AMR Trains #29: Running Races One Year into Pandemic
While it’s still unclear when and how a major marathon will happen, smaller running races are blooming all over the country.
Dimity checks in with two race directors in two states: John Mortimer, founder of Millenium Running in Bedford, New Hampshire, and Karen Lechtenberg, a race director of five events and a full-time teacher in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The three discuss:
—What March 2020 felt like—and how Cinco de Mayo became Cinco de Julio
—Best practices for race day from a race director and runner’s perspective;
—The silver linings that COVID-19 brought to road racing (PR’s galore!);
See where you can go with a NordicTrack treadmill with iFit: Visit NordicTrack.com.
Ready for more Training? Steaming hot episodes served up here.
AMR Gears Up: Rain Jackets
Best Running Gear for Layering: the next edition of Another Mother Runner Gears Up. We have #motherrunners—put key running gear to the test, then deliver the results so you can grab the gear that works best for your running and body.
By Allison Pattillo
When it comes to running, being drenched in sweat is a given. Unless of course you are one of the blessed unicorns, like my mother, who don’t perspire. Running in the rain though, is a different story. A cool drizzle on a warm spring day can be a lovely thing. A pelting March rain or cold and windy downpour in November, not so much. Choosing what to wear is a balance of staying dry from the elements versus ensuring you have the breathability you desire.
Your choice of jacket also depends upon the temperature and climate where you’re running. Meaning, there are lots of great jackets out there, it just depends what you need and what works with your budget. We seeded jackets with testers all around the country this past February. The result is a list of tried-and-true options to keep you comfortable from damp mornings along the southern coast to sloppy rain in the PNW or New England and general wet weather everywhere in between.
Tester Rating: 5
Review: We sent this to a Canadian tester in February, and she said it kept her dry no matter what the weather was doing. Not only did the jacket keep her comfortable, but it also offers enough room for layering, has generously sized zippered pockets and sleeves that don’t fall short when you bend your arm. Our tester appreciated the how the high neck zip closure was so soft. “I could tuck my chin into the jacket, and it felt nice against my skin.”
Price: $248
Perfect For: Running (and cycling) in cold, wet weather
Get It Here: shop.lululemon.com
Tester Rating: 5
Review: Our tester loved the feminine fit (note, it did run a bit large) and light weight of this new jacket from Nathan. She tested it during Denver’s blizzard, and greatly appreciated the fact that it was also windproof. The jacket has a DWR finish, meaning its water resistant, not waterproof, has a hood with ponytail port, thumbholes to keep sleeves in place, plus a zippered chest pocket. A ventilated back keeps air moving so you don’t get clammy on the run.
Price: $85
Perfect For: A three season water-resistant jacket at sweet price
Get It Here: nathansports.com
Tester Rating: 5
Review: Windproof, waterproof, lightweight, breathable, blissfully quiet with a soft hand feel, this jacket pretty much does everything except log the miles for you. Our Colorado tester wore this in rain and snow, finding it soft against here skin when wearing it with just a t-shirt (no terrarium effect) and a wool zip-t with a light vest. While it fits true to size, with an adjustable waist and hood for a dialed fit, the fit is athletic, and you may want to size up if you like to layer. And, when the rain stops, a deep, back, zip pocket (big enough for a phone and snack) turns into a convenient stuff sack with an elastic strap for easy carrying.
Price: $280
Perfect For: Big trail adventures (whether that’s around your neighborhood or exploring in the mountains)
Get It Here: thenorthface.com
Tester Rating: 4.75
Review: One of our testers for this slim-fitting jacket lives in the Pacific Northwest, and much to her wonderment, this is her first rain jacket for running–she has no clue what took her so long! She tested it in rain, wind and light snow, including a run in the pouring rain, followed by two hours spent coaching the youth cross country practice as the rain continued. Not only did she stay warm and dry, the jacket’s lightweight material dried as soon as the rain stopped. Snaps along the zipper let you unzip without flapping for increased airflow. It also has zip pockets and a built in stash pack to carry it when the sun starts to shine.
