5 Reasons Why You Should Run in the Rain

Don’t cancel your run because of the weather, run in the rain

There’s a rainstorm rolling into town just as you’re getting ready for your run. Don’t contemplate what you should do, run in the rain! Unless it’s a dangerous thunderstorm with lightning, you should continue with your plans. Make some adjustments to your route if needed, grab a rain jacket, and get ready to run in the rain! Need more of a nudge? Read the five reasons why you should run in the rain below!

Puddles on a trail. You could have the trail to yourself when you run in the rain.

Running in the rain could mean you have the trail to yourself!

Have fun

Remember when you were a kid and you always wanted to play in the rain? Well, this is the same! Running in the rain is fun. It’s different and something we don’t get to do every day. Your feet will get drenched so you might as well jump in the first few puddles you see. And then every puddle after that!

Build mental toughness

Running in the rain is fun, but it can be a challenge too. You might need to find a different route or adjust the type of run during your workout. Your clothes get soaked and are heavier. There might be chaffing. Once your socks and shoes are drenched they become heavier too. Your pace might be slower when running in the rain, but that’s to be expected with all the changes, puddle-jumping, and extra weight. It’ll make you tougher and more prepared for your next run.

Could have the trail or your route to yourself

Remember those busy days on the trail where it’s congested, you have to dodge people, and play chicken with cyclists because they’re trying to make a quick move? If you run in the rain you could have the trail all to yourself! Does your favorite route run against traffic? Just think, wide-open spaces on your favorite route. Less traffic, fewer people, more room for you to crush those miles!

Rain won’t hurt you

You might be sweet, but you’re not made of sugar and you won’t melt! You’ll be good to go as long as it’s a rainstorm with no lightning. Check the weather before you take off. Once it looks good, throw on your rain jacket and running hat and take off. 

Prepare for all conditions

You run hundreds of miles in preparation of race day. When you have the chance, you should prepare for all weather conditions on race day too. That’s why running in the rain is important, it will help you prepare for your race. You’ll be better off if you complete a long run or two in the rain. Learn what rain jacket you prefer, how wet clothes feel, what hat works best, what shoes give you the best traction, etc.

Don’t cancel your run just because it’s raining. There are too many benefits, from jumping in puddles to preparing for race day. Lace up your shoes, grab your rain jacket, and head out the door! Is there a reason why you run in the rain that we didn’t mention? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

Under Armour Returns as 2020 3M Half Marathon Presenting Sponsor

Partnership marks the third year of Under Armour supporting participants in their quest to PR

Runners cross the 2019 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour finish line.

Runners cross the 2019 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour finish line.

High Five Events is thrilled to announce the return of Under Armour, Inc. as presenting sponsor of the 3M Half Marathon. The third-year partnership will highlight Under Armour’s continued support of the running community and push runners to chase their personal edge on one of the country’s fastest half marathon courses. The 26th annual 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour will take place on January 19, 2020.

“At Under Armour, there’s nothing we support more than helping athletes achieve their personal best. Our brand’s mission is to make athletes better and engineer the gear that helps them do just that,” said Josh Rattet, General Manager of Under Armour Run. “For this reason, we’re especially proud to support the 3M Half Marathon and runners from all over the world who will be chasing their PR this January.”

Supporting runners chasing their PR

Under Armour will outfit participants and event volunteers with their HeatGear® running shirts. Additionally, Under Armour will outfit the 3M Half Marathon pace team with race kits. They’ll also provide Under Armour HOVR high-performance running footwear. Under Armour’s support will be felt by runners on race day in their quest to set a personal best.

“Under Armour’s running footwear, apparel, and technology give runners the resources needed to chase their personal best, which is exactly what participants of 3M Half Marathon have done for 25 years,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “We’re excited to work with them for a third year because it continues to provide both of our brands the opportunity to help runners create memories that will last a lifetime.”

