How To Run During The Rainy Season

How is this done?

There are times when being a runner in the Philippines is the best. There is no winter here, and most of the time it is hot and humid. It is a tropical country after all. But the “tropical” part of the country’s climate extends only to the dry season. When the rainy season comes, the number of races drop. Especially in the -Ber months, where storms prevent running from happening. In the Philippines, monsoon season is an off-season, but that’s for most. 

Serious runners (especially professional ones) have no choice. If they are scheduled for a run, nothing will stop them, not even water from the sky. So how do they do it? How can you have a great run, while still being safe at the same time? Here’s how.

Plan ahead. Running in the rain, during the rainy season, can be prevented. Yes, it is a given that weather is a fickle thing, and can never be truly predicted. But when planning your run, make sure to look at your Weather App for the week’s forecast. When you know it’ll rain, plan your route, time, and fashion accordingly. If you don’t know when the rain will come, be prepared with a trash bag suit. It’ll be a hassle free run-in-the rain.

Have a way of protecting your belongings. Humans are waterproof. Gadgets are not. A lot of people run with their phones or important items. Make sure these items are stored where the rain cannot affect them. You can put your phone in an armband or waistband, preferably under your clothes.

Pay attention. Running in the rain affects your form, stride, and foot landings. Be careful when turning corners, and running downhill. Adjust to your surroundings. It affects your safety.

An example of a windbreaker, a rain-appropriate clothing

If it’s already raining, dress accordingly. This is simple. If you don’t want to overheat or be heavy during your run, wear less, but smart. If it’s pouring out, put on a light jacket, or a windbreaker. Inside of that, wear dri-fit clothing that can wick moisture quickly. Shoes is a different matter. If you love having your shoes clean during your run, then there is a simple solution. Buy a running shoe that you will use for the rain, or something that you are okay with being slightly dirty. It is not a waste of money, since rain is a frequent occurrence here.

The second you get home, strip. It’s not only to let the clothes dry faster. Your chances of catching an illness, or getting weak, decreases. After running, remove the out soles from your shoes and stuff newspapers in it. It’ll be good for the shoe if it dries faster, rather than accumulating moisture from the rain.