April showers bring May flowers, which is ideal for your #seenonmyrun Instagram posts, but unpleasurable for long runs. If you’re running an early summer or late spring race, your training block is in full swing, which means you’ll have to brave whatever elements the weather gods decide to throw for the next 90 days. To make sure you’re adequately prepared for running in the rain, we have eight pieces of essential gear that’ll keep you warm as you slog through the mileage. Whether you’re sneaking in a quick speed workout on the track or bumping up your weekly mileage on a Sunday, these pieces will help you stay mentally on track.
Waterproof Hat
Lululemon Lightspeed Running Hat: This lightweight hat keeps snow, rain, sleet and any other precipitation out of your eyes so you can knock out your long run on days where the weather is less than ideal, plus it comes in six colors. In any snowstorm, you’re going to want a hat to keep the water out of your eyes so you can check your mileage at every street corner.
Waterproof Running Shoes
Under Armour Hovr CGR Mid Connected: The Michelin rubber outsole on these Cold Gear Reactor sneakers from Under Armour is the same as the rubber found in your tires, so that you won’t slip over grates or ice. The storm technology fabric on the upper won’t wet out, which makes it ideal for running in the rain as well as the cold, and it’s still breathable for when the weather starts to warm up.
Mittens or Gloves
Tracksmith NDO Mittens: The merino wool in these mittens will stay warm even when wet. On a recent nine-miler, I wore these through snowy conditions meaning the exterior layer wet out, but the merino wool lining kept my hands warm despite the falling temperatures. The magnetic fasteners on the cuffs are a nice touch, so they stick together when you’re not using them.
Waterproof Jacket
Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket: The Storm Racer Jacket was built for trail running, meaning it’s lightweight, breathable and waterproof. There aren’t any pockets on the jacket, which can prove problematic. However, it’s hard to find an exterior layer that can fend of weather like this one. I never feel clammy or sweaty inside, aside from the actual sweating that happens during a workout.
Wool Socks
Smartwool PhD Pro Endurance Print Crew Socks: These socks were designed by Rob Krar, an ultrarunner, meaning they’ll support your feet over hundreds of miles. The indestructawool fabric will hold up and stay warm even when damp. Mesh venting on the top of the foot lets toes breathe, so the inside of your shoe doesn’t become a sauna.
Waterproof Wallet
Nite Ize RunOff Wallet: If you’re running alone, it’s always good to have a form of money — credit, debit or cash — on you, in addition to your keys, an ID and possibly your health insurance card. The Nite Ize RunOff wallet is compact enough to stuff in a pocket, but will also clip to your waist belt and will keep everything dry when running in the rain. It’s rated to IP67, meaning it’ll keep your belongings in the clear for up to 30 minutes.
Waterproof Pants
The North Face Flight Winter Pant: If you like to run in shorts, but want to avoid them getting soaked, throw on these pants. The FlashDry fabric wicks away sweat from the inside, plus it’s treated with DWR to repel raindrops.
Sweat-Wicking T-Shirt
Adidas Tivid Tee: Under your jacket, you’re going to want a breathable tee or long sleeve, depending on the wind and temperature conditions. This Adidas tee with Climalite technology works to keep you dry from the inside out.
