We’ve had those mornings when we wake up to inclement weather and you have to do your long run. You check the weather to see how long the rain or wind or snow is going to last and unfortunately, it’s going to last a long time. And sometimes, it’s the temperature that you have to make an adjustment for your run. If it’s going to be a hot summer day and have to run eighteen miles, you might end up starting your run at 4:00 am. At this point, you have three options, skip your long run, find a treadmill and do your long run on the treadmill, or suck it up and go outside. Which one are you? For me, I am always one who has to suck it up and go outside in run in the bad weather. I don’t have a treadmill, nor do I belong to a gym so that option is not available to me. I’m also not a fan of putting off a run because the longer I put it off, the more likely I am to just not do it.
So what adjustments do I make when I have to run in inclement weather? First and foremost, I want to make sure that I have the right clothing. If I get too cold, I know I will have a bad run. Secondly, I know that if I am so uncomfortable I will try to get in at least three-quarters of the distance that I have on schedule. I don’t want it to be a wasted run but I also don’t it to be a completely miserable run.
What are some of the things that you do to get through a long run in challenging weather? Tell us in the comments.