Jun
Deciding what to wear when running in winter is relatively easy: if it’s dry, wear layers to keep warm; if it’s raining, make sure your top layer is waterproof. In the summer, deciding what to wear for a run in the rain is a little trickier because you run the risk of getting too hot with a jacket on. In this article, we compare two approaches on what to wear when running in summer rain.
1. Just get wet
If the weather is warm, not too windy (which can add a chill to the air), and you’re not going to get exposed to the conditions for too long if you have to stop, then forgoing a jacket and getting rained on may be the most comfortable option. Yes, your clothes are going to stick to you, but you’ll remain cooler. For the most comfort, consider the following when running in summer rain without a jacket:
Keep the clothes lightweight
Heavy clothes, when wet, will get even heavier. Wear lightweight clothes, and they won’t weigh you down too much if they get soaked. As well as the material, consider the cut: shorts and vests will hold less water than leggings and a tee-shirt.
Avoid chafing
Wet clothes can rub your skin raw, so put lube and tape on your sensitive areas.
Find shelter
Horizontal stinging rain is not a lot of fun on bare skin. If it’s warm and wet and windy, then consider picking a route that includes shelter from the wind.
2. Cover up (a bit)
Full head to toe waterproof cover in summer rain is going to leave you feeling like you’re sweating in a bag. But a well-chosen waterproof layer can help you avoid getting home feeling drenched through.
Focus on your core
Keeping your limbs dry isn’t too important when running in summer rain. Instead, focus on your core. A lightweight waterproof gilet (or very lightweight, breathable long-sleeved jacket) can offer the perfect balance between covering up and keeping cool.
Stash it
If the rain stops and the sun comes out, you’re going to want to lose that jacket. If you’ve running with a pack on, shove it in a pocket. Or, choose a route that goes past your front door (or other safe place) multiple times so you can stash it when not needed.
Hydrate
Running in any jacket is going to make you feel warmer than running without a jacket. As such, you may sweat more. Counter the loss of electrolytes by adding a hydration tab to your water before or during your run.
Other tips
Regardless of whether you’d prefer to stay dry, or don’t mind getting wet, there are a few universal tips on what to wear when running in summer rain.
Wear a hat
A cap or visor with a brim will help keep some of the rain out of your eyes.
Carry sunglasses
You probably won’t need sunnies when it’s raining, but if the sky clears and the sun comes out, the wet pavement will reflect the glare into your eyes. For added comfort, consider polarised sunglasses as they will further reduce the reflected light.
Choose quiet routes
If you run beside a busy road on a rainy day you run the risk of getting splashed as vehicles go through puddles. Not only that, the hiss of tyres on wet roads can add 4 to 7 decibels to the sound of the traffic. Seek some peace and quiet and choose a route that avoids busy roads.
Wear your second-favourite pair of shoes
Imagine this scenario: you want to wear your favourite running shoes on Saturday’s parkrun. If you run in the rain on a Thursday, and get soaked, your shoes may still be wet at the weekend. Wear your second favourite shoes in the rain and your favourites will be dry for other runs that week.
Smile
Smiling makes running feel easier. If you’re running in the rain in a grumpy mood, you’re not going to enjoy it. Force yourself to smile and you might just find you have fun. Embrace the sogginess!
Share your tips
These are just a few tips on what to wear when running in summer rain. If you’ve got your own tips for choosing running clothing on warm, wet days, share it in our social channels: the Facebook Chat Group; tagging us on Instagram; or in the Strava Club.
For more advice on running in the summer, check out our tips: here.