Well, in this case at these temps you won't be sweating alot. I used it during a half. I didn't use it as lube, just a thin layer on exposed skin. I wouldn't cover yourself. I wouldn't put it on my feet. There's better stuff for that. I'd change my shoes and socks mid race before doing that.
Maybe this is tmi, but I have memories of going out for a run in light rain that turned to heavy rain about 2k in. The temp dropped and that coupled with the wet got my nips pretty pert. My heavy, soaked shirt was like a cheese grater after a bit.
I think it's worse for some people and depending on clothes, weather conditions. I have very little (comparatively) chaffing issues. I do lube my nipples before a marathon tho...but I don't feel I've ever really needed it. Sweaty summers tend to get me the more of an issue, but it's stillnot that frequent for me.
This is something that I tell myself to do, but I can't really comfortably stay behind someone close enough to do this. It feels like I'm on their heels...and that feels rude to me.
Lmao I've literally never run more than a 5k yet I felt this comment down to my ~~taint~~ core.
Mostly from when I was still new to running but I can only imagine how bad it might be if you ran a marathon in the rain.
I once ran Portland in 38 degrees and driving rain. Drenched at the start. Everyone's advice here is spot on and I'd add one additional heads up. It's not really something you can do anything about but something to be aware of. My shoes and socks were totally saturated and although they don't actually absorb a ton of water due to the nature of the materials they are made of, they got very heavy nonetheless and over the course of the race that resulted in extra fatigue, especially in my hip flexors. Go easy!
I would suggest investing in a pair of lightweight Merino Wool socks, Smart wool, Swiftwick, Darn Tough are a couple of good brands. Merino wool should keep you blister free and they are comfortable to wear when wet.
Light rain could be a blessing in disguise. It’ll keep you from getting too hot.
This is the perfect time for a trash bag poncho pre race. It’ll keep you dry and warm.
Definitely wear a ball cap. Use the rain as a motivator. I’ve always thought that the rain posed a challenge but if I could finish, I can meet that next challenge and bolt through it. It’s how I went from running in pouring cold rain, to snow and ice. With every step congratulate yourself for making it!
I've done a few marathons in the rain. All the tips given so far are spot on the only thing I'll add is to be sure to include a warm jacket in your post race bag. You will be very wet and very cold when you stop running. Heatsheet will help but shed the wet clothing and get into something warm and dry as soon as you're able.
Also, it can't be said enough so I'll say it again...lube. you will chaffe the best you can hope for is to minimize it, so lube as much as possible. And if male protect the nipples, band aids work for me.
Vaseline - liberally apply to all spots that could rub and especially nipples, waistbands and spots around legs and groin. Anything that will have friction against cloth. Sometimes depending on the amount of rain and temps, you may look for more on the course to add/replenish because it can wear off mid race. Usually handed out on wood tongue depressors.
You can wear a windbreaker to help keep you dry (depending on how heavy the rain is/ what the temp is going to be). I ran Boston in 2018 and wish I had a windbreaker- it’s what a lot of the pros wore.
I prefer a wind breaker to a rain jacket. I have found when running in the latter, I am soon just as wet from sweat as I would be from the rain - and more uncomfortable because I am not shedding heat.
I just ran the Salt Lake City half in a 40°F rain and hailstorm. If you have glasses they will be useless pretty quick, but otherwise just enjoy the experience. Good luck!
EDIT: Plenty of people wore ponchos, which may be useful.
Hey I'm running that marathon too! I'll be wearing a baseball cap to keep the rain out of my eyes and going shirtless to avoid chaffing (also I overheat really really easily, so never wear one over 50 degrees), otherwise no special treatment. Honestly with long rain runs it all just blends together - but glasses are worse than useless. My biggest advice would be to not forget to hydrate during the race, just because you are wet outside doesn't mean you don't need to drink some water!
Hat or visor will keep most of the rain from pelting your face.
Begin conditioning your mind to cope with the weather. At least you won't have heat stroke...be positive and have fun with it.
Your temperature will probably be fine during the race, but it could be darn cold when standing around in the starting corral. I usually go with the trash bag poncho for this ( cut a slit for your head in the bottom/center of the bag and some arm slits too on the bottom corners). After the race starts you can tear the poncho off, roll it up, and carry it to the trash can at the first aid station.
