What to Wear Running in the Rain

Never bring a wind breaker to a rain storm. Here's what I wore and why it didn't work.

Temperature: 45 degrees F (5 C)

Water marks

Humidity: 100%, raining hard
Wind: ~10mph
Terrain: Rolling hills
Distance: 4 miles

What I wore: Light-weight tights short-sleeve, wicking top; and a wind breaker.

Why: It was too warm for any of my "real" rain jackets but too cold to just wear a technical top. I thought the wind breaker would be the perfect balance.

I also needed a place to put my iPhone so I could track my miles.

Did it work? No. As the t-shirt photo shows, my upper half was soaked. So were my tights, but that's ok. In the rain and/or cold, what I really worry about is head, core and hands. Keeping these dry and/or warm are key to staying healthy and keeping muscles functioning.

Instead, my hat was water logged, the wind breaker broke the wind but not the water and my hands were freezing. Happily, my phone stayed dry thanks to being in my tight's pocket, under the jacket.

On the trail

What to Wear: Being too warm can be as bad as being too cold, so I don't recommend a rain jacket that doesn't breath or have vents. The best are pit-zips - zippered vents that run along your under arms to your torso.

Between 40 and 55 degrees, you'll want a light layer that keeps you dry for as long as possible. It may not be perfect, but it should give you time to warm up before letting the rain seep in.

Note: One of the things I like about this Puma jacket is the high, fitted collar. At least I didn't have rivulets of water running down my neck!

Enjoy your spring running. It's a beautiful time of year to be outside.

What to Wear Running: Puma Faas & Puma Running Gear

About three years ago, Puma Running sent me some gear. I'd never run in Puma before, so I was interested to see how it compared to my old standbys. I was looking for a few things, including comfort and durability, which is why I'm doing another blog post now, years later.

Nike top from circa 1999

When it comes to gear, I've always loved Nike. Their stuff just lasts! I've had this red top since 1999. Seriously, kids running in my last 5k are younger than this shirt! But, it still looks good, wicks sweat and lets my skin breath. I knew Puma looked fresh and was interested to see if it stayed that way (I had heard rumors that it falls apart).

Three years later, I still LOVE this blue tank. It looks great on - I get compliments

Puma top 2010

when I wear it. The two layers of silky fabric are comfortable up to 80 degrees. The built-in sports bra has silver threads that haven't popped and (hopefully) help prevent stinkiness. The pleats around the neckline hide "poke through" when I'm chilly. And, the sports bra is strong enough for serious runs if you're an A or B cup. Most importantly, as I shift from being a runner to a multitasker, this top has successfully come along for rowing, yoga and cycling adventures.

Puma's running shorts are also holding up really well. The

Purple Puma shorts, another fave top

pockets still zip, the elastic is strong, the lining is hole-free and the style is classic. I have them in purple and black. Current color trends mean the purple ones look modern even though they're a few years old.

For shoes, I became a runner in Saucony back when they were touting stability. Brooks and Asics were my brands when I became a marathoner and wanted something a little fleeter. Now, Brooks Cadence and Saucony Kinvara time share my runs along with the Puma Faas 500.

The first shoes Puma sent weren't a good fit. The 8 was too big and the 7.5 too small so I donated them to charity and gave up on getting to test the brand. Lucky for me, Puma didn't give up and sent me a second pair a year later (about two years ago) - the Faas 500. They sent my friend the Faas 300 to test and photograph. The sizes were right, so we got down to running.

I still love the Faas 500 after two years, uncounted miles of  running, a few trail hikes and South by

Faas 500 Photo copyright: Dana Underwood

Southwest - I was wearing them when I met Jimmy Fallon (it was a Nike event but I still rocked them). What I like: The color is hot. The weight and minimal materials are cool. They hold on gently, so my natural mid-foot strike can flow.  Unlike my Kinvara's, the nylon hasn't split and, unlike the Cadence, they never made my feet cramp. Detractors: As a mid-foot striker, I wouldn't mind if the heel was less built up. That would be a great way to drop weight without losing structure. Also, when I corner, the loose hold of the shoe means it slips a bit around the toe box, so I have less control.


According to my friend, the Faas 300 are really only good for road running. They need to be laced tightly because otherwise they slip if you pronate. If you're looking for a racing slipper, and not something that you can also trail or city walk in, these might be good for you.

Puma Faas 300

Thanks again to Puma for the chance to test. Happy running!