How do you keep running when the weather gets bad?

[ErrolTheDragon]

I've been doing a bit of 'running' over the last few years, currently trying to build up properly by doing c25k - just so slow otherwise. Anyhow, so far so good, interruptions for hols but just finished week 3. Trouble is.... I've never managed to persist when the weather gets bad. The only place I can run is the canal towpath, which is grassy - I cant run on hard surfaces, buggers one of my hips. This has been ok till now but this morning I just couldn't face the thought of wet feet. Later in the year there will be a couple of very muddy stretches too.

I think I could tolerate running in the rain (though might need more questions on clothing) if I could solve the squidgy feet problem. But the only waterproof shoes I've ever come across are too heavy, designed for walking not running, and also I overpronate quite badly (think Ive got that the right way round) - my running shoes have the right design and are very light....

Are there any running shoes which would cope?

[TheHubblesWindscreenWipers]

Don't try to keep your feet dry - it's highly unlikely you'll be able to.
Instead, invest in socks that keep you warm and don't feel grim - merino is good.

[ageingrunner]

You can get waterproof running trainers. They're more expensive but I don't think they'd be significantly heavier? I think they're made with goretex.

[ErrolTheDragon]

Ive only seen merino in walking socks - is there a brand you would recommend for running and where might stock them, please?

I did wonder if anyone made goretex-lined socks!

[ErrolTheDragon]

Goretex trainers and merino socks maybe...

Not sure why I'm being such a wimp .... I'm perfectly happy being in cold water up to my neck when sailing or windsurfing, which is what DD and I are planning on this afternoon!

[devilinmyshoes]

I run through some pretty disgusting gloopy mud in the winter, it sucks the shoes right off my feet sometimes, our soil simply will not drain! Have never even tried waterproof shoes because surely you want the water to wick away back out and not get sealed in? I just resign myself to chilblains (actually I whinge about them a lot) in winter and I'm more likely to run with my running club in town when it's bad.

The other thing is to strengthen your hip and all the surrounding areas, maybe build up the distance on a treadmill for less impact until your body adapts to the stresses of running?

[devilinmyshoes]

I'm in love with Balega socks, not merino but the enduro ones are like blister proofing your feet ❤️❤️❤️

[devilinmyshoes]

I don't think stability trail shoes are a thing are they? Just for road?

[ErrolTheDragon]

I don't belong to the gym, and tbh the whole point of running rather than various other things is that its outside and I don't need to drive to do it. But I'm doing pilates now which has quite a lot of hip stability ... Presumably there are various exercises particularly beneficial to would-be runners

Thanks everyone for all the great advice so far.

[eleventybillion]

Canal runner here too!

I love running in the winter - much easier than battling through hot and sweaty days! Plus no overgrown nettles waiting to get you

I have two pairs of running shoes. One for wet and one for dry which helps me cope with the mud factor (wet ones don't get worn in the house and have a special box to dry out in).

I'd just go with it. Once everything has warmed up I don't think you really notice that your feet are wet.

Waterproof running jacket is essential though. Plus hat and gloves.

YY to merino. Fabulous stuff!!

Good luck out there OP

[Shiningexample]

I relish the cold and rain it makes running much easier

[lljkk]

So is wet feet the problem? Because they slip about or feel awful or because they get cold, why is wet feet such a problem when running?

[whatiswrongwithyou]

Can I tag on the bottom and ask a question too please!

I'm also fairly new to running and am wondering what to wear come the dark evenings to ensure that I'm seen as some of my route is down unlit roads. Are there any particular lights or head torches that anyone can recommend?

[devilinmyshoes]

I've got one that goes round my waist, light at the front and back and it's powered by motion. Our running club gave them out but I'll see if I can find a link.

[devilinmyshoes]

Here it is

www.batteryfree.co.uk

[lljkk]

I got a decent head torch from Argos. Works for running.

[Lovefromhull]

Much prefer running in the rain and cold. I find it really hard to train over summer.

[iMatter]

I love running in the winter. I have run in gales, pouring rain, thunderstorms, snow storms and icy conditions.

It's so cheesy but embrace it! I love running in the rain.

You can't beat the weather but the thought of a nice warm shower/bath will make all the difference!

[clary]

Much prefer the cooler weather for running.

The weather we have been having recently (not today!!) has been lovely, but far too hot to run so I have been going out early and still coming back drenched in sweat.

WRT rain and wet shoes OP, I don't find it an issue, just avoid the puddles and your feet won't get that wet. If it is totally pouring down I don't go out tbh.

If you are running on a very muddy area might be worth buying some trail runners - I have a pair and wore them for a 10k in March when it was snowing - it was all in a park and I was glad I had them on as they stopped me skidding on the muddy turns.

[Deianira]

I'm another rain-runner I'm afraid - it makes it so much easier to push through, because the rain distracts me and stops me thinking about the actual running! Plus I've been terrible this summer at getting runs completed in the hot weather, so can't wait for it to cool down again.

Definitely good socks, also I use a sweat/headband thing to keep my hair off my face as wet tendrily bits drive me mad. Waterproof jacket yes, but personally I don't really like wearing gloves unless it's really cold - my hands always get hot running. And I definitely prefer to layer up with thin layers - the water seems to get through less, rather than have any thick layers going on. But I do think a lot of it is just about trying it and seeing what works for you - and once you know what you don't like (wet feet, hair on face, whatever), fix that specific issue, don't get put off entirely! I was amazed when I started running and realised how much less I minded the rain than I'd assumed...

[yeOldeTrout]

My trick is to wear a neckbuff over my ears. That seems to stop them getting cold in the rain in winter. I can cope with almost anything else as long as my ears don't chill.

[ErrolTheDragon]

More thanks ...ok, I think I need to look at trail shoes, theres already a section which is pretty slippery. Beyond that, maybe its just that the idea of clammy wet cloth is unappealing versus an extra hour snug in bed ... Having spent a happy afternoon windsurfing in the pouring rain, wet as a fish despite not falling in once, I really don't dissolve in cold water!

[yeOldeTrout]

Do you wear a lycra or synthetic shirt? They don't really get clammy, even when very wet. Sports Direct sells basic versions of the right kind of fabric shirt.

[Shiningexample]

with intense exercise much extra body heat is produced, there are mechanisms hard wired into us to prevent physiological damage from over heating and so we naturally find it much harder to run in the heat.

Obviously the cold can also damage you but in cold conditions it is just a matter of finding the right amount of clothing to keep you at a temperature that feels comfortable.
This does take a certain amount of trial and error, all runners will develop their own strategies but at least there is something you can do.

When it's very hot all you can really do is soak your clothes in cold water every few miles, not necessarily convenient

[ErrolTheDragon]

Trout - yes, shorts and leggings likewise. Which is probably why its my feet I'm whining about. Wet cotton socks.

[Cloudybutwarm]

Would anyone mind posting links to what they wear? I started running again in April and really need to start kitting myself out for Autumn/winter.