What is the best advice for running a 5k in the cold and rain?

I have appropriate cold weather clothes which includes a windbreaker that is waterproof. What do you do about your legs and feet? I will be running in a 5K, 10K and 10 miler in the next 6 weeks.What is the best advice for running a 5k in the cold and rain?
There is nothing worse that getting TOO warm in cold weather- in races I actually still run in shorts but keep my top pretty warm wtih drifit from Nike (tight shirts) The most important parts to keep warm are your torso- layering is key- a great pair of gloves and a headwarmer (for your ears) or a hat. If your head and hands are warm, the rest of you will really follow the lead. Same goes for rainy weather- if you're wearing pants they're going to get wet and keep you cold. If you're wearing shorts, layering correctly and have a Gortex jacket (rain proof) you'll stay a lot warmer. Running in icky weather is a lot of fun! I had my best times in cross country during cold rainy weather. Embrace it! And make sure to warm up a LOT. Always bring extra socks if it's raining so you don't get blisters. Even if you warmed up and your socks are already wet, changing them before a race will make a big difference.





Best of luck!What is the best advice for running a 5k in the cold and rain?
if it raining or grounds wet don't slip
dont wear the windbreaker


get an underarmor thight shirt


for your legs get racing tights


just wear running shoes


here's a good tip my cc coach told me:


1}wear any type of socks


2}over the socks wear a sandwich ziplock bag


3}then put your shoes over them


you'll have warm feet


good luck


wear a knit cap and a pair of gloves
Run so fast the rain can't hit you (JK)


I normally still were shorts in the rain %26amp; a long sleeve shirt or windbreaker,
layer your clothing and wear whatever is comfortable. you can always take layers off as you get warmer. make sure your clothing is made of fabric that wicks the moisture away from the skin that way you don't get chilled if you are running in very cold temperatures. I wear a long light weight running pant, they also make rain pants but unless it is freezing those work fine and i just wear running shoes and socks
depends on how cold





some people like to wear the spandex tights, which should keep your legs warm. I dont bother, I find that I get enough heat from running that my legs dont bother me.





be sure to dress in layers, you will build up a lot of heat. one thing I do for a cold distance run, is wear a 'throwaway' old sweatshirt over my running stuff. something to keep warm while waiting for the start and maybe the first mile, then take it off and throw it to the side of the road.
well...i wouldn't recommend sweatpants because then you would burn up too fast; maybe you could wear under armour. Feet: regular socks and tennis shoes.
In really cold weather I always wore tights. My rainsuit was nylon, and it got pretty cold, so that was not a good idea. If you insist on running in shorts, consider wearing a spare sock to keep your private parts warm.
That is a good time to run. The rain holds the oxygen down and makes it easier to breathe and run without strain. And the cold air will keep you from overheating. Your running shoes will get wet but they will dry and you may not want to run in your best shoes that day. But I think you will find that you like to run in the rain and cold. You will find that your running time is improved as well.
OK listen up, Im a cross-sountry runner, so i have some advice.


Legs:Wear 2 layers. Leggings and a water proof jogging pants on the outside.


Feet: Certain shoes are water-proof, but thats not a big deal, I'd suggest wearing 2 pairs of socks.


Other: I'd suggest also eating some bananas before the race. I gets rid of side stitches which may hinder you in a race, especially on a cold rainy day.
It really depends on you, if there is a lot of mud, it will cake your legs and help to warm them all though in my CC experience my legs are never cold. I wear my race shorts and jersey and a pair of gloves(I'll add a hat if it is cold but not raining) Just make sure you breathe deep and in rhythm with your pace, and avoid cotton. With my racing flats/spikes, I usually won't even wear socks(they fit better)
How cold is ';cold';? My cut off is around 50 degrees F. At that point, I'd follow what some of the others are mentioning - some lycra on the legs to keep the muscles warm yet not too warm. Above that, I don't bother since my legs are fine. Just warm up slowly before the run and stretch out to keep limber before the race. As to what to wear on your torso - same rules apply. Something not too heavy since you'll get too hot shortly after you start running. If it's cold, definitely wear gloves and ear warmers. No hat though, you'll just get too hot. If it's cold and drizzling rain, where a visor to cut the rain out of your eyes. Glasses will just fog up.





Definitely do some experimenting before any races though.
Run fast. Once you get moving it won't even affect you. You'll see people in cold temps running in shorts. Your preference. What works for you,time will tell.
I would wear CoolMax socks %26amp; a light nylon shell pants if it's below 40F. As for rain %26amp; cold, your best strategy is to find some humor and enjoyment in it. Running can be a mental battle and sometimes those that win are those ones that have the best attitude. Don't waste time %26amp; energy on negative thoughts - it'll pay off in the race. Best of luck!





- Mike