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. The beloved half marathon will celebrate its 26th year running on January 19, 2020. Runners will enjoy a point-to-point course with mostly downhill running that showcases some of Austin’s finest locations. Starting in north Austin and finishing near the Texas State Capitol, runners will appreciate a 300+’ net elevation drop. Registration is currently open.

7 Types of Runs to Add to Your Training Program

Prepare for a half marathon with these 7 types of runs

Whether this is your first half marathon or your 10th, make sure these 7 types of runs are a part of your training. This breakdown can explain to beginners what their workout might specifically call for. These descriptions are helpful for veterans because it reminds them of what they need to focus on during their next run. Whatever your next type of run is, make sure you foam roll afterward to speed up your recovery. 

Long

This is a run that is longer than any of the other types of runs. Long runs have many benefits: builds muscle/heart strength, improves endurance, and teaches the body to burn fat rather than glycogen as a fuel source. They differ based on your current fitness level and the overall distance that you’re trying to achieve (like 5K or a marathon). Most training plans call for no more than one long run per week. Follow this long run recovery timeline to feel better faster.

Wilke Rd. provides a great hill workout, one of 7 types of runs runners should use during their 3M Half Marathon training.

The Wilke Rd. hill workout will make you a stronger runner!

Hill repeats

Running hill repeats increases leg strength, improves fitness, and uses the muscles of the legs, arms, and core in ways that are different than running on flat surfaces. Hill repeats help improve running economy, which translates into less energy expended over the course of a long-distance race. Start from the bottom of the hill, choose a destination point at the top of the hill and sprint up the hill to get there as fast as you can. Jog back to your starting point and repeat. The distance will be much shorter than your usual run, but the high-intensity sprint, as well as the incline, will make this challenging. Check out these Austin locations and try the recommended workouts!

Progression

Progression run is a run with a structured pace that increases from beginning to end. The distance and pace will vary based on your specific training goals. This type of run is good for improving your running stamina, mental strength, and teaching the body to run increasingly faster at the end of a race. It’s also a way to get a run in that is more difficult than the base run but not as intense as other different types of running.

Tempo

Tempo run refers to a “comfortably hard” pace that you can maintain for a longer period of time. It is different than race pace, however. A tempo run (also known as an anaerobic threshold or lactate-threshold run) is a pace about 25 to 30 seconds per mile slower than your current 5K race pace.  Basically, when you run, your muscles build up lactic acid, a metabolic byproduct that causes them to fatigue. The intention of a tempo run is to increase your threshold so that your muscles don’t fatigue as fast. This allows you to keep running longer.

Recovery

A relatively short, easy-paced, run performed within 24 hours after a hard session; usually an interval workout or a long run. Easiest training day of the week after rest days. A recovery run is done at an easy pace, “easy” being relative to your fitness level.

Recovery run - relatively short, easy-paced, run performed within 24 hours after a hard session; usually an interval workout or a long run. Easiest training day of the week after rest days. Click To Tweet

Sprints

Sprint workouts mean to run shorter distances at a faster than normal pace with multiple repeats during the workout. Sprint training is essential if you want to increase your speed. It builds strength and power so that you can run faster. Even if you’re a long-distance runner, sprinting is beneficial. Sprints actually help you run longer. They condition your body to be able to handle the distance without fatiguing as quickly.

Interval

Interval training runs are a mixture of low-moderate and high-intensity runs. It incorporates shorter periods of fast, hard runs where you put in more effort, followed by longer periods of jogging or walking. Interval training means that you will alternate between the two. For instance, you’ll run high intensity for one minute, followed by jogging for two minutes, one minute hard, two minutes easy (for a specified amount of time). Pro tip: the intense interval is key and you really need to push yourself to deliver the benefits, which include improving your running efficiency and your ability to maintain higher speeds for longer. It also burns a lot of calories very quickly.

Knowing about these 7 types of runs and their differences is great. But don’t forget you have to add them to your training and complete them too! When you begin training for the 3M Half Marathon, include these 9 tips runners use to see improvements. Reach out on Facebook or Twitter and let us know your favorite run.