Monday Motivation - Running in the Rain

by Meghan Reynolds

I moved to a rainy city and kept telling myself that I was prepared for the rain - I've got the gear, the dedication and races scheduled. Then, the rain didn't come. It was a pretty dry November, December and January. Sure, it was cold, but I was use to that coming from the Northeast. Suddenly, the Portland rain is here and I'm having to actually run in the rain. I realized that I'm not that prepared for constant running in the rain and I'm having to give myself pep talks to get out there and run. It's really easy to say you are okay with the rain but getting out there 3-5 times a week when it is raining is WAY different!

Meeting up with friends is helping and what I do love about Portland is that people actually do run in the rain. In NYC, it was really only the most dedicated runners who ventured outside in the rain. Here, it's everyone. This Saturday morning, Jessica and I coached a group of runners from adidas who are training for the Shamrock Race on March 16th. I got up, looked out the window and thought, "this sucks, it's raining". Despite that, I got ready to go, sure that no one would show up. I was wrong! 7 women, mostly beginners, showed up to run. It ended up being an awesome, fun run despite the cold and constant rain.

After the run, after I showered and after I finally got warm again, a rainbow came out and Portland was green and beautiful once again. It's easy to assume you are ready and prepared for different situations.   I'm not as prepared for the rain as I thought and will have to work on changing up my attitude because I have months of running in the rain ahead of me.

Here are a few ways I'm making sure that I continue to run all winter long and through the rain:

1) Signing up with a run group and meeting them every Saturday morning

2) Doing fun runs like the Fitness Dash with Athleta.

3) Committing to Pilates and barre classes at least one time a week so if I don't run, I still get a workout in.

Running in the Rain

Spring is lurking around the corner which means rainy days are already upon us. Instead of heading into the gym for a cross training day or the treadmill, zip up that rain jacket and show the rain who's boss.  We promise, you won't regret it. Jessica gives us a few reasons to head out despite the weather.

RACE DAY PREPARATION: It's preparation for unexpectated (or expected) race conditions. I'll never forget waking up on the morning of my first marathon and it was snowing! Eventually, the snow turned to heavy rain by the time I arrived at the start - and it never stopped the enitre race. Thank goodness I was prepared! 

EMPTY ROUTES: Chances are you'll get the city or your running route all (or almost all) to yourself.  Heavy rain sends the crowds to the gym and leaves you with your own personal playground.  Enjoy it.

EMPOWERMENT: Battling sloppy weather conditions makes us stronger and empowers us.  Finish a good workout in the rain and you'll feel like a million bucks (or definitely after a warm shower!).

AN EXCUSE FOR GEAR!: It's an excuse to buy flashy and weatherproof running gear. Running gets better in the right gear. Check out this Runner's World article on running jackets for the rain.  Don't forget a hat and gloves if it's cold out there not just wet.  You also might want to designate a pair or two of your running shoes to wet, muddy run days.  

If you're already a rain runner, then we commend you.  If you haven't tried it out, we recommend taking the next rainy day as an opportunity to try something new.  You never know, you just might get hooked!