Is there such a thing as running (or walking) contentedly in the rain?
Brad Stulberg, who recommends taking on just-manageable challenges as one of three simple ways to get better at getting better, quotes Nic Lamb, the big-wave surfer, who in 2016 won Titans of Mavericks: “Being uncomfortable is the path to personal development and growth. It is the opposite of complacency.” Stulberg also quotes Sara Hall, the elite American runner, who says “The workouts that are on the outer edge of what I think is possible, the ones that really challenge me, they tend to produce the biggest payoff.”
Races do not get cancelled or postponed due to a little rain, only when life-threatening conditions exists, such as lighting.
As newbie runner, I’ve noticed several mitigating options:
- I bought a zipper-rain-jacket with stretch-material cuffs (to keep the water out), a hoodie with string to close off around the face, and under-arm mesh inserts for the heat to escape. It works quite well during moderate rain, but tend to become heated inside when merely a light drizzle.
- Standing waiting in light rain, prior to the start of the 24th Old Year’s Race on 31 December 2018, in North Street, at the Rietondale Park, Pretoria; I noticed several runners with goose bumps on their exposed shoulders and upper arms. Others had rain-jackets on. A few were covered in refuse bags, with holes cut for the head and arms. I’ve seen this before during winter races. Athletes keeping themselves warm under a refuse bag which they tear off and dump (or give to a supporter) shortly before the race commences. Many who worn rain-jackets at the start of the 24th Old Year’s Race took these off some distance into the race and bind them around their waists. Often top layers during winter are taken off in a similar fashion. I battled to get the slippery jacket properly around my waist, ending up running with the jacket bundled into the hoodie, alternating it from hand to hand, quickly dropping it off in my car, parked just off route, at the start of the second lap.
- While standing waiting prior to the start of the Ruimsig parkrun on 1 January 2019 I kept the zipper of my rain jacket three-quarter way down and the hoodie off. I kept it on during the parkrun, and zipped up when the precipitation increased. Later, while waiting at the Sterkfontein parkrun to start, it rained harder, and I kept the rain-jacked zipped up and the hoodie tightened onto my head. Removed the hoodie once completed the parkrun, but kept the heat inside, in order to keep warm.
- A cap that hold well to the runner’s head helps a lot to keep rain from the eyes and face.
- I also bought a semi-transparent zipper-top, which is not water-proof, and probably ideal for misty conditions and slight precipitation. I can be rolled into a small bundle and fit into a small bag sewed to it.
- Hikers and walkers often make use of a poncho to cover their bodies as well as their backpacks. However, a poncho could be in the way when running.
An internet search rendered a lot of articles and posts about the value derivable from running in the rain, as well as how to cope with running in the rain.
The most important aspect pertaining rain and running is attitude. If your mind-set is negative or dread, the situation would be. Rather embrace the opportunity and enjoy what the moment offers.
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