Running in the rain: tips and gear

Running in the rain is never easy — whether it's a matter of morale, comfort or safety. Here are some tips to help you tackle rainy conditions in trail or running, and how to gear up with the right waterproof clothing.

Choosing the right gear and clothing for running in the rain

Heading out for a run in the rain without waterproof gear and the right kit is simply not an option. First, choose appropriate shoes with solid grip and traction. Depending on the terrain, this will make a huge difference to your footing. If the rain is fairly steady, don't head out without covering your head. A cap is a good minimum, but ideally you want a hood on your top. When it comes to waterproof running clothing, the jacket is the most important piece. It should offer optimal protection to around 10,000 mm of water, while being lightweight and stretchy enough to maintain full freedom of movement. It also needs to be breathable, ensuring sweat is efficiently wicked away. Running while trapping sweat against your body is not only uncomfortable — it's also a potential source of dangerous chilling. For a deeper dive, follow our complete guide to find out how to dress for running in winter. If you're into trail, go for models approved for ultra trail — they'll be the best suited to your activity. You can count on a solid level of protection and genuine comfort. For trousers or shorts, there's no need to chase maximum waterproofing. Not only will you sacrifice efficiency and comfort, but the impact of rain on your legs is fairly minimal anyway. Instead, go for a trail trousers comfortable and water-repellent. That will be more than enough for most showers you'll face!

The hardest part is getting started

The hardest part when it rains is finding the motivation. When you check the forecast and see heavy, grey skies, staying home suddenly feels a lot more appealing! But once you're out there, it's no harder than any other day — especially if you're properly protected! Think of it this way: in a race, you won't have a choice. So treat this morning's wet run as training. Stay positive — it's a test for your legs and your mindset!

The risk of a storm

What starts as a simple shower at the beginning of a session can quickly turn into a downpour — or worse, a thunderstorm. If you're out in open countryside and get caught in a storm, the safest course of action is obviously to find shelter. If there's none available, stay away from trees and crouch down to make yourself as small as possible: lightning always strikes the highest points. Finally, if you have a mobile phone, send a message to let someone know your location — they can come and get you if you're in danger. Near a road, try to flag down a driver who can take you to shelter.

Once you're back

The first thing to do is get out of your wet clothes as quickly as possible to avoid sitting in damp kit. Take a warm shower and dry off. Don't wait too long, especially if the rain was heavy. Take care of your feet and your shoes too. Check that you have no blister : rain can soften your skin and trigger small sores. For your shoes, remove the removable insole and let it dry separately. You can try using a hair dryer to speed up the drying of the inside of your shoe, and a good tip is to stuff the shoe with newspaper to absorb moisture faster and prevent lingering bad odours. Rain is a natural element you simply have to learn to deal with. It's part of your sport's environment. Fortunately, today's technical clothing has come a long way and lets you keep practising your favourite sport whatever the weather!