LOLZLetter 50 | Gear to Keep You Dry During Cold, Rainy, Conditions
Today is the 50th edition of the newsletter! I can't believe 50 weeks ago I started the newsletter. In just two weeks, I'll be celebrating one year of newslettering.
We currently have 1,254 subscribers: My original goal was to have 1500 subscribers by 1 year, but I'm not sure we will get 246 more in 2 weeks. Every share does help and I appreciate everyone who shares.
Finally, if you are a brand and interested in participating in the one-year anniversary giveaway newsletter (in 2 weeks), send me an email.
Anyway, back to the newsletter. This newsletter was inspired by my Saturday group run in the pouring rain. It was also inspired by running over ten races in 2016-2017 in the pouring rain and 20-40 degree weather.
During training, if the conditions are too miserable due to sleet, ice, or torrential downpours, I’ll run inside on the treadmill or I'll rest. There is no shame in either. I try and get outside sometimes because you never know what race day will bring.
When it comes to race time you don't have a choice: either you run the race or you don't.
You can't ask the race director, “Hello, can you move the race to the treadmill?” That being said, if it’s dangerous and the race is canceled or postponed, you should respect that.
Here are a Few Key Pieces You Want for Running in the Rain:
Tighter Fitting Clothing: The clothing won’t get “as heavy” during a run. Your pants won't accidentally fall down.
No Cotton: This is a rule all of the time. With cotton anything, you will chafe and blister, and it will be painful. Cotton is what causes the majority of foot blisters and usually nipple chaffing too.
I've Broken it Down into a Few Key Pieces:
Hats or Visors:
I'm typically team visor because it fits all of my hair. You want something to keep the rain out of your face. When it gets freezing, I wear a headband underneath my visor to keep my ears warm. Headsweats work well.
Tops:
The key for tops is to use what you're most comfortable in. You want a top that has minimal seams and is "moisture-wicking." That reduces chafing and irritation. Any running brand that makes clothing makes seamless tops.
Depending on how cold it is, you might want the following: tank-top, long sleeve, raincoat (or any combination of them). If you run a marathon in 30 degrees and rain, it’s not the time to wear a crop top.
Rain Jacket: Gortex Jacket:
Goretex or Gore does not sponsor me, but their rain jackets are top-notch. I've run hundreds of miles in torrential downpours and unzipped my jacket and been dry. Buying it was a game-changer. I PRed Broad Street the year it poured rain. After the race, I unzipped my jacket and my bottom layer was dry. While it's expensive (around $200), they are life proof. So if 10 years from now, your zipper breaks, they will replace it.
When people say, "Well, there isn't a rain jacket to keep you fully dry," they haven't tried Goretex. Plus many jackets block from the wind too.
What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?
This is a common question! Water-resistant means the clothing resists penetration of water to a certain degree, but not entirely or forever. Waterproof means the clothing is impermeable to water. In a waterproof jacket, if you run a marathon in the pouring rain, you should stay dry. Waterproof jackets are much more expensive but worth it in 30-40 degree rain.
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.
The thicker the better, and I advise against light-colored spandex in the rain (or ever). A few brands that make great spandex (from shorts to capris, and leggings) are New Balance, rabbit, and Athleta.
Socks:
Most people prefer thinner socks while running in the rain. Why? Your feet are probably going to get wet regardless, but a lighter weight sock isn’t going to hold as much water.
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. A couple of brands I've used and prefer in the rain are CEP compression socks and Feetures.
Shoes:
Your shoes will get wet, but you want to keep them a dry as possible for as long as possible. For big races, bring a second set of shoes you're okay with never seeing again. Keep in mind; this second set of shoes can be old running shoes or just old shoes in general. You don’t need to toss your current running shoes!
Put your racing shoes in a dry bag, wear the old ones until a few minutes before the race start and then like throwaway clothing, throw away your shoes (which are typically donated).
Another thing you can do is look into a Goretex or Waterproof version of your shoe (Nike calls it the shield). These shoes will keep your feet drier for much longer.
Other Helpful Items:
Bodyglide: To be honest, you can never have enough body glide
Something to Keep Your Cell Phone Dry. Koala Clip is also rain-resistant, so it can help protect a phone in inclement weather.
Finally, here is a quick checklist (this photo is from Shamrock 2017 when it was low 30s, pouring rain and windy).
What's Keeping Me Entertained?
Podcast: Jay Dicharry: Small Workouts, Big Changes: It talks a lot about running shoes and how the body naturally pronates.
Final Surge Podcast: I had no idea Final Surge had a podcast until recently. I've been listening all week.
As Trials Approach, Three Contenders Speak On State Of Shoes What do Molly Huddle, Sara Hall, and Jared Ward (all non Nike athletes) think about the Next%?
Naked Nutrition Collagen Review: I've been getting back into a routine of having collagen and my skin, nails, and hair has noticed. Plus, I get protein after a run.
Shoe Review: Diadora Mythos Blushield Hip 5 Shoe Review High cushion trainer.
Finally, thank you to everyone who continues to read and share the newsletter. I can’t believe we are nearing 1 year and it wouldn’t be possible without your support!
If you have any comments, you can email me at FueledbyLOLZ@gmail.com. All feedback is helpful!
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