Runners - I need your help

[CoteDAzur]

I'm doing my first 5K race tomorrow and weather report says heavy rain.

What are your recommendations for running in rain? Do I take a long windbreaker with a hood? And a hat? Or do I just resign to the fact that I will get totally wet?

Also, part of the course is on a rocky beach (gravel, really). Any advice for running on wet gravel?

i wouldn't wear a jacket, i'd just plan to get wet (wearing something 'technical' that is close fitting and won't get soggy - not cotton whatever you do).

but... you'll need something for the start (wear a binbag with holes for arms and throw it away on the start line) and you'll need warm layers for the finish - if there's a baggage tent then drop off a carrier bag with an old fleece, cagoule and trackies to put on afterwards.. or if you've got 'supporters' have them hold that for you. you'll cool down really really fast when you stop running.

Thanks for that. Bin bag is an interesting idea

What would you recommend for shoes/socks? I imagine that it will be strange to run with wet shoes & feet.

you'll get used to the wet feet and wont notice - but have dry socks and shoes with you to change into or you'll get athlete's foot.

your feet will be warm while you're running but then freeze when you stop... so change into dry socks quickly.

The race takes place a few minutes from our place so I can probably slosh back home without risking athlete's foot.

Thanks for your help. If you have any advice re running on a gravel beach, I'd love to hear it.

dont think there can be much advice for running on a gravel beach apart from dont!
You wont notice getting wet, in fact I always run better in the rain, cooler, less dehydration, determined to finish faster!
Anyway what will you do when you finish?
Go home and have a shower!!! So running in the rain is just pre-wash!

I know. I'm really not looking forward to the beach bit. I mean, why? They have called it a "cross" rather than a normal run, so they include a bit of the gritty elements. It's not even just that it will be bloody difficult, but little stones will get inside my (wet) shoes.

I can hear the wind howling outside and weather report says there will be thunder and lightning tomorrow morning. DH says I'm crazy and will get sick like a dog. I'm more worried about keeping my iPhone dry

why will you get sick? what are you running through?

I put my phone/mp3 in a poly bag then into my audio belt when doing a wet run. Most mobiles are built to withstand being rained on, it only becomes an issue when dropped in the loo!!

I'd wear a cap with a visor to keep the drops off your face, but otherwise embrace it! Running in the rain is fun. Might be cold for the first 10 mins or so but once you are warmed up it feels nice. (take it easy on the gravel...can be tricky for ankles).
Bonus: You will feel like a hardcore running BADASS.

Good Luck!

Guess I should go and try to find a cap now

hey Cote, how did it go? D'you want to come over to the Runner's thread and tell us all about it (we do love a race report):) How's the training going?

Well, I'm very to say that it was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. The problem wasn't so much the rain but the waves that covered about half of the beach. I wish MN had a photo tool, I'd love to post a picture here.

I still ran 5K though. In 35 mins. My personal best, especially satisfying because it was under heavy rain and on slippery pavements

Good for you, Cote! That's amazing; I bet that felt great!

It did. I had a cap with a visor which was great, but i was drenched even with a windbreaker. I could have continued, actually, but the rain & wind were getting ridiculous.

I did feel like a BADASS, btw