Are you new to running but worried about comfortably running in the rain?
It’s time for a new topic in my Running 101 monthly series. I’ve previously shared the following Running 101 posts:
This month, let’s talk about what type of gear you should wear when you’re out running in the rain! The April showers haven’t hit too hard yet where I live, but no matter how hard you try, you can’t avoid the rain – and you shouldn’t!
I’m linking up with Susie, Debbie, Lora, and Rachel for the Running Coaches Corner and Annmarie, Nicole, and Jen for Wild Workout Wednesday! I’m also joining Ilka and Angela for the Fitness and Food linkup and Rachel and Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday 5 2.0!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.
[bctt tweet=”Check out my gear recommendations for running in the rain! #runchat” username=”Janelle_RWNR”]
Being Prepared for Running in the Rain
If you run outdoors – and you should – running in the rain just goes with the territory. It’s not a matter of if, but when you’ll end up running in the rain, so it’s best to be prepared with the right gear!
This weekend I’ll be running the George Washington Parkway Classic 10 Miler in Alexandria, Virginia. Wouldn’t you know that the forecast is predicting rain all day for the race? Just my luck!
So this month’s Running 101 topic is right on time. Check out some tips on my gear recommendations for successfully running in the rain! I hope you find this guide helpful!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.
Figure Out Your Headgear
Choose wisely for a rainy run!Do wear hats? Buffs? Headbands? What are you comfortable wearing on your head when it’s raining? I’m not really a hat person at all, but I wore a visor during last year’s drenching at the Broad Street Run. It definitely helped with keeping my face dry.
If you’re looking for a hat to wear during the rain, it’s important to wear material that’s moisture-wicking and lightweight. You don’t want to have a heavy, soggy hat on your head! Here are some brands worth checking out:
Find the Right Jacket
This jacket is my BFFI have to be honest – I have a very inexpensive Reebok jacket that I wear all the time in the winter or during a rainy run. I’m not sure if it’s the best option, but it’s worked really well for me as it’s lightweight and comfortable to wear on the run.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to stay warm and dry during the rain. Here are a few more affordable rain jackets for runners that look great:
Keep Your Headphones in Place
As I shared in my post of surprises from running a race in the rain, keeping your headphones in your ears can really be a challenge when the rain is coming down! I used to have a pair of headphones that would slide off my ears – definitely a distraction while running a race!
I’ve become a huge fan of wireless headphones and have frequently shared my love for Aftershokz Bluetooth headphones. You won’t see me running a race without them! Here are some other great brands you may want to consider that have been recommended by my fellow bloggers:
- Plantronics Backbeat Fit Bluetooth Headphones
- Panasonic WINGS Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
- JLab Epic 2 Wireless Sport Earbuds
Keep Your Cell Phone/Electronics Dry
I keep my cell phone in the pocket on long runs!Last December I had a work trip to Charleston, South Carolina and went for a lovely 7-mile run. Unfortunately, part of the run was in the pouring rain and I carried my cell phone in my hand the entire time! I was using the phone to take pictures and to map out my route. Unfortunately, the rain was too much for my screen and I had to replace my phone a month later. Thankfully, I was long overdue for an upgrade…but don’t let this happen to you!
There are so many different options out there for keeping your electronics dry and protected from the rain. While I usually use my Orange Mud Hydraquiver pocket, there are some really nice running belts that do the job. Here are just a few ideas:
Stay Away from Cotton Socks!
Confession – I can recognize that for some runners, wearing cotton T-shirts or socks while running is more of a personal preference. But if you’re running in the rain, please, please, PLEASE don’t do it! It is a recipe for disaster!
Here are some picks of running socks made of synthetic fabrics that aren’t too expensive:
- Feetures! High Performance Cushion No Tab Athletic Socks (a personal favorite)
- Balega Hidden Comfort Athletic Running Socks
- Champion Women’s Performance Heel Shield Socks
And here’s an extra tip – don’t wear compression socks in the rain!! I had a heck of a time trying to pull off my soaking wet socks after Broad Street. Lesson learned!
What gear tips do you have for running in the rain?
I usually have my phone in a pocket somewhere, so so far I haven’t had an issue. If it’s going to be really bad, I might put it in a ziploc too.
Which reminds me I better remember to pack some ziplocks . . .
I am a hat person & I need to check out some of those options — they sound interesting!
I’ve unfortunately learned that when my Orange Mud pack gets really hot that it “sweats” inside the zippered section. I’ve had to use a small baggie for my phone to ensure that it remains dry!
