Training in the Rain: How to Keep Moving When the Weather Turns

Paula Veloso
by Paula Veloso
1 month ago

Lisbon woke up to rain today — and across Portugal, many athletes are looking out the window wondering: “Should I train or leave it for tomorrow?”

But endurance isn’t built only on sunny days. Training in the rain, wind, or cold is part of the journey. It’s in those less comfortable moments that we truly test consistency, motivation, and adaptability — the three pillars of every endurance athlete.

Portugal’s climate is kind, and even in autumn, we rarely face extreme conditions. So the secret isn’t skipping sessions when the sky turns grey — it’s learning to adjust how you train.

When outdoor sessions become less inviting, indoor training can be a great alternative. A turbo trainer, treadmill, or a short strength and mobility workout at home all help you stay active and focused. These sessions might be different, but they are just as important.

Indoor workouts build strength, reinforce your base, and prevent injuries — essential for triathletes, runners, and cyclists alike. They also sharpen your discipline: without distractions, every movement counts. And when you return to the road, you’ll feel stronger, steadier, and ready.

For those who prefer to brave the weather, the keyword is adaptation.
Rainy days call for light waterproof layers, good traction on your shoes, and high-visibility gear. Shorten the session, reduce the intensity — but don’t skip it. Because what really matters isn’t pace or distance — it’s keeping your promise to yourself.

There’s something almost meditative about running under the rain or cycling against the wind. It’s both a physical and mental workout: you learn resilience, patience, and the quiet satisfaction of doing what you said you’d do, even when it’s hard.

Autumn and winter are, in fact, ideal seasons to build the foundations for what’s ahead.
This is the time to focus on technique, base endurance, and recovery.
Not every session needs to be long or intense — staying consistent is what matters.

Each workout you do now is an investment in what’s coming next — the next race, the next challenge, the next finish line.

Because endurance isn’t just about performance — it’s about persistence.
Training in the rain is a quiet reminder that you’re committed.

Even when the weather doesn’t cooperate, there’s always a way to keep moving — on the road, in the pool, at the gym, or at home.
That’s what defines a true endurance athlete: the ability to keep going, rain or shine. 💪🌧️

👉 Stay focused, adjust your plan, and find your next race at racefinder.pt.

More from the blog

Musings on swimming, running and riding for everyday athletes.

What the Strava 2025 Report Reveals About Athletes Preparing for Races
4 Dec 2025

What the Strava 2025 Report Reveals About Athletes Preparing for Races

Every year, Strava publishes the Year in Sport report — one of the most reliable snapshots of global endurance habits. The 2025 edition confirms what many of us already feel on the ground: athletes are training smarter, staying more consistent, and showing a renewed appetite for events, challenges and outdoor exploration. If you’re preparing for […]

Read More
Training During the Holidays: How to Fit Running, Cycling and Workouts Into the Busiest Days of the Year
3 Dec 2025

Training During the Holidays: How to Fit Running, Cycling and Workouts Into the Busiest Days of the Year

December is a special month — but also one of the most chaotic. Between holiday dinners, travel plans, family time, shopping, and shorter days, keeping a training routine feels almost impossible. The truth? You don’t have to choose between “staying active” and “enjoying the holidays.” You can do both — with the right mindset and […]

Read More
Running Pace Calculator: Which Race Really Suits You?
2 Dec 2025

Running Pace Calculator: Which Race Really Suits You?

Choosing your next race isn’t always easy. With so many options — 5K, 10K, short trail runs, half marathons — it’s normal to wonder: “Am I ready for this distance?”or“Which race matches my current level?” Before deciding, there’s a simple tool that helps thousands of runners understand where they are in their training: a running […]

Read More
The Best Year-End Races in Portugal (and How to Choose Your São Silvestre)
28 Nov 2025

The Best Year-End Races in Portugal (and How to Choose Your São Silvestre)

A fresh guide for anyone looking to race in December — even in winter temperatures December is one of the most popular months for runners in Portugal. Between São Silvestre races, festive night runs, 5K events and fast 10Ks, the last weeks of the year are perfect for anyone wanting one final challenge, staying active […]

Read More