There are many fitness junkies who believe that running in the rain is an excellent and wild way to work out but enjoy themselves at the same time. It is an excellent method to stay fit; however, here you have some measures to stay safe while doing it.
Wear Neon or Very Bright Clothes
Wearing neon or awkwardly bright tights will definitely come in handy when running on a drizzly day. The main reason for this is that it gets darker and really hard for drivers to spot you on the road when it raining. Furthermore, the slippery roads make it extremely difficult for cars to stop quickly before hitting you. But, you can prevent accidents and help drivers stay on course by simply wearing neon yellow, orange, pink or green clothes while running. This will certainly make you more visible than if you wear gear with reflective patches. However, if it is late in the day, don’t just stop at neon gear—use some reflective equipment as well.
Choose the Right Type of Material
People tend to like running with shorts, but if you really want to run properly in the rain, it’s a good idea to include some compression shorts underneath to prevent rubbing which can worsen when your body is wet. Also, take into account that if it is 50 degrees or below, you should bring along a short with waterproof material like nylon. This is essential especially when it is cold outside as rain can make you even colder. Nylon won’t keep you completely dry, but it is excellent to keep your core temperature and body heat, thus preventing hypothermia.
Take Good Care of Your Electronic Devices
If you usually run with your phone or tablet, you must be aware of the different methods to keep them safe and dry from the rain. A first step to consider is using a workout gear that can keep your devices completely safe from water. Consider buying a waterproof phone case or a cheap closeable plastic bag.
Secure Your Shoes
Watch the bottom of your shoes. If they’re smooth just know that you will slip sooner than later. In order to be ready to face the rain, your running shoes should have grooves deeper than one millimeter on their soles. These allow water to run through them and improve the grip on the road. Nevertheless, if what you are looking for is keeping your feet dry and warm, you might want to pick up a pair of shoes made of waterproof fabric. Also, just in case your shoes can’t keep the rain out, use puffy socks to absorb the water.
Modify Your Daily Run
Don’t attempt to do sprint runs or intense PR routines while raining. It has been proven that rain adds two minutes per mile to your time. Furthermore, that kind of training on slippery roads can threaten your life and tends to put more demand on your muscles and connective tissues. Simply use running in the rain as a way to work on body endurance and resistance.