Reasons why running in the rain is fun

Here in New York, it rained yesterday the rain in buckets from the sky. Quite nice, because it was really warm and stuffy. The first thing I did (people will think I'm crazy, especially Liesbeth) was put on my running shoes for a run down our street. It was really heavy rain and therefore quiet on the street, so you have a whole running track to yourself. And there are even more benefits to running in the rain, here they come:

• Well, it gives you a bit of an alone-in-the-world feeling. Especially when you have loud music in your ears and don’t see many people on the street. That’s nice.
• Then you also feel like a tough guy, because who runs in the rain? A pat on the back for you.
• There is much more oxygen in the air and you can feel it. Usually, you can also sustain a run much longer than normal.
• You run harder than normal, because you want to get home quickly. So it’s a good workout.
• The feeling afterwards is amazing. Coming home soaking wet, a warm shower, and putting on your comfy clothes, then you are a happy person. Count on it.

Oh yes, and here are a few tips to make it as comfortable as possible.

• Wear shorts instead of long pants. Wet bare legs feel much less bad than wet (long) pants.
• Put on a very thin running jacket . A waterproof one, but one that breathes, otherwise you’ll sweat like crazy.
• Don’t wear cotton, it gets soaking wet.
• Wear waterproof shoes. Running with soaking wet feet is not cool and you’ll quickly get aches and blisters.
• By the way, if you just bought a new pair of running shoes, you can assume they will get pretty dirty with rain.
• A cap is always nice too.