Last Sunday, I got up for my normal Sunday routine: a long run and then whatever my legs can handle! But alas, when I woke up it was pouring rain. When I checked the forecast, it wasn’t going to stop all day long. This kind of all day rain is rare in Denver. Not a cell in my body wanted to run in the rain but I have never run in the rain before. I kept thinking, “What if it rains on race day? I won’t even know how to prepare!” So I knew I had to force myself to run in the rain. It turned out to be awesome and horrible all at the same time.
Tips For Running in the Rain (11.3 miles)
Rubbing
One thing I was really concerned about on my run was whether my shoes would start to rub. At first I tried to avoid as many puddles as possible. By mile 5 my shoes were squishy. By mile 7 I was drenched and cold all over. BUT I did not experience any weird rubbings or marks through the run. I was happy to find that the fabric of my running clothes does keep the moisture from rubbing. I highly recommend a test run of your clothes in the rain, just in case. I really expected my feet and heels to rub, but they did not. Since my shoes are sized properly, I didn’t experience any discomfort in my shoes. The squishing was gross and annoying and my feet were pruned when I got back but no discomfort.
Fair Weather Runners
I was surprised how few people I saw on my run. Depending on the area I’m in, I’ll see between 20 and 50 other runners. On this day I saw two. The quiet was actually really nice. There were less people, dogs and even cars out. I am a fair weather runner for sure too, but I was surprised how many runners the rain kept in doors.
Technology
I was greatly concerned about my phone and headphones on the run. I have insurance on my phone if absolutely necessary but I really didn’t want to spend the remainder of my day at the apple store. Once again I decided to risk it all for the experience of the run. Tip: ziploc your phone. I knew I couldn’t just leave it out in the open. It WAS nearly impossible to get my phone in and out of my arm band in a ziploc. But the ziploc worked and kept my phone dry for all 11 miles. Mine will even work through the bag! My headphones on the other hand did not do so well. I wore a pair that I literally bought for a dollar. They starting crapping out by mile 3. I just so happened to be by a Walgreens so I stopped and bought a new $8 pair because I now make it a point to carry cash on my runs. The headphones sucked before I even began. They were not compatible with my phone or something and kept messing everything up. Eventually I just played the music out loud on my phone for everyone to hear. This made me think twice about my usual music selections. Also, a warning, people WILL sing at your while you pass and think it’s funny. It’s not.
Silence
I’ve always told myself that I simply CAN NOT run without music. I found out this is not true. By mile 8 or 9 I was sick of messing with my technology all together. So I just shut it off. I was still able to run and zone, even though it wasn’t as easy. But when I had to, if I have to, I’ll be able to do it. I just hope I wouldn’t have to do the whole thing in silence!
Sticks vs. Worms
Do you know the saying, “All cats look the same in the dark?” Well, all worms look like sticks in the rain! While running in the rain, it is very difficult to tell the difference between small sticks and worms. One of them is fine to step on and splash, the other is not! I definitely don’t mind my shoes covered in sticks but worm guts are another issue. Towards the end of the run I was avoiding everything that even looked kind of like a stick! Gross!
Soaked
By mile 8, I was completely soaked. It had run through several different degrees of rain at this point and everything was wet. You eventually get to the point where you don’t notice it’s raining anymore. I forgot that I was getting wet but I never forgot that I was wet. But, after I was thoroughly soaked, I had more fun. At this point, it doesn’t matter if you splash in the that puddle. Who cares if that awning just dumped on you? At this point, who cares? The only part of my body that was dry when I got home was my forehead because I wore a hat.
Overall, I’m glad I did the run. Now I have the experience of how to run in the rain and that it isn’t so bad. I’m still hoping it doesn’t rain on race day but if it does, I’ll feel a lot more confident about it!