Dos and Don'ts of Running in the Rain

For those of you who aren't treadmill runners, there will be days -- rainy days -- where you still want to get a run in when the conditions are less than ideal.

It's OK to do, but there are things to keep in mind to stay safe and make the most of your rainy run.

The most important thing is to use common sense. Don't go out if you see a lot of fallen branches, the sky looks green, or there's a lot of lightning. Safety is the most important thing to consider.

But if conditions are right and you choose to run, accept that you will be getting wet. Don't try to dodge raindrops or puddles and have some fun with it!

If water in your eyes bothers you, a hat with a wide brim or a visor does the trick.

If it's cold, be sure to stay warm with a jacket. Contrary to popular belief, less is more when it comes to clothing during rainy runs, and the layer closest to your body matters most. 

A lot of outer layers or jackets that keep rain out also keep sweat in. One option for light rain is to spray water-repellent on a light windbreaker, but keep in mind that that won't keep out a downpour.

Don't take your music with you-- that way your iPod won't get wet and you can stay hyper-vigilant.

Chafing happens easier in wet clothes than dry, so be aware of that if you normally chafe and take extra precautions.

It might be a no-brainer, but be sure to change out of your wet clothes immediately afterwards. 

For more tips and tricks, check out the community forum on Runner's World all about this topic. Stay safe out there! 

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