Sitting at home deciding whether to go out for your training run when it is raining out is one of the toughest decisions to make when you are running. One part of you thinks that I need to get my miles today and screw the rain, the other part thinks why the hell should I go out in the rain, I am not a professional, stay dry you fool.

Well come race day, the weather gods may not be so kind and you will have to run no matter the conditions. This years Boston Marathon was run under “Storm of the Century” conditions, so you may as well get used to it. Get out there and run.

There are some tips and tricks I have picked up over the years that will help in running in the rain:

• If there is lightning involved - STAY HOME
• Stay warm. Make it your business to avoid hypothermia
• Wear a hat to keep the rain out of your face
• Don’t wear cotton t-shirts in the rain. These cling, rub and weigh a gazillion pounds. Choose wicking Cool-Max tops instead
• Avoid puddles - seems simple but I see many people jumping right in
• Be extra careful around car traffic.  Wait for the signal. Cars and drivers have a lot less control on wet roads

Here is my number one tip and that is how to dry your shoes after your run. Lightly stuff your running shoes with newspaper, the key here is lightly, you want to make sure there is room for air to circulate. Replace the newspaper every few hours and you will have a dry pair very soon.

Good Luck and don’t forget to feel superior as you run past everyone through the raindrops, it is the best part!