Rain Solutions

Lazer's NEW CITYZEN Cycling Helmet is cloth covered but waterproof & ExOfficio's Rain Logic Jacket

One of the most constant things about weather is change!  We predicted a very rainy spring and were right.  Now we're moving into fall with similar expectations.  Rainy weather can often sideline your outdoor workout plans but this needn't be the case.


Gore Bike Wear's Signature Cycle Cap & Lazer's CITYZEN
Invest in a few essential pieces and you can walk, run or even ride in the rain with the utmost comfort.  Start with your head and get this sporty GORE BIKE WEAR Signature Cycling Cap.  It's made of breatheable fabric so you won't sweat but it repels rain like a duck.  This cap can fit under a vented helmet and has road reflective stripping.  Likewise this new CITYZEN Cycle Helmet from Lazer in the lead photo does not have large vents so is perfect for rainy, cooler weather.  Skateboarding or inline skating?  Yeah, that too.

ExOfficio's Rain Logic Jacket

ExOfficio's Rain Logic Jacket with hood & pit zips

Smartwool's Zip-T Baselayer

The next thing you should have is a well made hooded rain jacket.  We especially like ExOfficio's Rain Logic for its sealed zippers, armpit zips and hand/security zippered pockets.  The Rain Logic shell is so well thought out from it's quick drying, moisture wicking membrane to how the adjustable hood forms a little visor in case you forgot your cap.  Very lightweight and packable, it is easy to stow along for trips and days out.  You can extend the seasons by adding baselayers under it such as those made by Smartwool for extra warmth, water resistance and wicking.  Has a 1.5 inch tail drop to help keep you dry and covered which is really key especially if you're on a bike.  It really handles the rain for you so you can stay focused on what you're out there doing.

Sperry Topsiders SB-1070 Performance Shoes 

If you're even thinking about running in the rain, you'll need to have the right footwear for the job.  I've worn these athletic shoes off the blustery coast of Maine during a whale watching expedition.  Even with ocean water making the decks extremely slippery, these shoes held their grip.  That's because Sperry is known the world over for making some of the best boating shoes available.  Still these are incredibly supportive running shoes, especially effective on slippery, wet pavements and paths.  Here are some of the SB-1070 features:

Sperry Topsiders - SB1070 Athletic Shoes

Low Water Absorption Materials are Quick Drying

Dual-Density Compression Molded EVA Midsole Offers Shock Absorbtion & Stability

AEGIS™ Microbe Shield Protects Against Bacteria that Cause Odor

Removable Full-Length Molded Footbed Offers All Day, Underfoot Comfort

HRC® Forefoot Cushioning Through EVA Compound Provides Additional Cushioning

GRID® Patented Technology Provides Superior Cushioning and Stability

Arch Lock Offers Increased Stability and Arch Support

New Hydro-Grip™ Rubber Traction Compound is the Ultimate Performance Traction Outsole Compound

Non-marking Rubber Outsole with Quadro-Grip Wave-Siping™ for Ultimate Dry / Wet Traction & Added Stability

Rain or shine, know your conditions!  Keep track with changes in the weather by taking along a Kestrel Weather Tracker

Cool Morning Workouts

Rainy, cold mornings?  Pfftt!  GORE Phantom SO Lady Gloves, Smartwool's Microweight Baselayer and Exofficio's Rain Logic Jacket have got it all covered!

No matter what the calendar says in many areas the weather is already turning quite chilly, especially early in the morning.  It is also still very dark!  Training in the morning is recommended because doing so, you have less traffic and pollution to deal with.  Most of us know that if we can get up early and get our road work done, we have a better chance of staying on course.  The later you wait, the less chance there is that you'll make time to exercise later in the day.  So what do you do?  Use some common sense to keep comfy and safe out there:

GORE Phantom SO Lady Gloves

Keep Your Hands Warm

This is a major problem for early morning excursions.  While you don't need fur-lined mittens at this point, you do want them to stay warm and comfortable.  GORE BIKE WEAR's Phantom SO Lady Gloves are perfect for morning rides or walks when you need just enough coverage to keep you going.  They are soft lined and made with their Windstopper TM fabric that knows how to ward off harsh winds but has an amazing wicking action to keep your hands dry.

Hop on your bike and you'll appreciate the inner forehand's foam padding and terry insert on the thumb for wiping away perspiration.  The reflective logo on the ring fingers give you extra visibility in low light conditions.  You can do a lot more than just bike with these gloves and for cross training, you're ready to ride after your walk.

GORE Facewarmer, wool hat by TurtleFur

Keep Your Face Warm
This is incredibly important for both your facial skin and lungs especially when cycling.  If you add the windspeed to the speed you are going on a bike, you'll find yourself sustaining a much colder "feel".  This can lead to red, chapped skin that has been over exposed and dry.  The best way to combat that is to use a light scarf or this  GORE BIKE WEAR Facewarmer.  I prefer the Facewarmer to a scarf because there's no bulk and it stays in place during vigorous activity.  So lightweight but does an excellent job of keeping the chill and rain off.