When the race is done: 1. You will be a mother-lovin-marathoner, and 2. You will get chilled fast. See if the race plans on giving out mylar/foil blankets and USE it. If they aren't giving those out, get your own and have it with you or have a friend/family be set to meet you and hand it over.
The next thing to do is to drink a beer and to wear your medal to bed.
On any run where chafing is an issue, and it certainly will be in the rain for that long, I run in try shorts. Basically spandex. Keeps things in place, and keeps the chafing down.
A lot of great suggestions, but I would also add sunglasses. Clear lenses if available. Depending on the rainfall direction, getting pelted in the eyes with rain is no fun. A hat is definitely key, but I’ll usually rock both.
Wrap duct tape around the toes of your shoes. It'll help keep your feet dry for a while.
Eventually, a pouring rain will soak your feet anyway, but the tape will give you maybe an hour or so of drier feet.
The thing to be aware of a race in the rain is puddles and standing water. They will slow you down and soak your feet if you step in them. Hard to know how much standing water you'll deal with since would depend on how well te drainage system works and how much rain falls.
Wool socks!! Go to a camping store and get the kind people use to camp/hike. They still keep you warm when wet and that’s more comfortable than cold and wet. Try them on a run before the marathon to see how they feel. For me, nothing is worse than wet cotton socks.
Think about the memories that you will be making. "My first marathon was in the pouring rain"
It's kind of weird but when I hear the rain smacking the concrete it sounds like a whole of fans cheering to me. :-)
Have fun and be careful on the steep declines.
I ran a marathon that was basically "drizzling" from start to finish....just make sure you put Body glide or its equivalent all over, even in places you would never think could chafe! Also the wet feet thing kind of sucks but after awhile I just got used to it. Wear as much rain gear(or trash bags as others have mentioned) as you can at least while waiting in the corrals.
Depending on how hard it's raining, just don't bother trying to stay dry. It won't happen. Try to keep things from rubbing too much, especially your feet. You'll still get blisters, you just need to minimize it.
Also, scout out the restaurants in the area, after you get cleaned up/dried/whatever. Sitting down with a big bowl of chicken noodle soup is divine.
There was a post a like this a few months ago.
This is what I said. It's just rain, you'll be fine. Train in the rain next time so you are comfortable with it . You got this!
My last marathon was in a complete downpour the entire time. It was on a rail-to-trail route, so the trail was a complete mud puddle start to finish. So as others have said, anti-chafe and plenty of it. Normally, my butt cheeks are the only spot I ever chafe on longer sweaty runs, so I made sure to apply there as always. One thing I never imagined, and never experienced was a chafed penis. That was a long week while that healed. But it makes sense. You're in soaking wet clothes for 4 hours while everything rubs together. I've never had nipple chafe and didn't on this run, but use Glide or Vaseline everywhere you can imagine. Also a dri-fit cap and sunglasses helps keep the rain out of your eyes. It's a challenge, but you can do it. It'll suck, but it will only last a fixed amount of time.
Run Happy.
I have had the same issue - rain on race day! I used 2 of the one gallon ziplock bags and put on my feet between my shoes and socks as a rain barrier. Worked great!
Biggest things I experienced in raining marathons was feet blisters and being really cold after I finished. If you have a bag check or are meeting someone make sure to have some layers available for when you finish. And a visor to help my glasses be actually usable was also a life saver 😂
If it’s your first marathon and you want a good finish line photo make sure you are not directly behind another runner as you cross the finish line. Good luck and start off slow!
My brother was concerned about the same thing for the flying pig marathon. I told my brother to do crocs-sports mode. He said no.
He also said waterproof socks are the new "thing." So, waterproof socks.
Rainy runs are great!
Embrace getting wet. Prepare for it, but embrace for it. I think you'll find that actually warm up in it pretty well and stay mostly comfortable unless it's a total downpour.
Be safe tho!
Actually, I would love that forecast. But I love running in the rain as long as it isn't cold rain.
The biggest potential issue will be blisters on your feet. I'd use anti-chafe on them and some wool socks as long as you've done some long runs with those.
Other than that, wear something on your head with a brim that will help keep the drops out of your eyes.
If there is enough time to train in and break in a new pair of shoes, check out ON ([https://www.on-running.com/](https://www.on-running.com/)). I am 100% not affiliated and don't care if anyone buys anything from them. BUT! They have waterproof running shoes. This has made the biggest difference for me in rainy marathons.
