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I love running in the fall – the air is crisp, the streets and pathways are less crowded and I generally don’t have any imminent race goals, so training is more relaxed.  For most of my running history, beautiful fall running transitioned into joyful snowy running.  Moving to Vancouver definitely changed that pattern!  The last few years I’ve really enjoyed the late fall and winter running in this city, without the constant possibility of slipping on ice or being buried by a snowplow or having the puzzle of dressing for -20 degree weather.  Of course Vancouver provides its own challenges for the year-round runner, particularly the non-stop raindrops.  Since this November seems determined to keep us soggy, I wanted to share a few tips that help me navigate running in the rainy season:

Visibility

This is important for you and for others!  Wear a run hat (or a visor on the warmer days) so the brim will shield your eyes from the rain.  Make yourself more visible to others by wearing run gear with reflective features; you can also use a headlamp or LED armbands to be even more noticeable.

Temperature

Dress so that you feel a bit cool when you first step outside.  If you are perfectly warm and comfortable as you start your run, you will end up too hot and sweaty!  Good choices include technical layers, items with vents/zippers and run socks made with wool.

Direction

If possible, start out running into a headwind and finish with the wind at your back.  This way you can avoid feeling frozen by the wind once you’re already sweating.  BONUS: running with a tailwind will give you a positive boost when you get tired at the end of your run!

Make a Deal

It’s too cold, too wet, too dark, it’s too comfortable inside, I’m too tired…I can easily spend a lot of time creating reasons not to run.  When I have those days, I make a deal with myself –  I will test out all those assumptions I have made.  If you find yourself doing the same thing, I encourage you to give this a try: commit to getting dressed and running for 10 minutes to see if it is, in fact, too cold, wet, etc. to run.  If you find it really is too something-or-other to continue, then stop and if it’s not, keep on running! 

Leanne Wright, RMT