Learning to run in the rain

Running in the rain is not something enjoyed by everyone, but it can’t always be avoided, therefore you have to face it at some point. If you have a session to do and it’s pouring with rain, the reality is you are going to get wet. But, our skin is waterproof right? It seems like it’s the end of the world running in the rain, but the worst that is going to happen is, you’re only going to get drenched! What’s so bad about that?
 
The hardest part is getting out of the door, especially when you’re sat inside in the warm and dry, staring out at the rain not wanting to get cold. However, I actually find some of my best sessions have been completed in the rain. 
 
I always find, if it starts to rain after I have started running, I don’t even notice it, but if you have to head outside when it’s already raining, it seems a lot worse! However, once I get out there and start running, I absolutely love it. There is something very relaxing and powerful about running in it. When it rains, only the runners with a true mission head out, which means it can be very quiet and peaceful as its just you and the session ahead. Oh, and the rain. 

​Quite frequently, I end up enjoying the sessions I’ve done in the pouring rain more than the dry ones. I love having another challenge to work against, which adds to the interest of the session. Especially coming into cross country season, the rain just feels like an extra part of training and another thing to gain experience from heading into racing season. In the end, it might be raining on race day, and we can’t avoid or control that, so why evade training in it? It’s good practice!

I always try not to go into a rainy session feeling negative, and remember, this will soon change and I will love it. Always look at the positives, and don’t let a bit of water change your outlook.

I make sure I’m prepared for the end of a session, because even if it isn’t cold when I am running, it is a lot easier to get cold as soon as I stop. I try to be organised and have some dry clothes to put on straight after, and then I get in a warm shower followed by cosy clothes, once I get home. Running in the rain won’t harm you, but I always try to get dry and warm as soon as I can to avoid getting ill.

Ultimately, running in the rain shows that it can’t be sunshine and brightness all the time, but the ‘rain’ doesn’t last forever. As long as you get through it, be as positive as possible, it will all be worth it in the end and the sunshine will return eventually.