I’ve got a neon Sugoi windbreaker that I rarely use but I’ve pulled it out multiple times this spring! Rain much? If it’s really pouring, I’ll tuck my spibelt into my tights like I do in the really cold weather to try and keep my phone dry. Other than that, I let the rain come down!
I will admit that pouring rain is really kind of painful!
A light drizzle can be nice on a warm day but those cold, pouring rains are the worst! At some point I’d like to upgrade my jacket but so many options are ridiculously expensive!
On really rainy runs I put my phone into a ziploc inside a running belt jut in case
True – the ziploc bag is definitely a lifesaver!
Awesome tips! I REALLY need to find some better head wear to invest in now that it’s no longer winter (I have my winter head attire down). I always feel like I look stupid in hats and visors but when it’s raining, it would be a great way to keep the elements out of my eyes. I’ll definitely be checking out some of your suggestions!
I’m glad you enjoyed the post! I feel silly in hats but when I wore that visor it really helped with visibility and wasn’t uncomfortable at all! I got that one at RoadRunner sports.
Good tips! Thanks for the headphone recommendation. I’m thinking of upgrading to wireless. A low tech option for hte phone is that I put mine in a ziploc bag and make sure it’s sealed if I’m worried about it getting wet.
Thanks! Now that I have my wireless headphones I can’t live without them (sad, I know)!
Make sure your shoes have grip, too! Ain’t nobody want to slip and slide and get injured!
Great point, Nicole! That’s the last thing you want to have to worry about during a race!
Great tips! I live in California so I don’t run in the rain too often (though this wear was exceptionally rainy), but one of my favorite LA Marathon memories was from 2000, where it poured all day, it was freezing, and my girlfriend and I managed to finish strong together. We broke all the rules: We wore our trash bags and throwaways for the WHOLE race, so we were freezing and soaking wet when we were done. We had on plain running caps, which did nothing to keep our heads dry or warm. That said, it makes for a good memory! (And we finished in 3:33!)
Wow, that had to be an amazing experience – congrats on that speeedy time too! When I did Broad Street last year, a lot of runners wore garbage bags the whole way…I took mine off as soon as we started. The chill and misery definitely makes you want to finish ASAP!
Running in the rain. I don’t even know what that means because it pretty much NEVER rains in LA! haha! I am not trying to brag, I am actually SAD it doesn’t rain because I LOVE rain soooo much!
LOL! We’re all about the April showers right now. You guys definitely could use some more rainfall in California!
Yes, yes, and yes. I figured out the wearing a hat tip the hard way! But now if there’s even a chance of rain, I don’t leave home without it. And I put my phone in a plastic bag. If it’s truly raining, I ditch the earbuds completely.
The brim of a hat is clutch! And it’s probably a safer bet to not wear earbuds during the rain, especially if you’ve got cords dangling.
I found a rain jacket on clearance at the Under Armor outlet last year. It is my go to thing to wear when I have to run in the rain.
Ooh – outlets are a great resource, I need to hit one up and try to get some cheap(er) gear!
Such good advice! I can be such a wuss when it comes to running in the rain!
Thanks, Julie! It can be a real drag, but wearing the right gear really helps!
I was given a rain jacket designed for running, but it has no hood! I guess they assume you will be wearing a hat instead? It didn’t really work for me, and I’m glad to see all the options you posted have hoods! Thanks!
Oh that’s a good point – I think it’s nice to have an option of a hood on your running jacket!
These are great tips – so thanks so much for sharing! I’m not a runner, BUT I do want to walk more and it rains a lot this time of the year, so it’s good to know what to wear/use.
-Lauren
I’m glad you enjoyed this post, Lauren! I hope you find it helpful 🙂
I wear contacts so wearing sunglasses helps prevent water from getting in my eyes. I lost a contact once on a run because of the rain!
Ooh good point about wearing contacts! Sunglasses would definitely help with that!
I am a big sissy when it comes to running in the rain. At some point, I shall have to brace it, gear up well and get going. Those were some really good ideas.
It’s so tempting to stay inside when it’s raining, and I admit that I often do go for the treadmill if possible…but when there’s no other option other than not running, I head outside! Glad you enjoyed the post 🙂
Great tips! I find that wearing a visor or cap really helps keep the rain away from my face. I always run with a SPI belt so if it rains, I always make sure to wear the belt underneath my shirt to help keep it dry.
Thanks! I’ve been thinking about getting a SPIbelt for a while, it seems to work really well.
Thank you for sharing these must-haves when going for a rainy run. Were pretty sure to be a 100% prepared for the next rainy run because of this article :).