DELRAY BEACH, Fla. - Oct. 22, 2020 - Despite official rainy season ending last week in South Florida…it doesn't seem like the rain has taken a break in days! And while the rain may be good for your lawn, it's putting a damper on those of us that exercise outside. But rainy weather doesn't mean you have to take your runs, walks or cycling inside.
As long as it's not storming, according to running coach and co-owner of Fleet Feet Delray Beach, Nick Stump, we should all take advantage of running in the rain: "Running in the rain not only builds mental toughness, it can be fun and cooling – especially here in hot and typically sunny Florida."
Stump offers the following tips to safely run, walk and cycle in the rain:
1. Wear a hat or visor with a brim. The brim will keep the rain off your face so you can see, even in a downpour, and help keep the water out of your eyes. Remember, if it's warm and rainy, wear a breathable one with plenty of venting so you don't overheat.
2. Make sure you are visible. Select outer layers that are very bright or light-colored and have reflective strips. Or even wear a blinking light in the daytime. Running in the rain often means drivers have poor visibility and they may be less likely to expect that pedestrians are also out on the road.
3. Prevent chafing. Yes, chafing can happen during any run, but it can be much worse if you're wet from the rain. If you're running long, spread Body Glide, Vaseline, or one our favorites – Squirrel's Nut Butter on parts of your body where you would normally chafe or get blisters, such as your feet, inner thighs, underarms, sports bra lines (women), and nipples (men).
4. Protect your electronics. Store your cell phone, iPod or other electronics in a plastic Ziploc bag or waterproof carrier to keep them safe from the soaking rain.
5. Dry your shoes. When you are finished with outdoor activity, immediately take off your shoes, remove the inserts, and stuff the shoes with crumpled balls of newspaper! This helps the shoes keep their shape, and the paper draws moisture away from the shoes. Just please don't put them in the clothes dryer, which can shrink them or warp their shape!
Most importantly, Stump reminds us to have fun out there and be careful! "For those that try running or walking in the rain, they will often find that it is their new favorite thing to do," he said.
Fleet Feet Delray Beach is a specialty run store owned and operated locally by Nick, Mackenzie and Kyle Stump. Learn more at www.fleetfeetdelray.com.
Contact
Melissa Perlman, BlueIvy Communications
