10 Tips For Rocking A Rainy Race!
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Does your race day forecast call for rain? Here are 10 tips from our own staff and colleagues at Triathlete and Competitor on how to stay mentally and physically strong on a rainy race day:
1. I kept a positive attitude and just told myself the weather didn’t matter. I think that mental outlook makes a big difference. —Nicki Miller, Managing Editor, Women’s Running
2. Mentally, it helps to imagine yourself in a running commercial where you’re battling the elements with a dramatic song in the background. The finishes in tough conditions are always the most memorable and add an extra level of accomplishment, so embrace the raindrops! —Jené Shaw, Senior Editor, Triathlete
3. Avoid dreaded thigh chafing by opting for more compressive shorts or tights instead of your regular shorts. —Jené Shaw, Senior Editor, Triathlete
4. Don’t be shy to utilize the medical professionals on course as you need. They will be well prepared for the conditions, so if you are feeling too cold, seek out their shelter/resources before it becomes an emergency situation. A PR is not as important as your health and safety! —Julia Polloreno, Editor-in-Chief, Triathlete
5. Keep in mind that everyone is in the same boat and facing the same conditions. As soon as your attitude takes a dive, your energy levels will be dragged down with it. You can’t control the elements, but you can control the way you choose to process the situation and deal with it. Think of the war stories you can tell at the finish line—and know that you are one tough cookie to be there in the first place. —Julia Polloreno, Editor-in-Chief, Triathlete
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6. If you run in a jacket, make sure you run in a waterproof jacket and not a water-resistant jacket. The water-resistant jacket can eventually soak through and become wet and heavy. —Brian Metzler, Editor-in-Chief, Competitor
7. Stay as warm, and dry, as possible before the start. Seek shelter ahead of getting into your assigned corral and cover up your race kit with a trash bag to avoid getting too wet before you start running. —Mario Fraioli, Senior Editor, Competitor
8. Wear a cap—it helps to keep some rain off your face or at least out of your eyes. —Allison Pattillo, Contributing Gear Editor, Women’s Running
9. When racing in cold or rain, forgetting about the weather is the best thing to do. You may be uncomfortable at the start, but your body will warm up. Unlike hot temperatures, running in cold doesn’t have a big affect on endurance. Wear extra clothes before the start, consider running in a light wind jacket, and once you cross the start line, treat it like any other race. A little extra mental determination can go a long way. —Aaron Hersh, Gear Guide Editor, Competitor
10. Expect wet feet and be zen with it. On a busy course, other runners will also likely unavoidably splash up some water, so be zen with that too. —Erin Ream, Partnership Marketing Manager