Price: $120
Perfect For: High performance at a nice price
Get It Here: brooksrunning.com
Tester Rating: 4.75
Review: One of our Rhode Island-based tester’s runs was an eight-miler in the rain. After which she said she was “totally impressed with how dry I was,” plus she loved the way the hood fit. She also shared, “I’m someone who suffers from Raynaud’s disorder, so the fact that my hands stayed dry under the jacket’s Flip Mitts kept my gloves dry and hands warm.” The only reason she didn’t give it a five is because she would have liked one more pocket. The jacket does have one internal pocket, that’s stretchy enough to hold a phone, but one more for gels or fuel would have been ideal. (Note that jacket launches April 12th)
Price: $100
Perfect For: Staying true to your training plan, without breaking the bank and no matter the weather
Get It Here: ultimatedirection.com
Tester Rating: 4.5
Review: Sleeves that are actually long enough and a snug, stay-put hood are two of the features our tester loved about running in this jacket, besides the waterproofness, of course! She even wore it with short sleeves and noted the interior of the jacket felt comfortable, not clammy, against her skin. While it runs true to size, her one complaint is that it fits slimmer through the hips than she likes. Additional features include two zippered pockets, 360 degrees of venting and a dropped back hem.
Price: $196
Perfect For: Waterproof protection in a jacket designed to run
Get It Here: janji.com
Tester Rating: 4.5
Review: Not only did this jacket keep our testers comfortable on cold, wet (rain and snow) outings, the textured inner material felt good against the skin when temperatures allowed for it to be worn with a short sleeve shirt. One tester felt it ran large, while other reviews see it as having room for a layer and being comfortable for runners with hips. For a comment on colors, Crackle (bright orange) was the choice for high visibility, while Queen (maroon) and Douglas Fir (green) were the choices for wearing both on the run and around town. This waterproof jacket has a hood (both hood and hem have adjustability), two zip pockets and elastic at the wrists.
Price: $178
Perfect For: Cold, wet outings
Get It Here: oiselle.com
Tester Rating: 4.5
Review: Our Georgia tester says this waterproof jacket is her new go-to for days under 50 degrees with moderate to heavy rain and a long sleeve shirt underneath. It’s also her staple everyday jacket for wearing when she’s running errands instead of road miles. The only reason she didn’t give it a perfect score is because “there’s no good way to carry it on the run, once I no longer needed it.” That fact aside, functionality includes a hood, plus two waterproof, zippered pockets in a sleekly flattering design.
Price: $150 (on sale for $115 as of March 16)
Perfect For: A functional running rain jacket that doesn’t look like running gear
Get It Here: saucony.com
Tester Rating: 4 (5 for trail running, hiking and spectating in the rain/3 for a casual, rainy run in your neighborhood).
Review: Our Colorado-based tester loved how dry this jacket kept her during winter rains. “This is the jacket you need in your pack for a long day on the trail, whether you’re running or hiking. It will keep you warm and dry and allow you to keep moving forward.” However, she also said she wouldn’t choose something so durable and intense for a short run around the neighborhood, thus the lower score. With a drop tail, adjustable hem and cuffs, taped seams and reinforced hood brim, this jacket will help you enjoy your outdoor adventures in the worst weather.
Price: $250
Perfect For: An investment that will keep you dry for trail running, hiking and travel for years (possibly decades) to come
Get It Here: columbia.com
Tester Rating: 4
Review: Designed to wear over a small running pack or with extra layers, this jacket is made for soggy trail running adventures. While it doesn’t have pockets (one of the reasons it didn’t get a higher score), our tester appreciated the two front zips allowing access to hydration bottles and the front pockets of your pack on the go. Waterproof and breathable Shakedry material–water beads up and rolls off, more dramatically when you give it a good shake–is ideal for wet weather, aerobic pursuits. This jacket also has an adjustable hood, which our tester found to be a little short. Remember to test that it works for you when you try on the jacket.
Price: $250
Perfect For: Lightweight, wet weather protection for races and long days on the trail
Get It Here: hokaoneone.com
Tester Rating: 4
Review: Wind and water resistant, this makes a lovely layer for damp or foggy morning runs and light spring showers. It’s also works as a windbreaker, but, as our tester pointed out, it’s not the coat to grab for a deluge, and isn’t meant to be. It has a hood and a zippered pocket on the back that also transforms into a backpack for easy carrying when you no longer need an extra layer.
Price: $95
Perfect For: A comfortable, light layer
Get It Here: newbalance.com
Tester Rating: 4
Review: For a lightweight, durable and waterproof jacket (it even has taped seams) this is a good value. However, while breathable, it is not as breathable as some other jackets in the review, and our tester did comment on the distinct schussing sound it made as she ran. There is one chest pocket, that doubles as a stuff sack for tossing in your pack. The hood has a pull tab so you can really lock it in place, there is an elastic drawcord in the hem, plus room to layer if you’re heading out in colder temperatures.
