Oh No!! It's raining!!!

Yes, the first rain of the season. What to do? The basic choice is whether to run on a treadmill if you belong in a gym or run in the rain. If you can focus for an hour or so, the treadmill can work. remember that the milage indicators and speed indicators are not likely to be accurate. So, run for a period of time at a pace that seems close to what you would do outside. Myself, I always run outside, I hate treadmills, too mind numbing for me.

So, you've decided to brave the elements? Good. Here are my suggestions. First, decide whether you want to be totally dry during your run or if you are willing to be wet. If you have to be totally dry, then you need to invest in a running suit made of goretex, a good hat and shoes that are either goretex or are sealed in a way that keeps the water out. Unfortunately, socks and most like shoes will get wet in a downpour. For myself, I wear what I normally wear based on the temperature. If its fairly warm and just raining, I add a hat to my shorts and shirt. If its cold, I add a long sleeve shirt. The point is to get in a good workout.

Running in the rain is not the time to be trying for a PR (personal record) and instead is the time to put in the miles and learn to run a steady pace in bad weather. Not all races are run in the sun or with no wind. Think of these kind of runs as training for those sort of races. You won't be intimidated like other runners. A personal example. In February 2008, I ran in the Kaiser Half Marathon in San Francisco. It was pouring rain as I drove to Golden Gate Park for the start. I knew two things. One I was unliklely to lower my best for the year of 1:29 and Second, everybody else had to deal with the rain too. I also knew that the finishing stretch on the Great Highway would be against the wind for the last 3 miles. Knowing what to expect calmed me down a lot. The race went as expected, cold, wet and windy. Things were pretty grim but I focused on a steady pace. Finishing at 1:32, I was not that happy about my time, but finishing 8th in my age group made me feel a whole lot better.

The point of my story is that you too can deal with bad conditions and come away from the experience with an appreciation of your abilty to fight through hard times.