Discussion: running in the rain

I'm interested in what others wear on cool/cold rainy day runs.

Went for a 5 mile run this morning. It was 47F and raining steadily, lots of water on the streets.

I wore compression tights and they were a good choice. But not happy with the top half: Short sleeve wicking shirt, light-weight gore-tex jacket.

Post-run, the jacket was as wet on the inside (sweat and condensation) as it was on the outside. It did conserve body heat, but it wasn't comfortable.

Not that I run in the rain that much (only at A-meets that I've pre-registered for, generally :-) ), but I don't use a jacket when I do. Multiple wicking layers are probably best, along with warming up a little in a sheltered location so you don't get chilled. You'll produce enough heat to keep you warm if you have the right layers; don't try to stay dry. A hat or visor can keep rain out of your eyes.

For 47F, I'd probably go with a single long-sleeved wicking shirt, and expect to be soaked when I'm done. If it's really lightweight, maybe a short-sleeved one underneath, but probably not. Polypropylene is great (gloves too), but these days most everything is polyester.

Jackets are for when it gets really cold. :-)

I use a non-cheap unventilated jacket - either a dayglo yellow bike jacket if I want to be seen (on the streets), or stealth black running jacket if I dont (O events). You get what you pay for, so be prepared, but neither jacket gets wet on the inside unless it's raining really hard. Usually wear a merino thermal underneath, which wicks sweat.

I run all the time in the rain. If you don't run in the rain here, Oregon, you don't run. Sounds like you are wearing basically the same thing that I do, so I'm not going to be of much help. One thing to note, my goretex jacket is made for running with a liner that makes it feel less clammy. If it is really pouring out, I'll wear a broad billed hat to keep the rain drops off of my headphones. If you decide to run without a jacket, wear fabrics that will continue to keep you warm when they get wet. Avoid cotton!

Sounds like your standard Irish summers day!

Long sleeved thermal, generally a HH top and a pair of shorts with a buff rolled up as a head band - if its really windy i might consider long bottoms.

Attempting to stay dry is a pointless excerise. Don't waste your time, the faster you start running, the faster you warm up!

Depends...

For that either Long sleeve shirt and shorts or a long sleeve shirt, thermal long sleeve (under armor) and shorts

Potentially gloves and/or hat if it I am feeling especially cold...

Just get wet, but I agree cotton shirts are bad.

to be frank, i never use anything different when running in rain, than in good weather. only important part when running in rain is that your inner is either an under arour or one of those HellyHansen shirts for colder days.

Other than that, you are wet after all workouts even in good weather (if you train correctly), besides when orienteering i bet your choice of clothes dont change.

This is not a problem that most SE Australian-based orienteers have had to deal with very much in recent years.

In that kind of weather I would wear shorts with a long sleeve cotton shirt. I am going to get wet anyways. I just get moving fast so I warm up and try not to stop since I get cold easy. If the rain is really heavy- a baseball hat.

My changeover point from short sleeves/legs to long is 50F. If it is rainy or windy I might go a bit higher to change over.
I'm pretty much with Janet and others, long sleeve polypro, thinest tights ( I have some which are mostly polyester, not nylon).
Wouldn't have a jacket unless it was in the teens and I was skiing or 30's,40's, 50's and I was road biking.

Thanks to all for the feedback.

Agreed, "waterproof" jackets are pretty useless for keeping you dry, but they are good as windproofs. I'd wear one if its cold and windy and I'm running somewhere exposed.

I haven't run somewhere "exposed" since college :)

I'm not sure a waterproof jacket would help you there, Ross.