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

Paula Veloso
by Paula Veloso
3 months 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.

5 Open-Water Swimming Tips to Level Up in 2026 (+ An Epic Challenge Coming in June)
19 Jan 2026

5 Open-Water Swimming Tips to Level Up in 2026 (+ An Epic Challenge Coming in June)

Open-water swimming keeps growing in Portugal — and it’s easy to see why. The mix of technique, endurance, strategy, and the raw beauty of nature turns every session into an adventure. For many athletes, 2026 will be the year to go further, whether by entering their first open-water events or tackling longer distances. And with […]

Read More
Why Small Races Might Be Your Biggest Performance Hack in 2026
16 Jan 2026

Why Small Races Might Be Your Biggest Performance Hack in 2026

In a world obsessed with big goals — marathons, epic granfondos, 50 km trail adventures, ultra-endurance challenges — there’s one truth most athletes overlook: 👉 Small races often drive the biggest improvements. Yes, those local 5–10K runs, short trail races, sprint triathlons, or modest BTT events.The ones that seem “too simple” to matter… but can […]

Read More
Why More Athletes Are Choosing “Micro-Goals” Instead of Big Resolutions in 2026
15 Jan 2026

Why More Athletes Are Choosing “Micro-Goals” Instead of Big Resolutions in 2026

Every January, athletes set ambitious goals: a first marathon, a big trail race, a new triathlon distance. But in 2026, there’s a growing trend among amateur athletes — replacing big resolutions with micro-goals. These small, manageable targets are proving far more effective for performance, consistency, and motivation. 1. Micro-goals reduce pressure and increase consistency Aiming […]

Read More
How to Use Your Training Data to Choose Smarter Races in 2026
14 Jan 2026

How to Use Your Training Data to Choose Smarter Races in 2026

In recent years, amateur athletes have started training with more information than ever before: GPS watches, power sensors, sleep metrics, running and cycling apps, and even simple handwritten training logs.But there’s one thing most people still don’t do well: using that data to choose the races that truly fit their profile and goals. With thousands […]

Read More