This weekend, the boy and I headed down to Charleston to run the Cooper River Bridge Run. The forecast looked pretty gloomy, so I can't say I was too excited. I prepared myself for a squishy and very wet run, and was pleasantly surprised when the sun peaked out of the clouds right before we started. The weather ended up clearing and the race was one of the most energized and fun races i've done in quite awhile. I would definitely recommend it!
That being said, my preparations for lots of rain got me thinking about tips for running in the rain or racing in the rain. Here are a couple things I did that might help you for rainy races:
1. Ponchos- Ponchos are less than $1 and can be very helpful in keeping you dry until the last possible second before the race starts. With them being so cheap, you don't feel badly about throwing them away once you run. Much better than carrying around an umbrella.
2. Plastic bags- Keep a bunch of sandwich or ziploc bags with you. Put your phone and other valuables in them to prevent any water damage.
3. Visor or hat- I didn't use one, but it can definitely help to keep the rain out of your face.
4. Moisture-wicking apparel- Get rid of the cotton and go for the quick-dry shirts, pants and socks. Cotton keeps the water in and weighs you down.
5. Goodwill and Walmart- Cover yourself before the race in inexpensive clothes that you can donate back. Many races will take the clothing that gets left before the race and donate it. I bought a sweatshirt and sweatpants from Goodwill for $1 each. These kept me warm and kept my 'racing' clothes dry before we started. I also bought $3 shoes from Walmart. I hate my running shoes being wet, so I wore the $3 ones up until race time and was able to change into nice, dry shoes for running. So, for less than $5 I stayed comfortable and dry for the race.
That being said, my preparations for lots of rain got me thinking about tips for running in the rain or racing in the rain. Here are a couple things I did that might help you for rainy races:
1. Ponchos- Ponchos are less than $1 and can be very helpful in keeping you dry until the last possible second before the race starts. With them being so cheap, you don't feel badly about throwing them away once you run. Much better than carrying around an umbrella.
2. Plastic bags- Keep a bunch of sandwich or ziploc bags with you. Put your phone and other valuables in them to prevent any water damage.
3. Visor or hat- I didn't use one, but it can definitely help to keep the rain out of your face.
4. Moisture-wicking apparel- Get rid of the cotton and go for the quick-dry shirts, pants and socks. Cotton keeps the water in and weighs you down.
5. Goodwill and Walmart- Cover yourself before the race in inexpensive clothes that you can donate back. Many races will take the clothing that gets left before the race and donate it. I bought a sweatshirt and sweatpants from Goodwill for $1 each. These kept me warm and kept my 'racing' clothes dry before we started. I also bought $3 shoes from Walmart. I hate my running shoes being wet, so I wore the $3 ones up until race time and was able to change into nice, dry shoes for running. So, for less than $5 I stayed comfortable and dry for the race.
How do you prepare for running or racing in the rain?
Happy Monday!
Happy Monday!