Smartwool's Microweight Baselayer in Lavender

The GORE BIKE WEAR Facewarmer has an opening for the nose with additional holes for your mouth.  It is completely windproof but does not induce sweating or vapor buildup.  The reflective logo is but another layer of visibility on the road.  I'm also wearing a 100% wool cap by Turtlefur and an all Merino wool Microweight Baselayer Zip-T by Smartwool.   Both the cap and the shirt keep you warm while allowing perspiration to wick away from your skin.  Smartwool's Baselayer has a handy zippered neck, giving you the option of increasing ventilation to your skin as you warm up.  Wool also naturally repels water so it is perfect to pair up with my ExOfficio Rain Logic Jacket.
 

See the Light

CatEye's NEW Tora Outdoor Light

CatEye's performance outdoor light designed for athletes and cross trainers. The four LED's offer a wide array of lighting options. With up to 700 candle power the super bright head lamp works great for fast cross-country runs under tree cover. It also provides extra illumination on your bike.  The small .5 watt LED's offer what is needed in a low power light for map reading and close-up applications.

• Locking Magnetic Switch
• 1-watt LED OptiCube™ lens for brightness
• 3X 5mm LED’s for broader or close up viewing
• Shock and water-resistant
• Battery check function
• 4 modes

Spring X-Training: Stayin' Dry & Cool!

So chill & be comfy all day long! Exofficio's Chica Cool Hoody

One thing for sure.  Getting your exercise, anyway and anytime is going to be a major plus in staying on track.  I believe that the clothes you pick when first getting dressed should prepare you for anything the day can bring.  Who says you need to be dressed in Spandex 24/7 to be ready to work out?  Really there is NO need for that when choosing the right technical pieces can take you from your morning walk to lunch or shopping afterward.

Chica Cool Long Sleeved Hoody by ExOfficio

The Chica Cool Hoody features a travel-ready silhouette that utilizes Dri-release fabric. This proprietary fabric has a unique look and unbeatable performance. Chica Cool wicks moisture, resists odors, and looks outstanding on or off the road.  Yes, all of us athletes sweat, (mist if you must), and what is so cool about this hoody is its ability to keep you dry and fresh smelling all day.

  

Little details like the front pouch pockets, an adjustable hood and thumb holes on the sleeves make this a very travel-worthy essential!  No matter what you day throws at you, you'll keep your chill factor going in this versatile hoody.  VERY comfortable top!  Made of 85% Polyester / 15% Cotton. Imported.  Slim fit, FreshGuard treated fabric.  Shown here: Black Pebble.  Price: $65.00 by ExOfficio

Hiking Medium Mini Socks from Smartwool Price: $15.00

Smartwool Socks
Another essential for your morning jog includes some well made socks.  While cotton socks are great, they often do not breath well enough to allow your feet to stay dry in your footwear.  Say no more!  Smartwool has been taking the industry by storm with their sport-specific socks for everything from snowboarding to cycling.
If you get a wet spring such as we are predicting, the extra humidity in the air is going to make staying dry even more difficult.  Jogging and hiking in these conditions can leave you with wet, soggy feet.  Ugh!  Smartwool's soft Merino wool naturally wicks away excess moisture, keeping your feet amazingly cool and dry.  These hiking specific socks offer extra non-bulky cushioning in the ball and heel area.  Talk about happy feet!  We've paired these socks with Sperry Topsider's SB-1070 boating-performance shoes.  Made with a new Hydro-Grip™ Rubber Traction Compound, these are perfect for wet, slippery paths and surfaces while drying very quickly.  Find them online under women's performance shoes at the Sperry website.  Price: $90.00

GORE BIKE WEAR ALL WEATHER CAP

Signature GORE BIKE WEAR Cap
A true classic!  This traditional road cap is made with highly innovative fabrics. Extra benefit: It is waterproof.  Not for just biking although its fit is made to easily go under a bike helmet.  It is small and light enough to fold up and pack in your pocket. Looks great with the bib turned up.
Turn the bib down as shown and it really repels the rain.
Made of GORE-TEX® Paclite® for great breathability while offering full weather protection.  Features:

• GORE-TEX® PACLITE® stretch
• Inner toweling band
• Elastic back for maximum comfort and fit
• Reflective print for more safety
• Reflective logo

Rain Logic Jacket by ExOfficio

This little jacket is a rain essential.  Leave home with the Rain Logic and don't worry about getting caught in a downpour.  In fact the Rain Logic is so tricked out with features that you'll want to wear it even if the forecast doesn't call for rain! 
The Rain Logic Jacket features a 2.5 layer fabric that’s fully seam sealed to offer lightweight rain protection. It's made with mechanical stretch nylon, a thin polyurethane membrane, and treated with a durable water resistant finish so it fights the elements for you.
Check out the product details to discover hidden features like security zip pockets, arm pit zips and an adjustable hood.  The armpit zippers help to keep you extra dry by allowing you to regulate extra ventilation to those areas before working up a sweat.  The hood comes up to completely cover your neck and chin similar to an expedition jacket.  I've worn this jacket on rainy days with high winds and was completely comfortable.  Get ready to turn heads as this is not your mother's rain jacket!  Available in Black (shown), Deep Lapis and Wine. Price: $199.99 online from Exofficio

Rain or Shine know YOUR conditions!  Kestrel Pocket Weather Trackers