Of course it would be amazing if every run could be run in perfect weather conditions wouldn’t it? But… since that is not going to happen, we have two choices: either run on the treadmill or prepare for a rainy run. I personally prefer to run outside no matter what the weather over a treadmill run. In fact, sometimes running in the rain can be very cathartic for me. Today, I am sharing a few of my rainy day essentials for what to wear on a rainy run and a fun giveaway for a pair of shoe hoodies.
Cover your head
A visor or a baseball cap is a must to keep the rain off of your face
Wear a water resistant jacket
I have an old Nike storm jacket that is “water resistant” with a removable hood. It does not keep all of the rain out but keeps enough out. I have found if you use a completely “waterproof” jacket it is just too warm and does not breathe at all. Look for something “wind and water resistant”.
Protect from chafing
Chafing and blisters often occur when wet skin (from sweat or rain) rubs together. You can decrease the possibility of this by using body glide on areas such as bra straps and seams. Having the right socks is so important! Cotton socks won’t do at all. Especially during the rain, you want your socks to come above your ankles to protect from rubbing. Look for a pair of with wicking material. My personal favorites are Balega.
(This post contains affiliate links)
Plastic Bags
If you run with your phone or other electronics pop them into a plastic bag to protect them.
Keep your toes warm and dry
In the past I have tried duct tape over my shoes and had pretty mixed results. I recently had the chance to test out a pair of Shoe Hoodies on a rainy run. They are like little rain coats for your shoes that you can velcro on as needed. They were great for splashing from puddles and did keep the front of my shoes dry.
Good news! I am giving away a pair of shoe hoodies in the color of your choice. Enter the rafflecopter below.
My overall feeling about running in the rain? It’s just water. Yes you are going to get wet but you are going to shower anyway so might as well go for it.
What are your best tips for running in the rain?
Program note: Don’t miss the February Ultimate Coffee Date linkup tomorrow right here with my co host Coco.
Linking up today with
( I was provided a pair of Shoe Hoodies for review and giveaway however all opinions are my own)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
i sometimes run in the rain when its sprinklng but a heavy rain i wont run in .. i love a sprinkle of rain because it helps with the sweat and its just refreshing.
Yes I totally agree it can be refreshing!
Do they stay on? They are sure cute!
They do velcro onto your shoes so yes they did stay on when I tested them out. thanks for entering!
I’ve run a few races in downpour rain and I really could have used a shoe hoodie!!
I think the best think for running in the rain, besides good gear, is a hat. It helps to keep the rain away fro your eyes so you can actually see where you are going lol
Yes definitely wearing a hat or visor is key
Some days I just get tired of being cold. Like yesterday. And sometimes running on the treadmill helps me hit my paces better.
Most of my runs are outdoors, and of course, I’ve had my share of rainy runs.
Even when it’s cold, I feel more invigorated by the outdoor workouts. I am the worst treadmill runner ever
I hear you & I agree. But I also hate the cold (don’t forget we’re a lot colder up here most of the time) & sometimes I just get really tired of it. Not saying I love running on the treadmill, but sometimes it’s actually a time saver for me too. And kinder on the joints.
It is for sure a lot kinder on the knees. WE have had an unusually warmer winter so far this year so has not been too bad.
We’ve also had an usually warm winter too. Jan’s average temp was 30.6. 🙂 every once in a while we almost get to 40 . . .
the 40’s are great temps to run in!
Haha, I have never heard of these, that’s genius! If I know there is a chance of rain I were my “older ” shoes!
Thanks for linking up!
Well that is a great idea too! Thanks for entering
I would rather run in pouring rain than on a treadmill! Fortunately we don’t get a lot around here, but these tips will help. I did run an epic LA Marathon years ago when it was close to freezing rain for 26.2 miles! My rain gear? A trash bag, which I kept on for the whole race!
Ha I’ve done the trash bag race as well! I am with you, I would rather run outside than on a treadmill no matter what
I do run in the rain. Pretty much all weather. I may adjust the run distance on a given day if the weather is too bad, but I usually don’t skip unless it’s sheets of ice!
Exactly ice is not good!
How much fun are these! I do hate it when the water seeps into my shoes!
It’s no fun at all!
I really like running in the rain. For me, a hat is a definite must! But those shoe hoodies look fantastic and super cute! I just won’t run when it’s absolutely pouring, but light rain is just awesome!
Yes light rain is kind of nice sometimes! Check out the shoe hoodies they are great to have
I seriously want these. Crossing my fingers I win!
They are great to have and for you would be great in the snow as well. thanks for entering
Yes, I run when it’s sunny or raining, can’t stop.
Yes that’s the way to do it! Thanks for dropping by today
I’ve never heard of those shoe hoodies – and they are even a cute color!
They have tons of colors check them out
Shoe hoodies? That’s brilliant! I may not run with them, but when I was walking to the corral for Tink, in the rain, I was trying so desperately to keep my shoes dry. I knew it would be a waste, but I think I did pretty good avoiding the puddles.
That would work too!
i love running in the rain… when its over like 50 degrees other than that its just too cold!
I like it in warmer weather as well!
I’ll admit it, I’m a whimp. I’ll only run in the rain if it starts to rain once I’m already out there running or in a race. That’s it. Otherwise, I’ll just hit up the spin bike, treadmill or elliptical. But hey, those shoe hoodies are super cute!
LOL they are super cute!
Those shoe hoodies are so cute!! And so smart!
I know great idea right?!
I have never had more “zen like” runs that in the pouring down rain! But DANG the shoehoodies would have saved me a lot of post-run stress. GREAT find! Thanks!
