Running is one of the healthiest forms of exercise, but unfortunately Mother Nature can throw wrenches in your running plans. With careful planning (and forecast monitoring!) you can run year round. Here are some top tips for running in bad weather:
In The Rain
- Dress Light
A common mistake when running in the rain is wearing layers to keep yourself dry. This will not work—you’ll instead be left with three soggy shirts instead of one. A better option is to wear a very thin poncho or simply stick it out. Dress for the temperature of the day you’re running, not bundled up for rain protection.
- Bust Out That Vaseline
When there’s moisture, there’s chaffing. Chaffing can become a real problem if you’re running in the rain, so use Vaseline or running-specific gels on areas of the body where you commonly get blisters. Your heels are an obvious choice, but adding gel on your thighs, along the seams of sports bras for women, and on nipples for men is also a good idea. Wicking socks will also make a big difference when it comes to preventing blisters in the rain.
- Wear a Hat
A hat with a visor is critical to keeping the water out of your eyes. If you’re running on an especially cool day (below 50 degrees or so) you may want to wear a beanie under your hat to help keep warm.
In the Heat
- Pace Yourself
This probably seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many runners overexert themselves while running in high temperatures and on particularly high-humidity days. Learn how to find your perfect running pace and stick with it when temperatures are against you.
- Look at Heat Index, Not Temperature
Running on a humid day is (usually) much worse than running in high temperatures. While it’s true that the early morning has the lowest temperature, it’s often the highest humidity. Look at the forecast and try to find a time of the day where the humidity is below 40%–that should feel comfortable for most runners. If you have no good options for a day without humidity, try running somewhere with shade, like a wooded trail.
- Wear White
Generally speaking, white reflects sunlight and black retains it. When running on a sunny day you should try to wear lighter-colored clothes. It’s also important to wear loose clothing so you allow your body to sweat and release heat. You can actually wear black clothing and stay very cool, but you’ll need to avoid thick clothing, which isn’t ideal for runners.
With careful planning, running can be a great activity any day of the year!
*This article was created by Personal Injury Help (www.personalinjury-law.com), an organization dedicated to providing the public with information about personal injury and safety information. Nothing in this article should be construed as legal advice, and it is intended for informational use only.