Price: $159
Perfect For: Trail hike/runs, hiking and long periods in the rain
Get It Here: outdoorresearch.com
Tester Rating: 4
Review: Our tester LOVED how light this jacket was—in fact, when it arrived, she thought the envelope was empty! “The jacket got me out the door on a chilly, drizzly morning, for a great run that I otherwise would have traded for the treadmill.” Light and minimalist, this jacket will keep you dry and is definitely something to toss in your pack when heading out for a trail run. Our tester didn’t give it a perfect score because she missed having pockets. She found the jacket to run a bit small.
Price: $160
Perfect For: cool, rainy spring and fall days
Get It Here: salomon.com
Tester Rating: 4
Review: Our tester found this jacket to be “light, stretchy and comfortable.” She was also a fan of how small it packs down and that it had pockets! The zippered, chest pocket is large enough to hold a phone, and there is also an interior pocket and two hand pockets. This jacket is very water resistant, wind resistant and still feels good against your skin when you wear it with a short sleeve shirt. Our tester’s one complaint was the lack of toggles or a tie to hold the hood in place.
Price: $100
Perfect For: Staying warm and dry in colder weather
Get It Here: underarmour.com
Check out all of the AMR Gears Up columns here!
Did we miss your favorite rain jacket?
Let us know in the comments below!
#462: Four Women Share Their Sleep Habits and Bedtime Routines
Sarah and Molly get cozy with four women runners (including Courtney) who share their sleep habits and bedtime routines. They share a slew of suggestions, including detailing:
-best products and practices for calming the mind;
-the genius of automation, whether with lightbulbs, thermostats, or routines;
-favorite scents of essential oils and how they use them;
-sleep-improving techniques and products for babies (!); and,
-ways to regulate body temperature to hasten sleep.
Sarah and her BRF detail their big weekend plans, dubbed “swim and bleed” by Molly! The first guest joins at 12:18.
When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.
We appreciate your—and their—support.
Sleep better: Enjoy 40% off a
Calm Premium subscription at Calm.com/amr
A super deal on a superblend: Get 15% off any product using
promo code AMR at Organifi.com/AMR
Products to make you love your hair:
Save 20% on your first order at FunctionOfBeauty.com/amr
Becoming a Runner During the Global Pandemic
We all have a story about how we became runners. Some of us were runners or athletes in school, and our love of movement carried through to adulthood. Some of us were never athletes, and motherhood brought us running as a way to focus on ourselves and our well-being. This is the story of how my friend, Janis, became a runner because of a global pandemic.
Janis is not someone who ever defined herself as a runner. Yet, she is no stranger to running. Her sister and brother-in-law are triathletes. Her daughter, Emily, is a runner currently training for her first marathon. And she’s my friend, which means she listens to me talk about running ad nauseum.
Janis is 54. She has two grown kids, two cats, two grandkids. She is a talented artist who lives in St. Louis Park, a suburb of Minneapolis, surrounded by miles of trails. In high school, Janis was more likely to be found smoking in the bathroom than training on the track. Once she and Emily decided to try a couch-to-5k plan. The first – and only – day ended with Janis exclaiming, “Why would people do this?!” Then, in 2012, after increasing numbness in her arms and legs, Janis was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare disorder that causes paralysis from a body’s immune system attacking the nerves. She was hospitalized for 6 weeks, and it was a year before she could walk without assistance.
Fast forward to 2019 when a pandemic decided to toe the global start line. Our group of friends tried to get together safely when we could, but the anxiety built up. Janis lives alone and felt the effects of isolation differently than those of us constantly surrounded by our families.
In early June, Janis and another friend (Hi, Kristin!), came over for driveway dinner. We talked about the pandemic and our shared stress, worries, and coping mechanisms. The conversation weaved its way to getting outside and forward motion. To help Janis manage her mounting loneliness, I suggested she walk around her block. That’s it: the block. Not a mile. Not a 5k. Couch-to-block sounds more manageable when you’re working on simply surviving.
The next day, Janis got out of bed, put on a pair of shoes, and walked around the block. And she did it the next day. And the next. She would walk farther when it felt good, and, by the end of June, she bought a pair of running shoes. Janis asked if she could walk the training plan for the first Love The Run You’re With series. The next text said, “I did it! I signed up for my first race!” When she called for training advice, I kept my advice simple: get the right shoes, do the strength, take rest days. Janis went from walking to running intervals to running longer intervals.
