Running in rubbish weather?

[dizzydaisies]

I'm a very novice runner, showing up to do Parkrun each week and slowly but surely improving my time and even starting to like it!

Tomorrow the forecast is dreadful - rain, wind, generally stormy weather. Thing is, I'm determined to not let it stop me so wanted your tips for running in shit weather. Layers? Hood? Waterproofs?

Does it slow you down, or do you dig a little deeper to get the damn thing over with?!

What else should I be prepared for?

I love running in the rain, although strong winds are a pain. In the rain I wear a hat rather than have a hood up. Layers are good, many waterproofs get warm and sweaty when running, so I might wear one to start with and take it off after a mile or so. I have some long sleeved base layers from Ronhill that are a bit water resistant so wear those. I find that after a while I don't notice I'm wet anymore! A hot shower and a coffee after are essential though. Re waterproofs, I have just got a new one from Innov8 called the storms hell which is brilliant to run in without getting sweaty, it's pretty expensive though. Have fun!

Thanks for the advice emummy - I’m running the Bristol Half Marathon on Sunday and the forecast is atrocious, so was wondering about what to wear. I’m worried about how waterproof my running shoes are, and how wet socks will mean blisters

I'd try and reschedule my run for when the weather wasn't quite so ghastly instead! Don't forget you'll get hot, so if you layer up too much you'll get wet from the inside out, rather than the outside in! Certainly be prepared for the wind to slow you down if you're running into it.

Sealskinz socks might be the answer Sammysquiz

It’s ok when you get going, but make sure you have good waterproofs for the hanging around beforehand but, which you can thrust at a friend or family member before setting off. Lo-fi version: binbag.

If I’m heading out from home I try to wait for a gap in the weather (or drizzle rather than rain) and head out in usual clothes, and just get wet.

For park run I’d get there as late as possible and leave my jacket with everyone else’s (depends on the park run). If the weather was really awful I’d run 5k later and skip park run!

Sammysquiz your shoes will not be at all waterproof probably! Sealskinz socks are great but it may be too close to your race to Rick them on this occasion, but you could look into them for the future. I have a pair and they work very well. One idea is that when you are waiting around at the start you could have plastic bags on your feet to help keep them drier for a bit. Also bin bags are a good idea, or last year I got a plastic poncho in Tesco for £1. I think try to stay as dry as you can at the start, it will matter less once you warm up. Also try to get into dry warm clothing as soon as possible after you finish, you will cool down pretty fast. Good luck, hope it goes well.

Rick?! Where did that come from! Try, that should say.

Thank you! Definitely going to do the plastic bags over my feet, I can pretend I’m at a crime scene
Trying to persuade my DH to stand in the rain with spare trainers & socks at the halfway point, so I can do a midway change. He’s not keen
Am trying to focus on how good a hot bath will feel afterwards!

Hi OP! I’m in a similar situation - novice runner doing parkrun tomorrow. I normally run alone and don’t really like running with others but I’m willing to give it a go. I am determined to keep the momentum up through the winter... it can’t be worse than the heatwave, right?!

Wet weather aside, I actually prefer running in the winter than in the summer, as I hate feeling too hot. Good gloves are a must though!!

I'm parkrunning this morning, might just about get away with dry but still got over an hour to go. I'd still go even if pissing down as it's "only" 3 miles....I will enjoy my latte afterwards all the more! I'll probably have my day-glo neon jacket on, it's very light but will keep worst of any rain off and a vest top underneath...and a baseball cap to keep the rain out of my eyes, I prefer running this time of year too, can't bear running in the heat - best of luck!

Lots of vaseline on the feet will help a bit as well Sammy. Good luck on Sunday, I did Bristol in 2015 and absolutely loved it, especially the section out through the gorge and then the end couple of miles with awesome crowd support, bands etc.

Thanks Edith I’ll make sure I lube my feet up! I’m relying on the bands & crowd support to get me round, hope the weather doesn’t keep everyone away.

I have a waterproof running cap - keeps the rain out of my eyes and hair out the way ! Do not mind the rest of me getting soggy :)

Thanks everyone for the advice!
As it turned out, I got lucky and we just had a bit of drizzle, so much better than we thought and surprisingly nice! Even got a PB so pretty chuffed 😊

Good tips on here though for clothing when the weather does turn, so thank you.

Good luck for Bristol tomorrow Sammy!

For a race, a bin bag with arm holes keeps the wind and rain off for starting.

The rest of the time, layers.
A cap for low sun/ rain
A showerproof jacket, you'll get wet from sweat when you've warmed up. Keeps the wind off too.
Being wet is fine when you're warm.
Warm up a bit in the house, or lap around the block and dump a warm-up layer in the front garden.
Gloves/ buffs for the real winter weather.