Gear to Help Stay More Dry at a Rainy Race

Last week I posted about Racing Well in Unfavorable Conditions.  Many people asked if I had more recommendations got other products I like to use while running in inclement weather.

During training runs, if the conditions are too miserable like sleet, ice, or torrential downpours, I’ll run inside on the treadmill or rest.  However when it comes to race time, either you race, or you don’t.  Thinking Out Loud, I do have a few favorite products that I like to use.  These are all personal products I use and I’m not getting paid to promote any of them.

Key Factors to Running in the Rain: 

• Tighter fitting clothing. The clothing won’t get “as heavy” during a run.

• No cotton. With cotton anything you will chafe and blister, and it will be painful.

Hats:

My favorite hat is the Shamrock half marathon, and my favorite visor is a Headsweat brand visor with my work store logo on it.  I struggle with migraines if a hat/headband is too tight. Before 2016, I never realized how much hats help.

Tops:
When running, I prefer a tight fitting and seamless top.  The less chafing, the better.

Saucony Dash Tank or dash short sleeve or even long sleeve (I do have and like all 3).

Jacket:

Gortex Jacket:

As I mentioned, this jacket is worth the cost.  It’s my most expensive piece of rain gear and my single favorite piece of rain gear.  It kept me dry in the downpour of Broad Street.  I believe if I wasn’t wearing the Gortex jacket, my race would have gone differently.

Bottoms: 

I prefer spandex bottoms because they don’t hold too much moisture.  I also prefer spandex that doesn’t become see-through in the rain.  So far the Saucony Bullet shorts and capris as well as the Lululemon running shorts.   They are thick enough, when it rains nothing is exposed.

Socks:

Last week, I mentioned using thinner socks while running.  Why? Your feet are probably going to get wet regardless of how thick your socks are.  Thinner socks aren’t going to hold as much water and lay against your feet.

 

As long as you don’t use a cotton sock, you are significantly less prone to blisters but using a thinner sock reduces that risk even more.

As I mentioned, I do prefer the CEP low cut compression socks.  You can see CEP compression and socks on 99% of my race photos… 

Other Helpful Items:

Bodyglide: To be honest, you can never have enough body glide.

Eaglecreek lockers: 

I received these products from RockNBlog at no cost. However, I’m not being paid to review them.

Pack it Sport, Wet Dry Bag, and Shoe Holder:

I’m not sure if RockNRoll knew the Weather was going to be disgusting for Spring Racing, but the EagleCreek lockers have come in handy.  The bags themselves are antimicrobial; odor controlled, water repellent and machine washable.  At both Shamrock and Broad Street, I immediately threw my running shoes into the shoe locker and my wet clothes into the Pack-It Sport.

It kept them away from my dry clothes and away from me.  I recommend these to anyone. I’ll probably take mine to the beach this summer too.

Quick Packing List for a Rainy Race:

Race Outfit:

• Tight fitting seamless top
• Rain jacket
• Hat
• Tight fitting bottoms
• 2 Pairs of thin socks
• Body Glide
• Plastic bag to put cell phone in

Post Race:

• Bag to Put Items in
• Towel
• Extra Socks
• Full dry outfit: Sweatshirt, top, bottoms, socks, and shoes. Don’t forget underwear!
• Warm coffee

Click to tweet: How to Stay Dry in the Pouring Rain

Questions for you:
What are your favorite pieces of rain gear?