On August 29, as part of our LTRYW race weekend, Janis finished her first race, complete with a finish line ribbon and cheering fans (okay, me and Emily). Janis has now earned medals for multiple virtual 5ks and a 10k. Like a true runner, she has been injured and forced to take time off to recover, but that has not derailed her. She is a devoted member of Many Happy Miles. The monthly challenges feed her reward-driven brain and the coloring pages in the MHM journal serve as motivation. She’s all in; she now owns a BOSU, therapy bands, and a foam roller (and she uses them!).
Most exciting, Janis has running goals: she wants to complete a 5k running the entire 3.1 miles, with no intervals. The finish line must be crossed at an in-person race. “I want a real race with balloons at the finish line.” And, like every BAMR reading this, Janis has found that she needs to figure out how to balance running, work, art and life. (She did combine her interests and designed her very own pair of running pants based on artwork of her cat, Percy.)
Janis did not start out wanting to be a runner. She became a runner because she needed to find a way to not lose herself during this past year. What mattered at the beginning was the habit of the movement, not the distance traveled. So, every day she repeated: “Don’t think; just go,” and she went. Today, I’m not sure we could convince her to stop.
I asked Janis if she considers herself a runner. She said, “It hits my consciousness every time I’m going to go out for a run. If I could run a whole 5k, in a race with balloons, I would feel more authentic,” she admits. “But, yes, I would say I’m a runner.”
What motivated you to become a runner?
AMR Answers #63: Speed-building Advice for Plus-size Runners; Track Etiquette
Dimity and Sarah enlighten:
-plus-size Megan on the best way to build speed;
-Margaret on track etiquette; and,
-Janelle on satiating post-strength-training hunger.
Shorts, tops, tights,+ more: Get $20 off your first KORSA
order + free shipping at roadrunnersports.com/amr
Need more answers? Check out more episodes!
Dry Martini: Girls (and Women) on the Run
I look forward to the day when Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day are no longer necessary because the inherent worth of more than half of the human population will no longer be taken for granted. This is also my feeling about Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month and all of the other “Months” on the calendar. Eventually we’ll reach a point where it’ll be self-evident, right? RIGHT?
Until that day, I will mark these months and days that are there to remind us of how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. As often as I can, I will mark them with running.
I’m lucky because the Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, New York, is not far from my house. The Finger Lakes region — from Rochester to Watkins Glen and northeast again — was a hotbed of radical thought during the 1800s. Anti-slavery advocates like Frederick Douglass lectured at any public event that would have him. Suffragettes came to town to strategize with Elizabeth Cady Stanton. There was a sense that the tide would soon turn to favor equality for all in deed as well as in lip service.
I don’t know that the women and men who gathered in Seneca Falls in 1848 to hold the very first Women’s Rights Convention would recognize how far society has come over the intervening 150+ years — or how far it still needs to go. I do know that they certainly would be stunned by the Right to Run 5k/19k that is held there in July annually (whenever there isn’t a pandemic). All of those bare legs! All of those people running just for fun!
And before you point it out, yes, 19k is an odd distance. It makes total sense when you think about the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which is the one that gave women the right to vote. Earning that right was a challenging journey, much like training for and running any race is. This distance is a reminder that we can do things that seem impossible if we work together.
Plus, run a 19k and you’re guaranteed a PR.
The race winds through Seneca Falls itself. It starts next to the Erie Canal, which is historic in its own right. You run past Cady Stanton’s House and a statue depicting when Cady Stanton met Susan B. Anthony. After the race, you can take your sweaty self up the small hill to the Women’s Hall of Fame and the wonderful (and pocket-sized) national park behind it.
I know not everyone can travel to Seneca Falls to celebrate their right to run. But what most American mother runners can do is volunteer some time with Girls on the Run. (And if you know of any international programs like GOTR, please drop ’em in the comments.)
While the program is about much more than running a 5K — with lessons on self-image, teamwork, and perseverance — race day really drives home how powerful girls can be. To see hundreds of girls go from not knowing if they can achieve a big goal to being certain that they can is a boost for both runners and mothers. To say nothing of how that knowledge changes the way we see our place in the world.
Maybe by the time the kid in the picture above is the age I am now we won’t need quite so many “Months.” Until then, I’m exercising my right to run and bringing any women with me who want to join the fight.
How have you marked Women’s History Month?
Adrienne Martini writes about more than running. Her most recent book is Somebody’s Gotta Do It: Why Cursing at the News Won’t Save the Nation but Your Name on a Local Ballot Can.