They say that “rain only makes things wet, and calm follows the storm.”

For some runners, rain is not a good friend, but for others, it’s an extra motivation to go out and train.

Four reasons to go for a run in the rain

It smells like grass and wet earth

Rain can cause many effects, but the most frequent is the pleasant smell of wet earth it creates after a good downpour. This pleasant smell brings tranquility and its intensity increases the longer it has been since it last rained, or if the downpour is heavy.

We want to smell that, and for each of our strides to dry the puddles that may have formed as we pass, is there a better feeling than that?

We've all experienced it at some point, and it's hard to explain. When we see the sky cloud over, and in the background, we hear "let it rain, let it rain, the Virgin of the Cave..." our question is always the same: Is it going to rain for a long time, or will it stop after the downpour?

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Anxiety starts to set in, and we realize that if the rain doesn't stop, we're going to miss today's training. And we're hoping it's just a few drops.

We are overcome by the feeling of being “trapped” and that there is something we cannot control. Training time is approaching, and fortunately, even if it was more than a light drizzle, it has finally stopped.

The sky clears

So if it's raining, you can wait for it to stop, as it usually leads to a great day, with a clean and clear sky.

Since it's raining, I'm going for a run

Yes, there are also those for whom water is an incentive. They are brave and not even rain stops them: RUN in it!!! The important thing is that you enjoy our passion!!! Because, what if a rainbow appears???

Running in the rain is one of the pleasures we should not give up. In Ramón Oliu's book, L'essència del Córrer, written in 1979 and a pioneer in running literature, the author says that "running in the rain is just another phase in the training of any regular runner."

Feeling the rain directly on your skin can be very pleasant, which is why it is recommended not to cover up too much; however, the clothes you wear must be appropriate. Take a look at these 11 tips that may be useful.

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11 Tips for Running in the Rain

1.- If it rains a lot where you live, you should know that, like everything else, there are now shoes with specific water-repellent technologies.

Our feet will be protected and dry, making running even more satisfying after it has rained. If you're concerned about slipping, Adidas, Mizuno, and Asics brands have shoes with an outsole that performs very well on wet surfaces.

When you go to buy them, look for the Continental sole in adidas, the Smoothride in Mizuno or the Ahar+ in Asics.

2.- Don't forget to hydrate. Your body needs a minimum amount of water when exercising, whether it's raining, cold, or not.

3.- Warm up at home or find shelter. Don't forget the warm-up just because it's raining; in fact, you might need to spend a little more time on the exercises you usually do. Keep in mind that a humid and cold environment can increase the risk of muscle injuries.

4.- On a rainy day, it's better to forget about intervals or turning the session into an intense workout. Adjust your plan to enjoy your workout in a more relaxed way. High intensity in the rain can be "very costly" due to the risk of injuries, slips, etc.

5.- Make sure the route you choose today will be free of delicate or problematic areas. Rain can wreak havoc, and you must ensure you run without risks. Avoid areas that could be slippery due to mud or heavily covered in water.

6.- Equip yourself with technical running clothing that repels water and also breathes.

If you train with absorbent fabric (like cotton)

a- You'll be more uncomfortable
b- The garment's weight will increase.
c- It will cause chafing in sensitive areas.

If you opt for a waterproof garment, make sure it's not just a simple plastic. Today, we have garments available that repel water and also offer great breathability to avoid running "inside a sauna."

If, despite appropriate clothing, you usually experience chafing, rain can increase that possibility. Therefore, use petroleum jelly in sensitive areas and/or where you have experienced it before.

7.- Keep in mind that in rainy conditions, visibility is significantly reduced. It's not so much about you seeing well, but about being seen by others. Equip yourself with brightly colored clothing, and if it also has reflective elements, even better...

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8.- If it's one of those days where the rain is accompanied by wind, you might need to grab a garment with a hood. Failing that, a well-fitting cap with a visor that covers your face will also protect you.

9.- If you normally use a phone or gadgets on your runs, store them inside waterproof clothing to prevent possible damage.

10.- Back to the beginning. Take shelter to stretch at the end of your workout and don't let your body cool down too much. A contrasting shower is one of the best ways to end your run today.

11.- Finally, remember to wash your clothes and dry your shoes as soon as possible so they are ready for the next day. Putting "kitchen" paper or similar inside helps remove moisture from them more quickly.

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