If you live in Vancouver you’re no stranger to rain. Maybe you don’t even notice it. I remember a few years ago there was media buzz over the number of consecutive days of rainfall in the city and my roommate had to point it out to me. She was from Calgary and couldn’t believe that I “just didn’t notice” that it had rained for over 20 days straight. But just because I’m used to the rain doesn’t mean that I don’t glare out the window when it’s time to head out for my run in a total downpour. So here are my top tips for staying motivated as we head into the rainy season (a.k.a. anything outside of July/August on the Wet Coast). —Track-and-field runner and Brooks Canada ambassador Devan Wiebe for Rackets & Runners
tip #1: wear a hat. I am embarrassed to admit that I only started wearing hats this past year. I don’t know how I survived running at UBC for four years without wearing one; I just always found hats annoying. Maybe I just didn’t have the right fit, but I felt like the brim was always blocking my vision, or the wind was blowing it off, or, “What’s the point I am going to get soaked anyway?” Spoiler alert: when you wear a hat the rain doesn’t constantly blow into your face/eyes, and this is really nice.
tip #2: gor-tex shoes are not just “for wimps.” If you live in YVR you are going to get wet and that is a fact. I thought Gore-Tex shoes were for people who whine a lot and can’t tough it up and face the elements. I now realize the same argument could be applied to not wearing a rain jacket—or frankly, wearing shoes in general. Gor-Tex shoes are the best. They are not just for people walking their dogs. They are life changing. Why would you not want to keep your feet dry?
tip #3: spend the money on a quality rain jacket. Quality costs, and you’re going to want a jacket that is breathable, light and protects you from the rain. I usually do tough workouts in water/wind resistant fabrics and sacrifice staying totally dry in exchange for lighter layers that don’t slow you down. But if I’m just going on a run, I want to keep dry in something serious.
tip #4: also spend money on gloves. My hands get super cold and the only thing worse than super cold hands are super cold WET hands. You can’t tie your shoes, you need help getting your keys, you are as sad and helpless as a cold wet baby. I recommend avoiding this feeling at all costs. If you are someone who loses gloves all the time don’t despair; there are loads of cost-effective options that will keep your hands warm and dry.
tip #5: friends/music to keep you company. Have a group! Nothing keeps you accountable like knowing you are meeting people to run. If you are not already part of a club I highly recommend checking out The Oak St Runners—they are welcoming to all ages and abilities. If you’re going solo, nothing motivates like a great song. To stay safe, I’d encourage you to check out Aftershokz headphones as they enable you to hear surrounding noise.
tip #6: be visible and cautious. Most clothing brands have visibility strips sewn into the fabric—look for this when you’re shopping! Wearing lights and/or reflective products are also great ideas, and when in doubt always assume cars/bikes do not see you.
tip #7: bring dry clothes. I think I should have made this tip #1. If you’re leaving from home then disregard and jump in a hot shower as soon as you can. But if you’re meeting people to run or driving to a destination, BRING A CHANGE OF CLOTHES. Your future self will thank you. Even if you think, “I’ll only be wet for 10 minutes, it’s not worth the hassle of packing a change of clothes,” it is worth it. Trust me. (Mom: if you’re reading this aren’t you proud of me finally listening to this advice?)
tip #8: timing. The first five minutes will be the worst. Just accept that it will be awful. By minute 10 you will be warmed up, and then running in the rain is actually pretty fun! You feel like a badass, you don’t get super hot, and you’ll likely have more of the trails to yourself. Set a time for yourself and then act like you are in the military. If you said you were going to start your run at 5:30, do it. I suppose some people check the weather and try and pick the best times so you could totally do that; but once you’ve set a time lock in those lyrics. In my experience the forecast lies, and it’s better to not use “waiting for the storm to pass” as a reason to delay. You could be waiting for over 20 days. Be well, stay dry, and run happy!
Win! A $350 Rackets & Runners Prize Pack!
We have a winner! Congratulations Linda D. of Delta, B.C., who will receive a $350 Rackets & Runners prize pack including a pair of On Cloud waterproof running shoes, a pair of run gloves, a Brooks Sherpa running hat, Aftershokz headphones and Nathan reflectors!
October 8th, 2020 at 4:26 pm
@ktakapam I like to listen to pump up music!
