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Running in the Rain

Recommendations & common misconceptions 

Many people have the misconception that being in the rain or cold can get one sick.

Viruses, like the common cold or flu, spread from person to person and cause sickness.

Running in the rain itself won’t give you a cold.

 

However, prolonged exposure to cold, wet conditions can temporarily lower your body’s defenses
by lowering your core body temperature. If you’ve already been exposed to a virus from school, home,

or a crowded space, being cold and tired can make it slightly easier for that virus to take hold.

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As long as you do the following, you will not get sick

  1. Dress appropriately

  2. Change into dry clothes soon after

  3. Fuel and rest well

Rain & Practice

The, Is There Practice? dashboard will show you if practice is held when practice is at the school.
The Rancho - Is There Practice? dashboard will show you if practice is held when practice is at Rancho.

These dashboards also show the rain forecast from NOAA in the graph towards the bottom of the page.
Only the head coach sending out an email canceling practice will override what is shown on the dashboard.

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Practice will only get canceled on the dashboard when rain is predicted to be greater than

0.3 in/hr at the start of practice at Wilcox

or 0.1 in/hr at the start of practice at Rancho.​

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If rainfall goes over 0.3 in/hr during a neighborhood run, athletes are just to complete the run.
As based on our geographic location, rainfall does not increase by too much during an hour period.
We recommend that athletes be more vigilant about vehicles when they are running in the rain.
 

If rainfall goes over 0.3 in/hr during a track workout for an extended period of time, practice may be terminated early.

This is at the head coach's discretion based on conditions observed during practice.

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If it is raining and we are scheduled to have practice at Mt. Trashmore, practice will be relocated to school.

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If rainfall is predicted to be greater than 0.1 in/hr and our practice is at Rancho, the practice will be relocated to the school.
As such you should check both the Rancho and normal Is There Practice? dashboards on such a day.

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Best Practices

  • If the weather forecast predicts rain, make sure to bring a dry change of clothes
    and a towel to change and dry off in the locker room.

  • Change into dry clothes right after practice!

  • Make sure not to wear any running shoes with worn-out threading

  • If it's predicted to rain a lot, bring something with reflectors or wear bright colors

  • If you did not bring dry clothes to change into, do not dilly-dally and go straight home.

  • Prioritize taking a warm shower when you get home and keeping yourself warm.​​​​

  • Make sure to get a sufficient amount of rest that night.

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Recommended Optional Rain / Cold Gear (In order of importance)

  • ​Running jacket (waterproof) - Strongly recommended

    • Note, there are different levels of waterproofing. Most will hold up to light rain.

    • If you are only getting 1 running jacket, get the highest level of waterproof you can

    • If possible, get one with a hood

    • ​Keep in mind there is a trade-off between the jacket being lightweight, breathable, and waterproof level

  • Running gloves (waterproof)

    • Only get waterproof if your hands get too cold when running in the rain​

    • Only get if your hands get too cold when running in cold weather

  • Waterproof running shoes

    • Consider a pair to keep your feet and socks dry​

    • Recommend only if you already have a pair of trainers and spikes

    • Mostly recommended for track season

  • Running pants (waterproof)

    • Not really necessary, but an option to help you stay even drier​

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No brands or models are directly recommended here to keep this page evergreen.
Please talk with your coaches for brand and model recommendations.

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