Runner's Perspective: How Does Everyone Persevere in Running During the Rainy Season?

Embracing the arrival of the rainy season, running in the wet and rainy weather presents a challenge for runners. It can lead to physical strain and the risk of injuries, as well as easy dehydration. Despite these factors, many running enthusiasts continue their practice even in the rain. They understand that utilizing the unique ambiance of the rainy season for running training is a way to enhance their running experience. So, what are the advantages of running during the rainy season? How do runners manage to brave the rain and continue their outdoor runs?

For runners in Taiwan, the period from May to June is even more challenging than winter for running. This is because Taiwan has a maritime climate, and the probability of rain is particularly high in the afternoon. It's even possible to experience both sunshine and rain simultaneously. Under such weather conditions, the temperature isn't comfortable; instead, it feels sticky, humid, and hot, causing discomfort to the senses.

However, as a runner, it's essential to have the ability to adapt to various environmental climates. Just as Nike's founder Bill Bowerman once said, "There's no such thing as bad weather — only soft people." There's no absolutely terrible weather, only weak individuals. Good weather is for speed training, while bad weather is for training determination. Running isn't only about physical training; it's also an opportunity to develop resilience during challenging weather conditions. So, how do runners manage to overcome the hot and humid rainy weather during the rainy season for their runs?

Why Are Runners Waterproof? Many Benefits of Running During the Rainy Season!

"Good weather for speed, challenging conditions for determination." More and more runners are realizing the value of exercising in the rain. Training during the wet and rainy season of Taiwan's monsoon is a unique natural opportunity for runners. If you can harness this special weather and continue your running training, you'll gain unexpected combo skills. The following four benefits might persuade you to start enjoying the thrill of running in the rain this year.

#Benefit 1: Building High Endurance and Physical Strength

In the face of a humid environment, the body needs to regulate its temperature to maintain a cool state. It requires more energy to maintain a steady pace and breathing rhythm. This causes the body to endure higher loads and adapt to increased energy demands and exercise intensity. Running during the rainy season can help enhance endurance and physical strength, enabling our bodies to better cope with high humidity and strengthen our resistance.

#Benefit 2: Boosting Blood Circulation

In the high humidity of the rainy season, the increased moisture content in the air can make breathing more difficult and cause us to sweat more rapidly. In this scenario, the heart needs to work more forcefully to supply blood and oxygen to various body tissues and organs to meet the body's demands. Running in such conditions can accelerate blood circulation more than usual, enhance cardiovascular function, and promote metabolic activity.

#Benefit 3: Enhancing Heat Tolerance

Running in rainy weather challenges the body's heat regulation ability. In environments with higher humidity, the body faces greater heat load. Compared to regular runs in non-rainy conditions, the body has more difficulty dissipating heat and regulating temperature. Therefore, engaging in running training in high humidity can help improve heat tolerance and adaptability, reducing the risk of heat stroke. It also stimulates our immune system and enhances our body's resistance.

#Benefit 4: Building Strong Determination

"Running in the rain, everything gets wet, except the boiling passion within." During the rainy season, apart from high humidity, it's usually accompanied by high temperatures. Facing the dual challenge of high intensity and uncomfortable conditions requires greater determination and endurance to sustain training. If you can endure training in an uncomfortable environment, it not only increases the physical load but also hones strong determination. Achieving your running training goals in the rain gives a sense of accomplishment beyond regular training.

Preparing for Rainy Season Running - What Do You Need?

When we decide to continue running training during the rainy season, we can gain even more benefits from our training compared to regular runs. By making appropriate preparations before heading out, we can not only embrace the humid and hot rainy climate but also enjoy a different kind of exercise fun in this weather. So, what do we need to prepare for when going out for a run during the rainy season? Let's take a look and get ready for this year's rainy season—it's time to hit the road!

1. Choose Safer Running Venues: Parks or Tracks

Since we've chosen to run in challenging weather, selecting a safe location is crucial. Poor visibility due to rain can affect traffic, so it's not recommended for runners to run on roads during rainy days. It's best to opt for flat routes with good drainage to avoid the dangers of water accumulation and slipping. Runners are advised to choose tracks or park trails near their homes for safer options.

2. Choose Appropriate Rainy Day Attire: Waterproof Gear and Goggles

Perseverance is a skill, especially in rainy weather. Selecting appropriate sports gear for rainy conditions helps us get into training mode quickly and safely. Before heading out for a run, you can prepare shoes that are water repellent or treated with water-resistant spray to prevent your feet from getting soaked and affecting your comfort while running. To protect important belongings from rain damage, it's recommended to use a Waterproof Phone Bag to shield your phone. Place it in a Running Belt to ensure your belongings are well-protected, allowing you to run confidently in the rain.

During rainy weather, it's recommended to wear a hat to protect your head from getting cold. Wearing sports goggles with transparent lenses is also advisable to prevent rainwater from directly entering your eyes. For warm-up at the start, consider wearing a waterproof jacket. As you run a certain distance and your body heats up, heart rate increases, and blood circulation accelerates, you can gradually take off the jacket. This gradual approach helps your body experience heat endurance and adaptability.

3. Prepare Rainy Season-specific Training: Reduce Training Intensity

High humidity and a damp environment can increase the burden on the body. Running in the rain is already more physically demanding than running in good weather. While rainy day runs provide better physical training, the friction on your feet is also higher. Prolonged training in the rain might lead to the formation of blisters. Therefore, it's recommended to lower training intensity, consider shortening training time, increase rest intervals, or break the training volume into multiple segments. This reduces the load on your body and preserves future training opportunities.

With a well-prepared rainy day training plan, you can fully enjoy running during the rainy season. Don't let unpredictable weather interrupt your training. Embrace changing conditions and be a resilient runner, conquering the sense of accomplishment from completing your training sessions in the rain.