Prepping for the Wind and Rain: Lessons in Adaptability

Jeff and I planned a 15-mile run for yesterday, but two obstacles resulted in a revised goal: a daunting forecast of rain with a high-wind advisory and a change in work schedule requiring Jeff to be at work by 7 AM. So, we adapted, deciding on a 10 mile run that would begin at 4:30 AM--rain or not. We couldn't avoid the work-schedule requirement, but we could face up to running in the rain and wind.

In preparation for the inevitable I did my homework and came up with this list of precautions for running in wet weather:

1. Lube up. Especially feet. They will be wet, no doubt. Wet feet are more likely to blister and chafe than dry feet--keep a film of Vaseline between skin and socks.

2. Once you're wet, you're wet...it won't get worse, so just settle into the feeling.

3. Be careful to not slip on wet pavement, bricks, branches, flattened squirrels, leaves, etc. Falling is bad.

4. Unless it is torrentially bad (lightning, and persistently dangerous winds--that can lead to falling branches) go for it. Every runner has to run in the rain at some point (and we have, several times in the past few months ran through summer showers).

5. Dress in wicking layers.

6. No cotton on your head--it will get soggy and heavy.

7. Gloves are probably a good idea. Choose gloves that will protect from moisture and are appropriate for the temperature. In the early fall when the temperature is just cool I wear a light pair of running socks--I always have an extra pair and they are cheap--and lighter than my running gloves.

8. Have a back-up plan. We decided to shift our 15-miler to Sunday or even Tuesday--something early in the week so that we could still be faithful to our taper.

9. If you're planning for a half-marathon and you're up to 15 miles, you're really, really ready even if circumstances stop you from the longest run on your schedule!

10. Remember why you're there. A running plan should not be a set of rigid rules. Running (unless you're a professional competitor) is supposed to be for fun, friendship, and fitness. If your plan leads to stress, then you might re-think why you're running in the first place.

And so, with all that in mind, we ran. The temperature was chilly, but we were ready. And, remarkably, it was wet and windy, but not raining when we set out. We trekked along our route--through the city and out to Riverside Park, then on to West River Drive where Jeff had stashed a couple bottles of water for us. We had a few showers and some heavy gusts, but nothing dangerous. We returned to the Y in plenty of time for some steam, good chat with friends, and for both of us to get to work without too much hurrying. 

Oh, and our 10-miler turned out to be 11 miles...15 might happen tomorrow. We're ready.





The photo for this post is from last year's GR Marathon. The city is most beautiful at sunrise.