It's a rainy, dreary, morning here in CT, but with less than 15 weeks to go until the ING New York Marathon, Mother Nature doesn't really have a say in my training schedule. I have 6 easy/recovery miles that have to happen.  Sure, I could head to the gym, but I find the treadmill terribly boring, especially for easy miles.  I could hit the "snooze" button and try to fit in my workout in the evening, but weather.com doesn't look very promising, and it's far too easy to blow off an evening workout after a long day at work.  Looks like it's time to roll out of bed, lace up, and head out into the storm to go running in the rain.

Despite some of my friends thinking I'm a complete nut for running in the rain, I actually find it very refreshing once you get going and actually prefer it over hot, hazy days. Besides, what if it rains on race day? Runners need to be prepared to run in all sorts of conditions. Here are a few tips to get going:

Don't over-dress for running in the rain.

Everyone's bodies are different, and everyone is comfortable in different temperatures based on what works for you.  I'm personally comfortable in shorts and a singlet in anything over 55 degrees, and that may or may not hold true for you.  It might be tempting to grab the latest high tech rain jacket when you head on in the rain, but unless it's at a temperature where you would normally feel comfortable wearing a jacket, you will end up overheating rather quickly.

Avoid cotton.

I never advocate running in cotton to begin with, but it is especially important to wear performance fabrics when you are out running in the rain.  Cotton fabrics will absorb the water, weigh you down and likely cause chafing and blisters.  A good pair of performance socks is arguably the most important part of all, since they will help prevent blisters.  A brightly colored pair, like our Yakety Yak! Love to Run Running Socks, can pull double duty by adding some cheer while protecting your feet.

[caption id="attachment_954" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Yakety Yak! Running Socks - Love to Run, $8.99[/caption]

Leave the electronics at home when running in the rain.

I know, I know.  Running with headphones is a red hot debate in the running world these days. I'm not going to pick a side, but I will say if you take your music device in the rain, there's a very good  chance it will short out.  If you don't feel comfortable running without a cell phone for safety reasons, make sure it's protected in a water proof case.

4) Shield your eyes. It can be very hard to see in the rain if your eyes are getting pelted with rain drops. Make sure you wear a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes that, of course, have lens that are light enough that they won't impair your vision on a dark morning.  A good hat or visor, such as our RunningSAFE Runners Hat, will also do wonders.

[caption id="attachment_955" align="aligncenter" width="300"] RunningSAFE Runners Hat, $14.99[/caption]

Take care of your kicks.

When your running shoes are wet, either from rain or sweat, they will likely break down faster. Make sure you sit them out to dry as soon as possible, and if they are very wet, remove the insoles to allow them to dry faster.  Do not stick them in the dryer or any other heat source.

Stay visible.

In dark conditions, it will be harder than usual for cars to see you then usual. Wear brightly colored clothing, and some sort of light system, such as our LightGUIDE LED Arm LightBAND, so you can be sure that you can be seen.

[caption id="attachment_956" align="aligncenter" width="300"] LightGUIDE LED Arm LightBAND, $19.99[/caption]

Use your best judgement.

There's a fine line between mental toughness and mental madness.  Thunder and lightening? Raining so hard you can't see the roads? Strong winds that can send stray objects flying?  Stay indoors, or wait until conditions improve.