I agree sometimes they are zen like
Yes.
I don’t like the rain but I have run and raced in it.
Gotta do it sometimes for sure!
I run outside in the rain. And it sucks when my feet get wet. I need shoe hoodies in my life! 🙂
They were fun to try out
I don’t love running in the rain…but it happens!
It sure does might as well be prepared right
Great tips! Shoe hoodies are a wonderful idea. Other than drizzle, I feel like I rarely get out in the rain. It’s seems like it’s either a full-blown thunderstorm here or a really cold, sleety rain. Blech.
We seem to have a bunch of rainy days around here. January was just blah and gray all around
I am a wimp when it comes to running the rain. The only time I do is when I end up getting caught in it. Those shoe Hoodies would be nice to have though. Maybe I wouldn’t mind running in the rain if I had a pair of those.
They are great to have around just in case. Plus they have tons of cute colors
As long as I keep the rain out of my eyes I’m pretty happy, and once my feet are wet I just plow right through the puddles.
During one of the Marathon in the Parks we ran through puddle after puddle on a cold mid-November morning. We couldn’t go around the puddles because there was nothing but deep mud on each side of the asphalt trail. Eventually our feet got somewhat numb and the cold water didn’t shock us anymore. That was a long marathon…
I bet it was! That does not sound fun.
Keeping your toes warm and dry is key for me!! My feet get super cold easily, so I need to make sure I stay warm and covered!!
yes it certainly helps
Shoe hoodies! What a great idea! It doesn’t rain very often where I live, but I’ve been caught out in it a few times. Surprisingly, those were some of my best runs.
I actually do like running in the rain too if it’s not too cold
You hit my main one- a good water proof jacket! If I have that, I am set!
Yes indeed a must!
I don’t love running in the rain, but I don’t mind it if 1)the temps are above 60-degrees, 2) it’s a “warm” rain (think:summer), and 3)I’m already running when the rain begins (so I don’t have a choice but to keep going LOL)
WEll yes all of those scenarios would work for me 🙂
These sound great! I dont mind running in the rain but I dont like when my socks get wet through my shoes!
Definitely that’s when the blisters happen
How timely! I leave for Seattle on Sunday, where it will be raining EVERY. FRIGGING. DAY. As long as there is not lightning, I will be out there!
Good luck! hope you have a great time
Reminds me of shoe covers surgeons wear in the OR 🙂 Just curious if they make you feel slippery while running. Would love to check it out.
No not slippery at all they only go on top
Living in the desert now, I rarely have to run in the run. In Charleston, tho, it was “pick the least at days to run.”
Oh I bet that is a change of pace for sure!
I need this, I shamefully don’t run outside all winter because of the rain (I live in Oregon so it’s almost always raining! Would love those little shoe covers!
Oh I bet it’s always raining there! You do need these
I’m with you, Balega socks are my favorite too! Great post on rain gear. Some of the most fun runs happen in the rain.
You know they really do!
Wet feet are the worst! I can’t stand it which is why I love my Hunter boots but can’t really run in those. I need these!
Nope cannot really run in those! Except to run for coffee ☕️
I need those Shoe hoodies! That’s the best invention in the world!!
I did think they were pretty cute too
I’ll run in just about any rain, but I must have dry clothes immediately. I don’t mind running wet, but as soon as I start to cool down, my temp drops like a rock.
Happens to me after every run I get so cold and have to take the sweaty clothes off
I needed these tips for my last race! I have never run a half in the rain but I have now! Thank goodness I had my LBJ from swirlgear- i needed those shoe hoodies!
They are great to have! You’ve been lucky with your race weather for sure
Shoe hoodies — what a great idea!! I need that.
They are a great idea! Wish I had thought of it
I really try hard to not run in the rain. I went out once, and got stuck and the rain almost washed my contact lenses out of my eyes. It left me a little traumatized LOL!
I wear contacts as well and if you wear a hat or visor it really helps keep the water out of your face.
Those are adorable!!
And body glide for the win!!!
Yes indeed!
I have been caught in a rain storm a few times. Drizzle days aren’t bad but down pours are a real drag!
They sure are! Thanks for stopping by today
These looks so cool, I def run in the rain. We actually wore black garbage bags last week when we ran in the rain, it worked!
I think I’ve seen that photo! Have to do what you have to do
I love running in the PNW’s spring rains! And afterwards you don’t feel as gross an sweaty as a typical run. And the puddles are a blast to splash in with my pups.
Well that’s a great way to look at it! Thanks for entered
I have a couple “go to” bike paths that have lots of trees on both sides for rainy runs. Even when the leaves are off, the trees keep some of the rain and most of the wind away.
Ah that’s a good point I did not think about running where the trees could block the rain. Thanks for stopping in!
I do run in the rain, but wet feet drive me crazy! Why didn’t I think of these, shoe hoodies are genius!!
I know such a great idea!
I’m glad you cleared that up about completely waterproof and water resistant. I was looking this weekend at some and I didn’t know which one to get. Thankfully I didn’t make the wrong choice! I’d say a hat vs a visor would work to keep rain out of the face! Nothing like the feeling of pins and needles hitting you as you run!
Yes the waterproof jackets are just too hot to run in I believe. Hope you like your new jacket
I run in all weather. Typically if it rains, I just put duct tape over the tops of my shoes. This looks much better!
OH it is thanks for entering!
When it rains, I usually swap out my shoes for rain boots and just walk but this could change that.
Yes indeed! Thanks for entering
I love running in the rain! As long as it’s not too windy or cold, I will run in the rain =)
Yes me too!