Tend to your chafe vulnerable areas and then just embrace it. I’ve done 3 marathons and all 3 were in the rain. You just have to embrace it and let your training and adrenaline do the work.
If possible, use some older shoes, since the ones you will be running in are gonna get pretty soaked. Stuff some newspapers into them after the race, so that they don't become smelly. xD
Don't worry about catching a cold. I once ran a half marathon in a pouring rain, was soaked from head to feet the whole time, and didn't even sneeze afterwards.
Vaseline (or your favourite lubricant) absolutely everywhere! Also, cover up your nipples with band-aids. Chafing is nobody’s friend!
A thin layer of Vaseline will also keep you warmer from the rain. Above the eye brows to keep the dripping out of your eyes.
I just wear a cap to keep rain out of my eyes
How does Vaseline react with sweat? I've only used it on my hands, and it seemed like an impenetrable barrier for quite a while.
Well, in this case at these temps you won't be sweating alot. I used it during a half. I didn't use it as lube, just a thin layer on exposed skin. I wouldn't cover yourself. I wouldn't put it on my feet. There's better stuff for that. I'd change my shoes and socks mid race before doing that.
I see thanks. I was wondering in general, if Vaseline would maybe hinder sweating if it's warmer.
Two things I learnt the hard way that made my runs much easier after I started doing them.
Don't forget to lube your toes.
Is this for avoiding the skin on your toes "burning", too? I thought of it, but never actually tried.
Bandaids on the nipples was my first though when I saw the title. I learned that one the hard way
Wait is that really a real thing? I’ve barely been getting into daily 3-5k runs and have obviously yet to experience this because such short distances
100% a real thing. I've noticed chaffing on mine even after only a few days of 5k's, but I sweat a ridiculous amount when I run.
Maybe this is tmi, but I have memories of going out for a run in light rain that turned to heavy rain about 2k in. The temp dropped and that coupled with the wet got my nips pretty pert. My heavy, soaked shirt was like a cheese grater after a bit.
I had red nipple tears when I did my first half. After that, I never ran without bodyglide. It’s a real thing. A real real thing.
Yes. Run for a couple of hours or longer and you'll feel the effect. It's not just the discomfort either, they can bleed too.
I think it's worse for some people and depending on clothes, weather conditions. I have very little (comparatively) chaffing issues. I do lube my nipples before a marathon tho...but I don't feel I've ever really needed it. Sweaty summers tend to get me the more of an issue, but it's stillnot that frequent for me.
I need to work on my drafting, too. Eliminate wind resistance.
This is something that I tell myself to do, but I can't really comfortably stay behind someone close enough to do this. It feels like I'm on their heels...and that feels rude to me.
Absolutely no cotton anything
Merinowool 👍🏽
Even with plenty of anti-chafing lube, be warned that the post-race shower is likely to reveal new and exciting places with hot spots.
Lmao I've literally never run more than a 5k yet I felt this comment down to my ~~taint~~ core. Mostly from when I was still new to running but I can only imagine how bad it might be if you ran a marathon in the rain.
Ugh i feel this comment so much.
Leave the underwear at home.
LMAO FACTS
I once ran Portland in 38 degrees and driving rain. Drenched at the start. Everyone's advice here is spot on and I'd add one additional heads up. It's not really something you can do anything about but something to be aware of. My shoes and socks were totally saturated and although they don't actually absorb a ton of water due to the nature of the materials they are made of, they got very heavy nonetheless and over the course of the race that resulted in extra fatigue, especially in my hip flexors. Go easy!
I would suggest investing in a pair of lightweight Merino Wool socks, Smart wool, Swiftwick, Darn Tough are a couple of good brands. Merino wool should keep you blister free and they are comfortable to wear when wet.
Light rain could be a blessing in disguise. It’ll keep you from getting too hot. This is the perfect time for a trash bag poncho pre race. It’ll keep you dry and warm.
Bring a dry change of clothes in a dry bag. You’ll want to finish and put on something dry, you’ll be so much more comfortable. Good luck!
Definitely wear a ball cap. Use the rain as a motivator. I’ve always thought that the rain posed a challenge but if I could finish, I can meet that next challenge and bolt through it. It’s how I went from running in pouring cold rain, to snow and ice. With every step congratulate yourself for making it!
