It's summertime. With it comes more daylight, warmer temperatures, and outdoor fun. What also comes is heat, humidity, and summer rain showers. 

What to do when it is raining outside for your daily run? Do you still run in the rain or pass for the day? Here are a few tips to help you get outside and run in the rain safely and happily during the warmer season. 

1. No Thunderstorms

If there is lightening in the area, do not run in the rain. Being wet and a conductor for electricity is not a good place to be. Delay your run until lightening has cleared the area. 

2. Wear a Hat

Running in the rain will get you wet and your clothes soaked. But, you can only get so wet. At some point, you will be saturated and that is that. The real issue is the constant rain running from your head into your face and eyes. An easy way to solve this is by wearing a hat or visor. The brim of the hat creates a safe pocket that keeps your eyes clear of water and focused safely on the steps ahead. 

3. Chafing

It's the forbidden word of running, but it happens - especially while running in the rain. Wet clothing rubbing against skin will cause painful irritation and blistering chaffing. Pay attention to problem areas while running in the rain such as chests, inner legs, and underarms. Use Vaseline or another lubricant product to reduce friction between clothing and skin. 

4. Socks

If your schedule calls for a run longer than one hour, considering changing your socks during the run. Consider an out and back loop where you can return to a dry spot to change your socks (and hat). Wet socks rubbing against your feet can lead to blisters. Dealing with blisters while running and the weeks following during healing is a painful process. 

5. Run

Lastly, do not let rain deter you from running! What will you do if it rains during your scheduled race day? You cannot control the weather. If your schedule calls for a run, then go run. Modify a workout if it helps you run more safely in the run. For instance, tough intervals can be difficult on slippery surfaces during a heavy rainstorm. Delay, modify, but make sure you learn how to run in the rain. 

Best wishes chasing your running goals! 

Cover Photograph from Francesco Gallarotti from Unsplash.com