I’m not sure what it is about running in the rain that’s so exciting, it’s virtually the same as running on any other day, just with a little more water. It’s certainly not a question of if you “can” run in the rain, sure you can, the question is “will” you run in the rain? I think for a lot of people the answer is no, or at least not outside. Maybe that’s why I enjoy it so much, you have the roads to yourself. Everything is quiet except for the sound of the rain around you. If you do pass another runner there’s an added sense of camaraderie shared between you when you wave or nod at one another as you pass. So I implore you, next time you get the chance, go for a run in the rain, the harder the better (Disclaimer: It’s probably not safe to run in a lightning storm).

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So, when you go for your next rainy run, here are a few things to remember. Running in the rain should be fun, like when you were a kid and you didn’t care how dirty you got sliding around in the mud, so my first tip for your rainy day run is to stomp, or better yet, jump in as many puddles as you can! Don’t use this as an opportunity to push your training limits, just have fun with it, take your time and splash around a bit.

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Since your feet are going to be soaked through after the run, make sure you save your old running shoes for the occasion. I’m not the kind of runner who rotates through different pairs of shoes throughout training so usually I only have 1 “go-to” pair at a time. I do save at least 2 older pairs though for backup just in case. Shoes take a while to dry so you don’t want to saturate your only pair. To help dry them out afterwards, just take out the insoles and laces, fold back the tongue, and stuff those suckers full of newspaper. It’ll soak up the excess water and prevent your shoes from growing a science experiment inside. Just make sure to replace the paper when you notice it’s getting damp.

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Lastly, if you don’t have a waterproof phone, just throw it in a ziplock and poke a small hole in it to run your headphone cord through if they’re not wireless. As long as the hole isn’t facing up you should have no problem with leakage. An even better option though, is to just leave your phone at home. Listen to the sound of the rain around you and let it carry you into a kind of trance. Let yourself be distracted by your surroundings. If it’s hard to let go, just keep reminding yourself that this is a fun run! Try not to take yourself too seriously.

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So check the weather and start tracking the next storm! Lay out your old gear, map out the soggiest route, and just go for it! Most importantly, jump in a nice hot shower when you get back to warm up, hell do your stretching in there! If heaven on earth exists, a hot shower after running through the rain has to be damn close.

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And oh yea, Go Cocks!