Guest Blog-The Rainy Run

I live in the desert.  In case you didnt' already know.  So when it comes to running in the RAIN... I'm like a fish out of water (pun intended)!  That's why AMY has agreed to share her story on dealing with the wet stuff!

Guest Blog: Helloooooo from Seattle!

Hi friends! My name is Amy, and I blog over at http://runlikeabird.blogspot.com/. While contemplating things I might have a little more insight to add compared to Mr. Arizona over here, the first thing that popped into my head was the rainy run.

As a lifelong Seattleite, I do know that there are some conflicting stories about the weather here. While the trend seems to be that we’re considered one of the rainiest large cities in the country, some people pipe in and say that we spread this myth in order to keep the beauty and bounty of the Pacific Northwest all to ourselves.

There’s truth in both stories, I suppose, but let me put it this way: if I refused to run in the rain, I’d miss about 50% of my training runs during the Fall and Spring and 25% of the rest of ‘em.

Also… I’ve spent WAY more time picking out the right rain jacket than choosing a bikini.

So, if you’re one of the lucky few who has recently been relocated within the vicinity of a temperate rain forest, here’s the deets concerning those rainy runs:

The Gear:

1.      Bodyglide:

USE THIS LIBERALLY. Everywhere.

2.      Hat with a bill:

Excellent for keeping sideways rain from your face. I also tend to play with the rain running along the bill when I get bored at stoplights… but that might just be me.

3.      Sunglasses:

Sun protection? Ha! Rain protection.

4.      Long sleeves and capris/leggings:

While I tend to overheat, having a thin layer on your arms and legs can keep the rain from chilling you too much. SAY NO TO COTTON, FOLKS! I love the long sleeved tech shirts some races hand out, like this year’s Kirkland Shamrock Run!

5.      Saran wrap:

I’m moderately addicted to having my phone with me at all times on a run, but my iPhone armband isn’t waterproof. While sure, I could go purchase a fancy waterproof case for this very purpose, I’ve found that wrapping your phone in saran wrap before tucking it into the armband works just as well. Just don’t count on taking awesome photos on the run.

6.      Non-cotton socks:

Unless you like blisters. Then, by all means…

Other Stuff You Oughta Know:

1.      Shoes. I’ve yet to find a great pair that doesn’t get drenched on rainy run days, though my Asics were definitely better than my Mizunos at keeping my feet dry. Regardless, when your run is over, make sure to “open up” those shoes and let your insoles dry out before your next run. Keep those feet fresh!

2.      If you write directions on your hand when you’re trying out a new route… use indelible ink.

3.      Rain layers?

I’ve yet to find a rain layer made for running that doesn’t turn me into my own personal sauna. If you find one, please email me. Seriously.

I know running in the rain isn’t quite as glamorous as getting your jog on while the sun’s making your hair shimmer and your muscles glisten, but this tendency towards downpours is what keeps the Pacific Northwest so beautifully green. For that reason (and many others), I consider it a privilege to rock the rainy run.