Running outside in the rain and cold is a challenge at any time of year but especially with the short days of winter. However, we have some great tips to help you keep warm and safe which means you’re more likely to stay motivated this winter!
1- Dress in layers
If it’s very cold and rainy, you may need to wear a few layers. Layering helps trap air which insulates you against the cold. The most important layer is the one closest to your body. Make sure it’s a technical fabric such as polypropylene or TriDri, which wick water and sweat away from your skin (like our tech t-shirts). Avoid natural fibres like cotton which are heavy when wet and take ages to dry. Your outer layer should be a wind and water-resistant jacket. Fully waterproof jackets can struggle to breathe, but if it’s torrential wear one, remember the primary objective for a waterproof jacket is to keep you warm!
2 – Don’t overdress
Dress for the temperature, as if it were a dry day. Wearing more layers will not keep you dry. Unless you’re running with an umbrella over your head of course! It will also mean you won’t need to stop after 5 minutes of running to strip off unwanted layers.
3 – Wear a cap
A cap is better at keeping rain off your face and out of your eyes, allowing you to see clearly even in a downpour. More breathable than a woolly hat, a cap works well with your jacket’s hood pulled up. But if it’s very cold and you need something warmer, go for a fleece headband to protect your ears. Your last resort of course is a thick fleecy hat!
4 – Shoes and socks
Good trail shoes are key to giving you confidence in the mud, (that is a motivation booster!) and for protecting your feet. If you get cold feet regularly then look at the Gore-Tex version. However, often overlooked but such an easy fix, are a good pair of socks. A threadbare pair won’t do! Get yourself a nice thick pair (claim your 25% off Bridgedale with Run the Wild) to keep your feet warm (checkout their waterproof versions too). This will help maintain foot dexterity which is important for the trails.
5 – Cover your neck and wrists
Most people feel the cold through these areas as blood vessels come to the surface at these narrow junctions. Sometimes just a buff and a good pair of wrist covering gloves will be enough to make you feel a lot warmer.
6 – Be visible
Select outer layers that are very bright or are reflective. Running in the rain often means drivers have poor visibility so anything you can do to keep yourself visible is important. Don’t forget your headtorch too for the dark evenings!
Summary
Don’t let the wintry weather get you down. There’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing (or something like that!). With the right gear and mindset, you can make your rainy day runs safer and more comfortable, so when the sun finally appears you are ready to make the most of it! In the meantime stay dry, stay warm, and enjoy the run!
