Running in the Rain

Rain, Rain, Rain, and more Rain.  That is what we got in Huntsville yesterday.  Luckily, it wasn't abrasively cold outside.  So I decided to use yesterday as an inclement weather training day.  Knowing that any race can turn into a wet mess, I thought I needed to start being prepared for such instances.  I am especially worried about my upcoming half marathon races.  Long runs in the rain sound miserable, especially if it is also cold.  And a cold rain is not out of the question for February in Alabama.

Thankfully, I have the greatest mom in the world.  (I'm sorry if you thought yours was.)  She is probably just as excited for my upcoming Gulf Coast Half as I am.  In preparation for the unpredictable weather, she got me a new rain coat for running as an early Valentine's present.  Your parent's don't get you Valentines?  Please reread the first sentence of this paragraph.

I had been eyeing this coat since fall, and the thing finally went on sale.  It is a Sugoi waterproof raincoat.  Sugoi specializes in triathlete clothing.  It's one of the only waterproof jackets I could find.  Most running jackets are only water-resistant, meaning the seams are not sealed.  For everyday running when you can choose your weather, that's sufficient.  But I am afraid that getting caught in freezing temperatures and a downpour could be detrimental.  Cold + soaking wet = hypothermia or something right?

So today was the first day to try out the new raincoat.  I was pleased with the weight and feel of the coat.  It did an excellent job of staying in place and keeping me dry.  I underestimated how cold it was (or became as the rain moved in), so I would have preferred an extra layer of sleeves.  But I was very happy with my dryness.  My only concern was that when I took off my jacket, I had a ring of wetness around my shoulders.  Now keep in mind that because this jacket is completely sealed, the only place is breathes is through vents under the armpits.  I am assuming that the very heavy rain in which I was running just eventually ran down to those vents and seeped in.  If that is the case, then I don't think that any other raincoat would do much better - unless it didn't have any vents.  I like the vents, so I am going to give it another try.  Other than the small amount of wetness at my shoulders, I was perfectly dry underneath my jacket!

I think it is pretty cute too!

You'll have to pardon the rest of my appearance; 

this picture was taken post-run.

Tully and I ran almost two and a half miles in the rain, up the mountain.  Not too bad for a recovery run after my 9 mile day.  Just 3 weeks to go until the Gulf Coast Half!