Training in the Rain

Sharing is caring!

I do my long training runs on Thursday mornings. Every Thursday in March 2022, there was either rain or the threat of rain. Come on, Man!

During the 13 years I worked as a race timer, I had a saying that I would rather run than work in the rain. That is still true. I don’t mind getting wet. My timing equipment was sensitive to moisture and was difficult to dry.

I’ve advised fellow runners never to change a workout to avoid bad weather because races don’t cancel due to rain, snow, or high winds.

Ok, I might start a little earlier in the day when rain is forecast and I might whine and putz around when I look outside at a downpour. I still get out there.

Over the years, I’ve done runs in snowstorms, sub-zero temps, hurricanes, and superstorms. I’ve been down trails covered in water and a foot of snow. You need to embrace the elements and learn what to wear to survive the conditions.

The 2018 JFK 50 was two days after a foot of snow covered the Appalachian Trail. Race day melting made large mud bogs on the AT and C&O Canal Path. Without similar training runs on the AT in previous years, I knew I could survive the conditions.

I was not at the 2018 Boston Marathon. Conditions at the elite race starts included temperatures in the 30s, heavy headwinds and rain. It appeared most of those runners had not trained in those conditions. Although many of the runners had contracts with large equipment manufacturers, protective apparel seemed lacking.

I commend those that finished that day.

As for continuing to train in the rain, I might have enough experience.