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Preparing for rainy day runs

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Seeming like rain is perpetually on the forecast? You don’t have to rain-cheque that awesome run you had planned. Rainy day runs can be fun and playful or downright miserable, depending on how you prepare. So if your city or town seems to be shrouded in a permanent cloud cover, here’s what you have to think about before you set out.

ThinkstockPhotos-521952259Shoes with drainage are a great option for wet spring running. Many triathletes swear by these because they minimize the chance of getting soaked and uncomfortably soggy feet. You’re looking for shoes with drain holes in them so that extra puddles water can seep out.

A snug-fitting base layer is essential in keeping you feeling comfortable. Choose the right gear. Avoid anything made with cotton as it will get wet and stay wet. You want it to fit close to the body to avoid irritating rubbing or riding up that happens to clothing when it gets wet.

The jacket that suits your needs is one of the first things a runner needs to think about when the sky darkens with rain clouds. If it’s slightly sprinkling outside but is muggy with humidity, opt for the jacket that’s breathable. If it’s full-on cats and dogs, you want the one that’s extra water resistant with the hood and bum cover.

Public transit money. This doesn’t so much apply to the rural runner. Depending on where you live, it can be a good idea to carry change for the transit system. If the weather really turns horrid, you have an escape route.

The right hat to keep water from running down your face and into your eyes is a necessity. Your vision won’t brooks hatbecome blurred and you will keep your head as dry as possible so you don’t get a chill.

Tight shorts should be what you grab from the gear drawer once you’ve decided to take on running through the deluge. This goes for both men and women. Why? Ever experience the baggy shorts that like to rub against your skin and ride up the thighs? Yeah, major chafe fest. You don’t need that pain.

A nearby route. Running the close-to-home route is a good idea here. It doesn’t mean the route should be short. Go for laps of the park or around a 3K radius of your home. The idea here is that you are close to home so that if weather turns into a nasty storm or if you have a running wardrobe malfunction, you can be home quickly.

Glide! Nipples. Thighs. Bra band. You know which areas on your body are most likely to chafe. Put a generous amount on before the run because if fabric gets damp, it starts to work against you.  

496707419A super sealing phone case is a must if you’re daring to venture into the rain with your smartphone. If you’re not confident with your case, leave it at home. Going phone-free for the half hour run is better than sticking it in a bowl of rice and crossing fingers.

Quick-dry socks. Whatever you do, don’t go out in the rain with regular cotton, everyday socks. They will get soggy. They won’t stay in place. Look for a thin pair of socks that’s made of moisture-wicking material.

An awareness of promised weather. If you’re not yet in the practice of checking the forecast before you plan your run, try to remember to do so. When you know what’s expected, you can schedule your run before or after the bad weather patch. You’ll know to keep close by and you’re less likely to be surprised by a huge storm mid-run. Hey, the forecast isn’t always right, but it’s better than leaving it to guesswork.  

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