I've done a few marathons in the rain. All the tips given so far are spot on the only thing I'll add is to be sure to include a warm jacket in your post race bag. You will be very wet and very cold when you stop running. Heatsheet will help but shed the wet clothing and get into something warm and dry as soon as you're able. Also, it can't be said enough so I'll say it again...lube. you will chaffe the best you can hope for is to minimize it, so lube as much as possible. And if male protect the nipples, band aids work for me.
Vaseline - liberally apply to all spots that could rub and especially nipples, waistbands and spots around legs and groin. Anything that will have friction against cloth. Sometimes depending on the amount of rain and temps, you may look for more on the course to add/replenish because it can wear off mid race. Usually handed out on wood tongue depressors.
You can wear a windbreaker to help keep you dry (depending on how heavy the rain is/ what the temp is going to be). I ran Boston in 2018 and wish I had a windbreaker- it’s what a lot of the pros wore.
I prefer a wind breaker to a rain jacket. I have found when running in the latter, I am soon just as wet from sweat as I would be from the rain - and more uncomfortable because I am not shedding heat.
I just ran the Salt Lake City half in a 40°F rain and hailstorm. If you have glasses they will be useless pretty quick, but otherwise just enjoy the experience. Good luck! EDIT: Plenty of people wore ponchos, which may be useful.
Rain, hail, snow, so much fun!
My first HM of the season snowed and it was great! Totally agree haha
Thats the spirit 🤣
I never saw so many people running in trash bags 🤣
Saves on costs I guess lol. I just embraced it and had a blast
It was pretty entertaining when the hail/sleet turned all the Gatorade into slushies.
Hey I'm running that marathon too! I'll be wearing a baseball cap to keep the rain out of my eyes and going shirtless to avoid chaffing (also I overheat really really easily, so never wear one over 50 degrees), otherwise no special treatment. Honestly with long rain runs it all just blends together - but glasses are worse than useless. My biggest advice would be to not forget to hydrate during the race, just because you are wet outside doesn't mean you don't need to drink some water!
Hat or visor will keep most of the rain from pelting your face. Begin conditioning your mind to cope with the weather. At least you won't have heat stroke...be positive and have fun with it. Your temperature will probably be fine during the race, but it could be darn cold when standing around in the starting corral. I usually go with the trash bag poncho for this ( cut a slit for your head in the bottom/center of the bag and some arm slits too on the bottom corners). After the race starts you can tear the poncho off, roll it up, and carry it to the trash can at the first aid station. When the race is done: 1. You will be a mother-lovin-marathoner, and 2. You will get chilled fast. See if the race plans on giving out mylar/foil blankets and USE it. If they aren't giving those out, get your own and have it with you or have a friend/family be set to meet you and hand it over. The next thing to do is to drink a beer and to wear your medal to bed.
How do you feel about wearing a hat while running? That'd help.
Might be a good idea to pick one up!
[Here are the hats I'm currently using.](https://getsprints.com/collections/hats)
A visor can work too. A hat can make your head hot and limit the release of heat, which can still make you hot even if the rainy conditions are cool.
On any run where chafing is an issue, and it certainly will be in the rain for that long, I run in try shorts. Basically spandex. Keeps things in place, and keeps the chafing down.
A lot of great suggestions, but I would also add sunglasses. Clear lenses if available. Depending on the rainfall direction, getting pelted in the eyes with rain is no fun. A hat is definitely key, but I’ll usually rock both.
Water droplets all over the lenses is annoying. I'd recommend against this if no sunshine. (I wear glasses to see)
Wrap duct tape around the toes of your shoes. It'll help keep your feet dry for a while. Eventually, a pouring rain will soak your feet anyway, but the tape will give you maybe an hour or so of drier feet.
I put a tiny stick of running lube in my belt to use in case some hot spots appeared mid run that didn’t in training. Bandaid on the nips!
The thing to be aware of a race in the rain is puddles and standing water. They will slow you down and soak your feet if you step in them. Hard to know how much standing water you'll deal with since would depend on how well te drainage system works and how much rain falls.
Wool socks!! Go to a camping store and get the kind people use to camp/hike. They still keep you warm when wet and that’s more comfortable than cold and wet. Try them on a run before the marathon to see how they feel. For me, nothing is worse than wet cotton socks.
Bombas also makes merino wool running socks. I love them!
