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Piecing mojo-inducing snippets together from google to make running in the rain a pleasure to look forward to, not run away from.

The weather news draws a sad face among the runners. Most of the runners don't like running in the rain. Just fast forward to the end of the run and your mind is awash with imagery of the soggy socks, dirty shoes, flooded and slippery roads. It makes you cringe. Rain makes it harder to run and it lessens your mileage for the week. The increased possibility for rainy, wet conditions might make most runners take their routine indoors. However, with the right precautions, runners can keep up their outdoor running even on rainy days. They may even find the rain a refreshing change. Here are some tips to get you started:


  • Create a natural moisture-wicking layer: Rub a bit of baby oil on your arms and legs to stop the water from sitting on you. This will help the water to rolls off instead.
  • Choose your fabrics carefully: It's best to avoid cotton, it just soaks up the water. There are plenty of synthetic tops you can get that don't hold the water.

  • Keep your feet dry: If your feet are prone to blisters or feeling cold in the rain, try lambswool socks. Your feet won't stay dry but they will be warm and the socks won't rub. Cotton socks are a no-no. Get yourself some waterproof trainers. If you don't want to buy a whole new pair, just use an old pair.

  • Pop a hat on: Wear a head cover that will keep your head dry. A peaked hat is a good way to keep the water off your face but do buy a lightweight one. Try and look out for a waterproof top that has air vents built into it.

  • Don't forget to safeguard your gadgets: If you carry a mobile phone then put it inside something waterproof like a zip food bag to protect it.

  • Avoid puddles when possible: Stomping through standing water is fun but that puddle could be deeper than you think and a spraining an ankle is not much fun at all.

  • Slow down your pace: When running in the rain you don't feel as hot which might tempt you to run hard. Don't. You drive more cautiously during a down pour. It's good to use the same judgement when running in the rain.

  • Do not run fast against the wind: Be aware of how windy weather can affect your running. Slow down when running in a strong wind. You are spending six percent more oxygen than in ordinary conditions. Running slower while against the wind will give you the same benefits as when you run fast during normal conditions. When you begin your work out, try to run against the wind, so that during your return you have the wind to your back and are not fighting to run against it when you are more tired.

  • Stay Hydrated: Despite the cold weather, you'll still heat up and lose fluids through sweat. Cold air also has a drying effect, which can increase the risk of dehydration. Make sure you drink water or a sports drink before, during, and after your run.

Run in rain just for the pure enjoyment of it! Everything sounds different in the rain. You will love the sound of rain hitting the canopy of trees. Things even smell different in the rain and they certainly feel different. It's OK to get soaked to the core. If you haven't done it, try it.

Happy quacks!

Thank you Ravish Taori!




 
 
I have given myself the weekend off  as am away but am being good with food! Limited to 1 glass of wine & 1 strawberry beer!
Supposed to do a 30min run on sunday but in that 30degree heat? nah!

Footnote at end of Sunday eve!
I ended up having half a bottle of wine, fall asleep then need 3 cups of tea to revive and feel better!
Also enjoyed a guilt free slice of home made cake (daughter's handiwork).
Sensible bbq choices. So no real sabotage to all the hard effort last week.

No excuses, just plan around the problems!
Have now planned next week's training. Plan it, stick to it, and no excuses! Focus on what you can do and when! My dilemas of next week is the logisitics of being in several places at once, plus daughter on work experience, Read College Showcase afternoon/evening wednesday, school shut for strike, and an inset day. So with my usual fun of fitting trianing in around work and after school stuff, I am even more in need to advance planning to insure I dont miss out!

So, I have gone through the revive class list, emailed them which ones I can, and written in the diary, which is like writing in stone, all my training, fitted in around all the other crazy entries!

Have asked husband to be a little more useful so I am not doing the cooking/shopping/housework/child taxi thing on my own as well as fitting in my two jobs. Think he finally understands!

Training should be fun and not a burden or chore! This is how I must work it. Then I can't stress that I am not getting it done or doing enough.

Oh, and have to remember to taper things off by friday as I have got my 26 mile Quackathon next Saturday!