Just as I suspected, I got the opportunity to try out my new raincoat this morning on a run that ended up being 4.7 miles. Not quite the five I was aiming for, but good enough. And, wow, I ran slow. What’s really disappointing, though, is that I thought I was running faster. But, in doing the mileage math, it turns out I was doing 12-1/2-minute miles. Bummer.
I’ve asked for a Garmin for Christmas and I feel having one will make my running life a lot easier…and maybe make me faster.
This morning, my alarm clock went off at 5:50 and when I got into the bathroom to change into my running clothes, I could hear the rain on the window. I was hot when I wore my new coat on my Tuesday run with Mel, so I decided to wear a short sleeve shirt underneath it this time. But hearing the rain and seeing the black sky, I changed my mind. I also have new capris I was going to wear, but I chickened out on those, too.
I slipped into my black tights, put on my long-sleeved REI shirt, my Wigwam socks and my shoes. I ate a whole wheat toaster biscuit with peanut butter on it, drank a glass of water and zipped up my new Cascade Rain Jacket by Outdoor Products, which I purchased in Large from the REI Outlet Web site. See what they say about it here.
The raincoat is light blue and VISIBLE — a must for dark morning jogs. It also comes in black. I like that it’s a little longer in the back and covers my behind. It has a lot of pockets, which I LOVE. There’s an outside zipped pocket on the chest, a Velcro one on the inside (for a music player or a phone), and two hip pockets, one of which has a small mesh pocket inside of it to keep keys or other small items secure. I tried to take a picture, but I’m not sure you can really see the little pocket-within-a-pocket.
The coat also has a hood. It’s a nice sized hood, too, covering my entire head and creating a nice overhang above my face.
I put the hood on and cinched it, then headed out the door. It actually wasn’t raining very hard, just a little sprinkle. But it was warmer than I expected.
I took my hood off in about 10 seconds. It was bouncing and pulling down on my head as I ran, and it was so loud rubbing on the outsides of my ear buds. I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to run with a hood on. A baseball cap is probably all I need. I can see myself wearing the hood during a walk or on a trip to the store. I like the hood, just not for running. The think that the hood can be rolled up and secured, which I will probably do the next time I wear it.
It didn’t take long for me to regret wearing my long-sleeved shirt. I got hot around Mile 1. I should’ve worn my t-shirt underneath the jacket instead. Next time, next time.
Toward the end of my run, it got lighter and the wind blew in. I had my coat open a little to stay cool, but I started to get cold with the wind. I zipped up the jacket and I warmed right up. Michael Jackson came on my Zune and I kicked it in.
I think my new raincoat will be great for when it gets really cold here, like from late December to late February. It definitely kept the water out. If it’s raining for the Half on Nov. 29, I will wear a short-sleeved shirt underneath, I think. I’m not sure. If it rains on Sunday, I’ll try it out on my last long run before the race.
Good luck to everyone with races this weekend!
11 comments
Oh rain, sweet rain. I decided after my last 1/2 and the SWISHY rain coat that I wont wear that fabric. Does your coat make noise??
Yay you for braving the elements! Wouldn't you know it, when I woke up this morning it wasn't raining and the eventually came out. Of course it's pouring now. Probably a good idea that I didn't run anyway because my right calf has been tight.I thought I wanted a jacket with a hood but after reading what you said about the noise, maybe not. I always wear a baseball cap anyways so I would be somewhat protected. The only noise I could hear from my jacket was my pony tail swishing back and forth against it. I had to look over my shoulder once to figure out what the noise was lol.
the sun came out I meant to say lol
Rain, rain go away…I totally was looking for something like that jacket today but came up with nothing. then again, I only went to Target. I thought if I could get something to help me on my Sunday run up in Seattle, I would get it but didnt' want to invest in a trip out to my local running store, which probably has those for a lot of money, and that doesn't sound like fun.I did get a moisture-wicking shirt and some socks that should keep me dry (yay for Mel and 5 Miles to Empty for suggestions) so I'm rarin' to go.And seeing your post and seeing how you handled the elements just fine gives me that added bit of confidence. Grrr!!!Oh yeah, you know anything about the Burke Gilman Trail in Seattle? Sounds like it could be a good trail for me to get my run in 🙂
sweet coat! it doesn't really rain too much or get too cold here to make getting on worth it.Hope you get the Garmin. I love it … definitely my best running related purchase. Only 9 more days!!! Yeah!!
@Mel – It's not too crinkly; it makes a little noise, but not enough to bug me. (Except the hood — that was annoying.)@Lisa – Hope your leg feels better quickly. Yeah, I've tried a few different hoods and they all are really annoying. @LB – I saw some coats at JC Penneys today, but I didn't get a close look at them and they were in the women's section!@TMB – Nine more days…yikes!
Totaly cool jacket! And I checked it out – the price is certainly right. I have this baby and love it because it has zippers in the arm pits which allows for venting when it gets too hot in the jacket.Man. I wish it would rain down here in SoCal….
Just found your blog…Love the new jacket and thanks for posting your playlist – I'm always looking for new tunes to try!
@Glenn – Yes, the price was a big selling point. I do wish it had the zippered pits. LOL!@Michelle – Thanks so much for stopping by and thanks for the follow!
hey Kerrie! So sorry I didnt get back to you when you asked this earlier! I am planning to Saturday around 1. I have to drop my hubby of at the airport around 12:15, as of now. So as of now I will be going then. When are you going? I would love to meet up with you if possible! We could even do lunch?
Hi Kerrie! Got your comments. Thanks for the link, that helps immensely.I'll be wearing a blue jacket with black gloves and black shorts and gray shoes. I'll have either a black hat or a maroon beanie on. Stop me if you see me – I could probably use a break! Not sure what time I'll be out there but I run best in the morning so it'll definitely be in the morning, hopefully before 9 or 10 I'll be out there. I'm sure it'll be before then.