that posted and/or e-mailed me! Depending on which way you look at it, I had good/bad luck today, in that there was no rain. It started to mist around my 3mi point, but cleared up by the 4mi mark. Over all, the weather was pretty decent today- not too hot or humid. I’ve done shorter runs in rain, but that was a long time ago. I used to like running in the bad weather, even if the people who drove past looked at you like you were crazy. My main concern about the long run was the wet shoe/sock problem; I run in coolmax/dri-fit shorts and sportsbra, so I wasn’t too worried about the clothes.

I have never had this problem when running in the rain but once I was hiking in a rain storm and it started to lightning. Now that can get scary when you are five miles from the car and it is striking within a half mile. But us hikers use gaitors for the wet boot / sock problem. I have never seen runners use gaitors. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks to all the advice, I am hoping to get a chance to have a wet run before the marathon. Marisa –

Response:

I agree in many ways with the several posts about the joys and value of doing training runs in the rain, but a cautionary note for the inexperienced: this past spring, I happily ventured out on a long run of 14 miles despite a steady rain. I enjoyed the cooling effect, the adventure of getting through, the way it changed the scenery, the experience I gained for some future marathon in the rain, etc…..but I also was forced off most of my usual running trail, which is grass, and onto streets and sidewalks of asphalt and concrete. At that point in my training regimen, my body simply was not ready for those hard surfaces at that distance. Result: I suffered a bad IT band strain that interrupted training for 2 weeks. That said, let it rain, now I’m ready! Chris

Response:

Running in the rain is fun and a good idea.. Ken Mc

Response:

FYI – colds are caused by viruses. The only real danger of running in rain is hypothermia.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone have any suggestions for surviving a wet long run? Or is that just a bad idea? Admittedly, I could have done the whole run in the rain, but it was a bit cold (it was April) and I was worried about getting chilled. I was within 6 weeks of the marathon and I was worried about getting a cold, pneumonia, typhoid, that sort of thing. Lorne Sundby

Response:

On 25 Aug 2001, "Max Power" FYI – colds are caused by viruses. The only real danger of running in rain is hypothermia. I was within 6 weeks of the marathon and I was worried about getting a cold, pneumonia, typhoid, that sort of thing.

FYI – colds are indeed caused by virii. My above reference to illness was facetious and deliberately hyperbolic, specifically satirizing the marathoner’s abject fear of contracting illness so close to the goal race. We are afraid, aren’t we? Paranoid even? I think it’s funny. — //Lorne Sundby

Response:

I’ve been lurking for the last few weeks but haven’t seen this come up. I’m training for the Chicago Marathon, using the Runners World beginner program. Tomorrow I’m scheduled to run 16 miles. The weather forecast is for rain. I can’t really reschedule my long run due to the training program and my time committments, if the weather is yucky. Does anyone have any suggestions for surviving a wet long run? Or is that just a bad idea? Thanks in advance, Marisa –

Response:

Don’t wear any socks or clothing that absorbs water and Enjoy!! P.S. Urbana-Champaign is where I started running back in 1966. Lots of good memories and enjoyable runs/races!

Response:

Does anyone have any suggestions for surviving a wet long run? Or is that just a bad idea?

A long run in the rain is pure pleasure – quiet, alone, just the sound of the rain to keep you company – and much different than a long race in the rain. Since pace won’t matter too much, you have some options. Last year I did a 20 miler – 3 hrs 20 minutes – in rain that ranged from a light shower to a torrential downpour. I parked near the running route, and looped back halfway through. I changed everything except my shorts – dry shoes, socks, base layer, shell jacket, and hat. Changing the in the back of the van was awkward, but only took a few minutes. Admittedly, I could have done the whole run in the rain, but it was a bit cold (it was April) and I was worried about getting chilled. I was within 6 weeks of the marathon and I was worried about getting a cold, pneumonia, typhoid, that sort of thing. Lorne Sundby

Response:

Running in the rain is an okay idea. I actually like running in the rain, but it sometimes take a little longer to motivate myself to get out the door. I did 19 last weekend in a pretty steady downpour for at least the first half. I wear cool-max socks, so that helps a bit with reducing the occurrence of blisters. Wearing a cap or hat with a brim helps keep the rain out of your eyes. I gave up on having dry shoes though. And with the recent high humidity in my area, running on clear days still resulted in shoes that where completely soaked. On one long run I stopped and changed clothes. New shoes, socks, shorts. So take what precautions you think might be necessary to reduce the blister occurrences, and then just go run! And enjoy it. It can be kind of special. todd

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been lurking for the last few weeks but haven’t seen this come up. I’m training for the Chicago Marathon, using the Runners World beginner program. Tomorrow I’m scheduled to run 16 miles. The weather forecast is for rain. I can’t really reschedule my long run due to the training program and my time committments, if the weather is yucky. Does anyone have any suggestions for surviving a wet long run? Or is that just a bad idea? Thanks in advance, Marisa –

Response:

The only thing that bothers me about running in the rain is getting droplets on my eyeglasses which makes it difficult to see clearly. If you wear glasses, give contacts a try, it makes rain running a lot easier and very enjoyable!

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They will not cancel the Chicago Marathon if it rains. Go ahead and train for rain. The first time I hit a really rainy run I was a little hesitant, but I went ahead. Good thing, it was a great run and close to the end I was treated to the most impressive triple rainbow I have ever seen. As others have noted, cotton is not very comfortable in the rain, but I never wear anything cotton for long runs anyway. — Dia ’s Muire duit Joseph E. Meehan

Response:

I envy you! Just enjoy it…. I love rainy runs, especially the long ones. Have fun! — David (in Hamilton, Ont) "You can’t burn out if you’ve never caught fire." http://www.angelfire.com/nc/swstudio/racing.html –

Response:

Don’t wear cotton shirt of shorts. Not just for the chill factor but you don’t want to inadvertently win a wet t-shirt contest. Otherwise if it isn’t too cool then it shouldn’t be a problem.

Response:

Marisa: By all means go run in the rain. You WANT to prepare yourself for all possible conditions on marathon day and rain is one of them. Last year for my Marine Corps Marathon training I purposefully went for a long run on a rainy even though it messed up the schedule a tad. Training is about being prepared and not much more, so go for it.. Good luck. Doug Burke – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been lurking for the last few weeks but haven’t seen this come up. I’m training for the Chicago Marathon, using the Runners World beginner program. Tomorrow I’m scheduled to run 16 miles. The weather forecast is for rain. I can’t really reschedule my long run due to the training program and my time committments, if the weather is yucky. Does anyone have any suggestions for surviving a wet long run? Or is that just a bad idea? Thanks in advance, Marisa –

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