My wife and I joined our local run club for their regular Saturday group run this morning. It was not a very nice day. The temperatures were cold, and it was also raining. The rain was quite heavy at times. The key to enjoying runs, when the weather turns bad, is to choose the correct clothing.
Below is a brief summary of how I typically dress for runs in the rain. It varies by temperature.
- Above 70’F, I just wear run shorts and a running tank top. It is so warm, I don’t need to account for getting wet. If I am going for a very long run, I might even just wear my triathlon kit. I find that I suffer less chaffing in the triathlon kit.
- Between 60’F and 70’F, I usually wear a short sleeved run top, but again nothing to keep me dry. The triathlon kit works here too.
- At 50’F to 60’F, I will still wear a short sleeved run top, but if it is raining, I will wear a very light weight, waterproof run jacket.
- From 40’F to 50’F, I will switch to a long sleeved shirt under the waterproof jacket, but will still run in shorts.
- On colder days between 30’F and 40’F, I will wear long run pants, add a hat (which goes on and off to regulate temperature) and will also wear run gloves.
- Once the temperature drops below 30’F, then I will think about adding layers to my body. Maybe a warmer long sleeved top, or if it is really cold, a warm run jacket under the waterproof one. I will also switch to run mittens. I may also start the run with a neck gaiter (pulled over my face if it is extremely cold).
The above summary is quite generic, but is a good starting point. I find that the key is, to start the run a little chilly and warm up into the clothing. There is nothing worse than being super hot, a mile into the run. I don’t always get it perfectly right, but I am usually close to having the correct clothing.
One final point. If not running from home, always bring along a towel and a change of clothing. Getting into dry clothes after your run, will stop you getting chilled on the journey home.