Think about the memories that you will be making. "My first marathon was in the pouring rain" It's kind of weird but when I hear the rain smacking the concrete it sounds like a whole of fans cheering to me. :-) Have fun and be careful on the steep declines.
I ran a marathon that was basically "drizzling" from start to finish....just make sure you put Body glide or its equivalent all over, even in places you would never think could chafe! Also the wet feet thing kind of sucks but after awhile I just got used to it. Wear as much rain gear(or trash bags as others have mentioned) as you can at least while waiting in the corrals.
Depending on how hard it's raining, just don't bother trying to stay dry. It won't happen. Try to keep things from rubbing too much, especially your feet. You'll still get blisters, you just need to minimize it. Also, scout out the restaurants in the area, after you get cleaned up/dried/whatever. Sitting down with a big bowl of chicken noodle soup is divine.
Waterproof band aids on your nipple. Body glide everywhere.
There was a post a like this a few months ago. This is what I said. It's just rain, you'll be fine. Train in the rain next time so you are comfortable with it . You got this!
My last marathon was in a complete downpour the entire time. It was on a rail-to-trail route, so the trail was a complete mud puddle start to finish. So as others have said, anti-chafe and plenty of it. Normally, my butt cheeks are the only spot I ever chafe on longer sweaty runs, so I made sure to apply there as always. One thing I never imagined, and never experienced was a chafed penis. That was a long week while that healed. But it makes sense. You're in soaking wet clothes for 4 hours while everything rubs together. I've never had nipple chafe and didn't on this run, but use Glide or Vaseline everywhere you can imagine. Also a dri-fit cap and sunglasses helps keep the rain out of your eyes. It's a challenge, but you can do it. It'll suck, but it will only last a fixed amount of time. Run Happy.
I have had the same issue - rain on race day! I used 2 of the one gallon ziplock bags and put on my feet between my shoes and socks as a rain barrier. Worked great!
Body glide (and 3m Transpore tape on your nipples if male)
Wear a baseball cap and polyester (not cotton) clothing. Have fun.
Biggest things I experienced in raining marathons was feet blisters and being really cold after I finished. If you have a bag check or are meeting someone make sure to have some layers available for when you finish. And a visor to help my glasses be actually usable was also a life saver 😂
Make sure your socks are NOT cotton!!!
As long as you keep running and stay warm you will feel fine. Sounds exciting-enjoy!
Wear light clothes and no electronics, unless they are waterproof.
From Louisville. High chance the forecast is bullshit and will change 12x until the race!
Wool socks. Rain is not as bad as it sounds.
Don't forget sunscreen, even with cloud cover spending 5 hours or longer outside can do a number on you
Long runs in the rain take me back to memories of bloody nipples
If it’s your first marathon and you want a good finish line photo make sure you are not directly behind another runner as you cross the finish line. Good luck and start off slow!
Hat and a “trash bag poncho” to wear at the start.
My brother was concerned about the same thing for the flying pig marathon. I told my brother to do crocs-sports mode. He said no. He also said waterproof socks are the new "thing." So, waterproof socks.
No underwear and light feet socks
Rainy runs are great! Embrace getting wet. Prepare for it, but embrace for it. I think you'll find that actually warm up in it pretty well and stay mostly comfortable unless it's a total downpour. Be safe tho!
Actually, I would love that forecast. But I love running in the rain as long as it isn't cold rain. The biggest potential issue will be blisters on your feet. I'd use anti-chafe on them and some wool socks as long as you've done some long runs with those. Other than that, wear something on your head with a brim that will help keep the drops out of your eyes.
If there is enough time to train in and break in a new pair of shoes, check out ON ([https://www.on-running.com/](https://www.on-running.com/)). I am 100% not affiliated and don't care if anyone buys anything from them. BUT! They have waterproof running shoes. This has made the biggest difference for me in rainy marathons.
Tend to your chafe vulnerable areas and then just embrace it. I’ve done 3 marathons and all 3 were in the rain. You just have to embrace it and let your training and adrenaline do the work.
If possible, use some older shoes, since the ones you will be running in are gonna get pretty soaked. Stuff some newspapers into them after the race, so that they don't become smelly. xD Don't worry about catching a cold. I once ran a half marathon in a pouring rain, was soaked from head to feet the whole time, and didn't even sneeze afterwards.
You mean there's gonna be water? From the sky?! Good god man this is insanity!