Walking in the rain
How to have a good hike (or run!), no matter the weather
Photo courtesy of REI
I peered out through the blinds into the inky dark of the predawn winter morning, trying to gauge what the weather was like. I had been awakened before my alarm earlier by what sounded like someone tossing pebbles at my window pane – it took my groggy brain a moment to realize that the sound I was hearing was actually pellets of rain being hurled at my cozy hiding place by random swirling gusts of wind that had broken off from the main torrent of air whipping the cypress trees outside. By now, the wind and rain had abated somewhat, but I was still curious. What was my morning run going to be like? Ah well. I grinned, shrugged, and pulled the bill of my running cap a little lower over my eyes as I straightened up from lacing my shoes. Rain or no rain, it was going to be fun.
Of course, this morning’s wet and windy run was not going to be anything new for me. Living on the rainy northern coast of California, you just kind of have to get used to living with and in the rain. You can’t let it keep you pinned down inside all the time either – you have to get out and move your body and hike, run, walk, and breath deep. It is, after all, only when you’re out in the rain that you notice just how rich the earth smells out in the depths of the woods, how twitteringly joyful the birds can be as they flit from bush to bush, how brightly the green things can glow with fresh and buoyant life. Indeed, some of my most memorable hikes and runs have been on rather rainy days when other folks have opted to stay inside.
So what’s the secret to having an enjoyable and memorable time on a rainy day hike or run in Mendocino? For me, it comes down to two things: proper gear and proper mindset.
Confession here. I don’t have any pictures of rainy days, because I never take out my phone when it’s raining. It HAD been raining earlier this day before I was able to get out for my walk around the Mendocino Headlands though. So while it may not be exactly raining in this series of photos, it’s kind of close… right??
So, gear then.
What kind of gear should, say, someone who’s coming for a visit from out of town bring when rain might be on the forecast and they know they really want to get outside? For hiking, you for sure want some good, waterproof hiking shoes, ideally ones with good tread for any muddy inclines and a high enough ankle to keep out any puddles you have to navigate – and there can be some pretty big puddles during the rainy season on some of these trails! Also key is a good rain slicker with a hood that projects far enough out to keep rain from getting in your eyes too much. If your hood is a little more flush with your face, you may want to consider bringing a baseball cap with a nice bill, preferably one of the host of great quick-dry hats they are making nowadays for running and other sporty ventures. An optional addition to your outfit that would not be amiss but is not strictly necessary: waterproof pants. If you don’t have any, wear pants made with a synthetic material, like running tights, as opposed to jeans or other cotton pants, which will soak up all the water and chafe… and no one likes chafing!
Note: More often than not, it’s too windy in Mendocino for an umbrella to be much good. It can occasionally be helpful, but not often enough for me to include it in my list of useful gear items.
Another gratuitous, non-rainy picture of beautiful Mendocino Bay. Can you see Big River Bridge?
If you’re more interested in running, trail running shoes would be a better choice than road runners, as they tend to have better drainage. And if you have them, wool or wool-blend running socks might keep your feet feeling drier than cotton socks (see note above about pants…). The hat is also a key component, as it can be hard to see where you’re going if rain keeps hitting you directly in the eyes – so says the voice of much bleary, squinting experience… Waterproof pants and rain slicker are another additional option if you like. I generally prefer to skip these, as they usually make me feel like I’m suffocating, but I know plenty of runners in Mendocino who don’t go out without them during winter. I also like to bring an old towel to sit on in the car on the drive home if I’m not running straight from my front door, because no one likes a soggy seat when they get back in the car a couple hours later!
Now that we’ve talked about gear, let’s talk about that second requirement for having a great and enjoyable rainy day hike or run:
Mindset
Some of my favorite runs and hikes have actually been out in inclement weather. I wasn’t always prepared with the right gear, but when I embraced the moment and decided to wring every last drop of joy out of the experience that I could, wonderful things happened. Fierce winds blew clear the cluttered corners of my mind as I leaned steeply into their strongest gusts on the trail out along the Mendocino Headlands. I felt the delighted laughter of a two-year-old burst from deep in my belly as I bounded through puddles that were much deeper than I expected. Little tumbling freshets and new-formed miniature waterfalls along the trail sang their chattering song just for me. The bright green, glistening fronds of baby sword ferns gently unfurled a little more before me under the weight of the rain drops clinging to them. The peace of a world refreshed seeped into my pores and filled me right to the brim.
Ok, final only-marginally-related-to-the-post picture for now. But look at that glorious view! How could I NOT share that with you?!
Plan your own rainy day hike or run on your next visit to the inn! Ask us for trail recommendations at the Front Desk, and we’ll help you figure out which path is best for you. We can’t wait!
Words and most pictures by Laura Hockett