Race Day in the Rain

This Saturday, thousands of runners from all over the world will converge on downtown Richmond for the annual Monument Avenue 10k. Because the race always takes place in late March or early April, the weather conditions can vary greatly from year to year. This year, at least as of today, the forecast calls for rain. The soggy forecast is likely discouraging to many people, but it doesn't have to be--even if you don't own any high-end, waterproof rain gear. (I don't, and I run in the rain all the time.) Running in the rain really isn't that bad. I mean, a torrential downpour might not be ideal and is not my favorite condition for a run, but you're going to get wet as soon as you start to sweat, anyway.

You might actually be surprised by some "rain gear" you already have around your house that can make running in the rain a lot more comfortable and a lot less inconvenient.

The Baseball Cap
For a chilly, cold rain, a baseball cap can serve multiple purposes. First, it can help you retain body heat lost through your head. Second, it can help keep the rain out of your eyes. Third, it can also help keep the rain off your head and out of your hair.

The Visor
For warmer temperatures with rain, a visor can allow heat to escape from your head, and thus reduce the risk of over-heating, while still keeping the rain out of your eyes and off your face.

The Trash Bag
Your run-of-the-mill large trash bag can act as an excellent disposable poncho. You can wear it while walking to the starting line, while waiting for the race to start, and for the first few miles of the race if you wish. That way, at least you do not have to start the race sopping wet. (You can warm up a little first!) Simply cut a hole in the bottom of the bag for your head, and, if you wish, holes in the sides for your arms. The plastic bag will help keep your torso dry (and warm!) until you are ready to remove it, at which point you can simply strip it away, perhaps throwing it into a trash can at a water stop.

The Sandwich Baggy
If you run with a phone in your hand, simply seal it in a plastic, ziploc-style sandwich baggy to keep it dry.

Saran Wrap
If you run with an iPod or other MP3 player and do not have a waterproof case, wrap it in Saran Wrap to keep it dry. Providing only one layer of Saran Wrap covers the touch screen or touch pad, the screen/pad will usually still register and respond to your finger taps.

The Shirt
My one piece of advice regarding what to wear (other than the trash-bag poncho) is NOT to wear a cotton T-shirt. The cotton absorbs the rain water, and then sticks to your skin, stretches out, and gets a little heavy. If you do wear a cotton shirt, wear it underneath something waterproof, or be prepared to be wet. :-) Like I said before, your sweat is going to be wet, anyway, and I have worn cotton on many a rainy race and come out just fine.

Running in the rain can be fun, even if you don't have high-end rain gear. Above, my brother-in-law Remy and I pose on Brown's Island after his first race, the HCA Virginia 8k. Although we did experience a drenching rain at the starting line and throughout much of the race, we both enjoyed our run.

Canine and human participants and spectators at the 2012 Richmond SPCA Dog Jog 5k and One-Mile Walk wait at the starting line in the rain. If you are a participant who plans to walk the 10k, don't underestimate the power of an umbrella!