October 8th, 2020 at 4:31 pm
I listen to techno music
Instagram handle – amber_olak
October 8th, 2020 at 4:39 pm
I love pop music! @rosanna8854
October 8th, 2020 at 4:48 pm
@torinuku26 I like to listen to anything upbeat when I run! Especially music artists like Kelly Clarkson…?
October 8th, 2020 at 4:53 pm
Would love the waterproof running shoes so I would not use a rainy day as an excuse not to go outside. I like listening to talk radio when I run so I feel like I am not alone and talking with someone.
@rosegrissom
October 8th, 2020 at 5:12 pm
Sounds of nature!
@mcheungmk
October 8th, 2020 at 5:23 pm
Love to listen to podcasts or 90s rap
October 8th, 2020 at 5:41 pm
I like to listen to podcasts when I run!!
@brittkentt
October 8th, 2020 at 7:06 pm
I run to top 40 music ?
IG: @jcont1234
October 9th, 2020 at 3:09 am
I do find listening to something upbeat helps with training in the rain, but sometimes I just search for uplifting songs… today I listened to the song Run sang by Pink ???♀️ IG handle. @jammie604
October 9th, 2020 at 1:04 pm
I listen to various podcasts. @tabby_1972
October 9th, 2020 at 1:25 pm
Love running in the rain- warm rain
October 9th, 2020 at 2:37 pm
Love listening to nature and sounds around me. @maryandcedar
October 9th, 2020 at 2:49 pm
P!NK and Crime Beat podcasts @lindasarah29
October 9th, 2020 at 6:11 pm
I love listening to anything that’s 80s pop music. I find it keeps me moving and find it up beat.
@shenac IG
October 9th, 2020 at 8:03 pm
Thank you for this great give away. I would love to win these. Rain in Vancouver is always. This is how I can walk or run in the rain I am 73 and need to stay dry. This would keep me moving
October 9th, 2020 at 9:07 pm
I actually enjoy hearing the rain so other than hearing my breaths this is what I listen to. @winterpalm
October 9th, 2020 at 9:25 pm
The Hamilton soundtrack! @natalievana on Instagram!
October 10th, 2020 at 6:10 am
I like to listen to Rise Up by Andra Day! 🙂
@danaqueen1111
Abbotsford, BC
October 11th, 2020 at 5:21 pm
Cherry Bombe podcasts of course!
October 11th, 2020 at 7:22 pm
I listen to Big Bang when I run
@squirmer03
October 12th, 2020 at 2:58 am
I like to listen to upbeat music, usually pop music that can pump me up while I run. Thank you for the incredible giveaway.
October 12th, 2020 at 9:16 pm
I like listening to podcasts
@lyungcr
October 13th, 2020 at 11:09 pm
I actually just like to listen to the thoughts in my head when I run. I use running to clear my head when I am stressed, so I prefer quiet time to work through my thoughts. @ontheroadalot
October 14th, 2020 at 1:41 pm
I listen to music with a fast beat
October 14th, 2020 at 1:41 pm
I listen to anything with a good fast beat @skeetersden
October 14th, 2020 at 2:33 pm
Alternative rock @jasonkinnin
October 14th, 2020 at 2:35 pm
Anything by Coldplay!
October 14th, 2020 at 3:48 pm
Hits from the 1970’s ??
October 14th, 2020 at 5:04 pm
I like listening to music with a fast beat (like disco lol).
October 14th, 2020 at 5:05 pm
Oops forgot to add my Instagram handle @hliang007
October 14th, 2020 at 11:27 pm
Rolling Stones! @3sunshine359
October 15th, 2020 at 12:13 am
1970’s music
October 15th, 2020 at 1:14 am
I make my own playlist that motivate me and put me in a positive mindset.
October 15th, 2020 at 1:17 am
Oh and @runningandguitars ! 🙂
October 15th, 2020 at 1:28 am
I enjoy listening to a mix of Disco music and also R & B depending on my mood!
I also enjoy listening to the pitter-patter of the rain falling down, so relaxing!
October 15th, 2020 at 2:44 am
Dance music…I need a good beat when I run. @livinginbc
October 15th, 2020 at 4:41 am
All the 80s techno/new wave music!
@heartsinparadise
October 15th, 2020 at 10:35 pm
I like to listen to sounds around me.
October 16th, 2020 at 5:55 am
I listen to podcasts while running!
@fomodachi