I know this contradicts everything your mother told you - but you can go walking in the rain! You won't shrink, shrivel up or catch pneumonia - I promise. There is no reason to stop walking just because of a few raindrops however frequent and heavy!
Walkin' in the rain is all about changing your attitude towards it!
The hardest part of walkin' in the rain is stepping out the door, the rest is simple. Give it a try, you might be surprised how great it feels.
Your Walk with Attitude Team shares their sure-fire tips to help you stay safe and in good health while walking in the rain;
1. Dry Clothes - Always change out of your wet clothes straight after your walk (including all your underwear if you got really drenched).
2. Spare set - If you travelled by car to your walk, make sure you have a dry set of clothes and a towel. That way you won't get chilled driving home.
3. Be Seen - It's best to wear reflective gear or bright clothing as rain can diminish drivers vision. We use & recommend Nite i\Ize or Jogalite products because of their quality.
4. Hot Shower - Arghhhh!... there's nothing better than a hot shower when you return from your walk, this is guaranteed to take the chill off!
5. Coffee/Tea/Cocoa - treat yourself to a lovely cup of HOT tea, coffee or cocoa, this will warm the cockles of your heart!
6. Wet Shoes - There is nothing worse than putting on a pair of wet shoes the next day. Try to have two pairs of walking shoes, giving time for the other pair to dry out. Stuff the wet pair with newspaper to absorb the moisture.
Be careful if you dry them in front of the fire as the intense, sudden heat can shrink or crack some of the materials!
7. Walking Shoes for wet weather - Unfortunately runners/walking shoes are not waterproof. Depending on your weather and location, off road shoes or Hiking boots can be perfect for the wet season as they are generally water resistant.
8. Umbrella - Well, this is a matter of preference. They can get in the way and you can feel a little like Mary Poppins on a wet,windy day! - but if it helps you to step out the door then use one!
9. Clothing - This really depends on how cold the weather is during the rain. In Perth, WA even in our bleak mid winter a sweat shirt and a light waterproof jacket suffices. However in the Melbourne winter when the wind and the rain can be cutting you will need to protect yourself from the cold as well. Remember you will heat up during your walk. It's best to be a little cold to start off with! Wear layers that you can easily take off and carry if neccessary.
10. Water Proofs - Make sure your Water proof clothing (jacket/pants) are water proof and not just Water resistant. Choose water proof clothing that allows your perspiration to be absorbed without allowing the rain to seep in!
11. Strong winds, storms etc - We certainly don't recommend you go walking in these weather conditions for safety reasons.
Finally and perhaps the most important tip - Have Fun, be adventurous and if that big kid in you really wants to jump in puddles and make a big splash - you go ahead!
Happy walking rain, hail or shine!
Kate, Jackie and the Walking with Attitude Team
Happy Reading!