So far, you’ve managed to keep up with your regular jogging routine quite well… But now the sky is gray, it’s drizzling, or even pouring down, and the battle with your inner couch potato begins.
Jogging in the rain? Really? Yes! We’ll show you how not to let rain or strong winds stop you from running. With our tips, you’ll simply outrun the weather.
Running Training in the Rain – Is It Really Worthwhile?
Many runners switch to the treadmill at the gym during the colder months or when the weather is bad. And of course, that’s one way to keep training despite the rain. Still, there are major benefits to exercising outdoors in any weather:
- In the gym, especially when the weather is bad, it’s often overcrowded and stuffy. Out in the rain, you’ll almost have the paths to yourself.
- Rain makes the air particularly clean and oxygen-rich, because the water washes dust and pollen out of the atmosphere. That means you can breathe deeply and freely!
- Running in the rain is a true test of mental strength. You overcome your inner resistance and feel almost invincible – and rightly so!
- Outdoor running is more varied and challenging than the monotony of the treadmill. Changing surfaces, a light headwind, and the occasional puddle-slalom keep you alert, while your surroundings provide new stimuli.
- Exercising outdoors in all weather can support your immune system in the long run, helping to protect you from infections of all kinds.
As you can see, there are plenty of good reasons to go jogging in the rain. Our 5 tips will help you turn your intentions into reality:
Tip 1: The Right Clothing for Running in the Rain
To be able to run in any weather, you should invest in a good rain jacket made from functional material. Breathable fabrics are important, as they wick sweat away from the body.
Many athletes swear by the layering principle, which allows you to adapt perfectly to the daily weather conditions:
- Wear a functional undershirt or T-shirt directly against your skin to wick away sweat.
- Add a thin fleece pullover or similar garment for warmth.
- Finally, wear a rain jacket that keeps wind and moisture out.
Important: Avoid cotton clothing in the rain! It soaks up water and cools you down quickly.
Tip 2: Match Socks and Shoes
You can still wear your normal running shoes in the rain, as long as they have a sufficiently slip-resistant sole. Wet ground, damp leaves, and mud can quickly become a slipping hazard.
In general: if you train regularly, you should own two to three pairs of running shoes to rotate and dry them properly.
To keep your feet warm and dry, you can use Gore-Tex socks or waterproof over-socks.
Tip 3: Pay Attention to Visibility
In the rain, visibility is much worse, which increases the risk of accidents. To ensure that drivers and cyclists see you in time, wear reflective clothing, a headlamp, and/or flashing lights! This is especially important in autumn and winter, when it gets dark early.
Tip 4: Support Your Well-Being
Regular outdoor training can support your well-being in the long term. However, if you’re not used to it, running in the rain can put a real strain on your immune defenses. That’s why it’s important to maintain a balanced diet! In addition, you can support your body with suitable dietary supplements, such as BioBran from our shop. The tablets or sachets contain fermented rice bran. These soluble plant fibers are valued by many as a useful supplement as part of a balanced diet.
Tip 5: Warm Up Before and After
Cold, damp air combined with cold muscles increases the risk of injury. That’s why you should always warm up for a few minutes before your training session to prepare your muscles!
After running in the rain, change out of your wet clothes as quickly as possible and take a warm shower. The hot water brings warmth back into your body and can also be soothing for your muscles.
