Winter is coming and we need to ask, “What do we need to run in cold weather?” We start by asking, “How cold does it get here?” In Santa Monica, the record low is 35 degrees. The average low in December and January is 49 degrees, but the average high is about 68 degrees.
Opinions vary regarding the ideal temperature for running, and based on marathon finish times, the cited temperatures range from 39 to the high 40’s. Santa Monica remains above this range; however, these ideal temperatures apply only when we run, not when we stand still. So, before and after a run, we need to stay warm. So, while running, occasionally we get by with shorts and a top, until…
It gets rainy, windy, or worse, both. How often does it rain? According to the National Weather Service, in Santa Monica, on average, it rains 13.5 inches a year, of which 11.5 inches fall on 49 of the 151 days comprising November through March. And how much variation? A lot. Last season, July through June, it rained 26.8 inches, and in 2020-21, only 4.3 inches.
More simply, expect rain one out of three days through the LA Marathon, but not necessarily at the times we run. That said, in my opinion, plan to get drenched on three Legger Saturdays, more mid-week, and possibly on Marathon Day.
A five-step thought experiment will help us anticipate the problems encountered in wind and rain. First, we run in our usual running shirt, shorts, and shoes, getting overheated and sweaty. Notice, we are wet inside and outside already. Rain won’t change this. We will be wet whatever we wear, including raingear.
Second, imagine we are in a strong wind. Now, our breathable microfiber fabrics let the wind blow right through. And when wet, the wind makes us very cold, and at worst, can produce hypothermia, a dangerous condition. Blocking the wind and preventing hypothermia is our most important goal.
Third, imagine standing under a beach shower. Our breathable microfiber clothes can soak up water too. And in the rain, they get heavier, sag, and make us feel wetter, colder, longer. We want thinner layers of less absorbent fabrics. No fleece. No puffer jackets. An inner mesh layer, such as the netting in a jacket liner, will hold outer fabrics away from our skin, absorb less water, and make us warmer.
At the least, we need an outer, windproof layer, a windbreaker, one long enough to cover our torso, but not too long, or it will interfere with our legs. And, to state the obvious, try several alternatives before buying. Wind-proof gear does not stretch much, and we will not like it too tight or binding. When running long distances, ill-fitting gear is annoying.
Fourth, imagine showering your head. Now, keeping the rain out of our eyes and off the back of our necks is a good idea too, and we may want a windbreaker with a hood and, also, a hat with a brim. Using a binder clip, you can clip your hood to the brim of your hat, both holding it on your head and out of your face.
Our hands will be cold. We may want thin gloves. Rain pants are a low priority in Santa Monica, and we may prefer running in light shorts or tights, something that won’t soak up water or sag.
And a warning, do not use a product like Rain-X on your glasses. Although great on windshields, these can remove the protective coatings from eyeglasses and damage plastic.
And fifth, notice our shoes. Shoes and socks soak up water, and wet socks cause blisters. Keep your shoes snuggly laced. I prefer rag wool socks in the rain because, although they absorb water, they retain their warmth and thickness. I rarely get blisters. However, everyone has a different experience with their socks, so experiment to find your own.
How do we know when to wear our gear? Often, we don’t know. So, find gear that is easy to carry, packable in our water belts, vests, or packs, available when we need it.
I will tell you that in desperation you can run in a trash bag. You probably own one already. Or you can buy an emergency plastic rain poncho. Find the cheapest and lightest to pack in your water belt.
And if satisfied with nothing else, buy a rain shell, a thin rain jacket with no insulation or padding. Do not confine your choice to a “running” jacket either. Try fitting on multisport rain shells too; you may prefer one. Again, I recommend that, first, you try wearing several alternatives and think about how you’ll feel running in them, before buying.
In truth, the higher-priced jackets have many useful features: multilayer breathable rainproof fabric, adjustable hoods, soft-lined necks, mesh lining, snag-resistant zippers, Velcro® closures, storm flaps, waterproof pockets, and my personal favorite, adjustable ventilation. Rain shells can be versatile; they can work in all seasons and weather conditions, from blizzards to tropical rain showers, and for outdoor sports from running, to hiking, to skiing, and even for apres-ski in Aspen.
But seriously, aren’t these fancy jackets all just nose-bleed expensive compared to a trash bag? And I already hear wise guys telling me, “You can’t afford Aspen either.” True, and you can choose for yourself what you wear.
