Marathoning in some serious rain

So you haven't trained in the rain? Good luck. If you aren't used to running with wet socks/shoes and feet for 26.2 miles it could make for a long day.

Tips? Next time train in all conditions. It's not always going to perfect conditions on race day, so you better be ready for anything that comes, weather-wise.

Do not mentally take yourself out of this race before its even started because it is going to rain and you are worried. Go in with a clear mind. There is not a thing you can do about the weather.

I ran a 50k last year where it poured the entire race. The course was almost all mud (some pavement). So many people were miserable (about 35 degrees, as well) that out of 300 starters, only like 170 finished.

Show up and run.

You'll be fine. Ironman triathletes run marathons with wet socks and shoes all the time (and that marathon is MUCH more difficult than what you're running on Sunday). Good luck and be smart.

Wear lightweight socks that won't get too bogged down from the rain--and won't cause blisters! I've personally never had a problem running fast in the rain.

Don't wear a lot of clothing, and of course wear quick drying synthetic fibers.

Make like a duck and lather yourself in petroleum jelly-- legs, arms, face. Tuck your singlet in. Where a hat with a long bill to block the rain from your face and eyes. Depending on how cold it is, wear gloves and arm warmers. If you're running into a hard, windy rain, tuck your arms in, chin down, and relax and rhythmically drive the arms and legs. Personally, I find that a hard rain in a race takes the pressure off cause you don't focus as much on time. You may actually surprise yourself and run quite well.

twin cities 08 wrote:

Make like a duck and lather yourself in petroleum jelly-- legs, arms, face. Tuck your singlet in. Where a hat with a long bill to block the rain from your face and eyes. Depending on how cold it is, wear gloves and arm warmers. If you're running into a hard, windy rain, tuck your arms in, chin down, and relax and rhythmically drive the arms and legs. Personally, I find that a hard rain in a race takes the pressure off cause you don't focus as much on time. You may actually surprise yourself and run quite well.

Ducks don't lather themselves in petroleum jelly.

Ducks have natural oil on their feathers that make them water-proof.

Correction, *wear (not where). Time for bed!

If you are a guy, wear Nipguards. A shirt that is wet from the start (with no evaporation) could cause problems.

If your Marathon has an Expo, they should be available.

Are you running Cincy? I was there on business this week and heard it was going to rain.

They are calling for rain in Pittsburgh tomorrow and temps in the 70s during the race. Only benefit to rain forecast is that it should be cloudy. Stay hydrated!

Grow a set & run without socks.

It was done back in the day.

I would have thought that the petroleum jelly would cause overheating, have you tried this?

True, oil companies will lather them in petroleum w/o request.

potato wrote:

twin cities 08 wrote:

Make like a duck and lather yourself in petroleum jelly-- legs, arms, face. Tuck your singlet in. Where a hat with a long bill to block the rain from your face and eyes. Depending on how cold it is, wear gloves and arm warmers. If you're running into a hard, windy rain, tuck your arms in, chin down, and relax and rhythmically drive the arms and legs. Personally, I find that a hard rain in a race takes the pressure off cause you don't focus as much on time. You may actually surprise yourself and run quite well.

Ducks don't lather themselves in petroleum jelly.

It depends what your goals are. If you have no chance for money then I would say dont even start. Save your energy for another day. Chances are that you wont run a good time in rain especially a hard "serious" rain which goes on for hours. A slight drizzle, on the other hand, might be just about right for a fast time. So, it depends.