A rainy day is no excuse to miss your workout -- at least, that's what Jacki told us recently. Sure, you'll want to stay indoors if there's thunder or lightening, but a light drizzle shouldn't keep you from your morning run. Just make sure you take a few precautionary steps -- wear a light, breathable rain jacket and make sure your footwear is water repellent. Also make sure to protect your gadgets -- you wouldn't want to soak your trusty iPod!

So are you willing to work out in the rain?

Last week, we asked you if you exercise backwards, despite our fitness expert advising against it. Here's what you had to say:

• 34 percent said no -- why bother going in reverse?
• 30 percent said yes -- you like to switch things up.
  
• 20 percent said definitely -- it gives you a better workout.
  
• 16 percent said sometimes.

Photo: ndanger, Flickr

Summer showers might be pouring down where you live, but don't let them dampen your workouts. Exercising in the rain can be invigorating, says Fitsugar, and they share some tips for safely braving the elements. Here are a few:

Avoid the storms. Steer clear of thunder, lightening, anything threatening. It's hurricane season (June 1 to November 30), so be aware of weather patterns in your area.

Cover up. Drizzle is nice, but you don't want to be soaked. Wear a lightweight raincoat made of breathable material, waterproof shorts, pants and footwear that repel water -- moisture is the enemy of a running shoe -- and a hat and sunglasses to keep droplets from your face and eyes.

Protect your electronics. Put your iPod and other devices in waterproof cases or leave them at home and enjoy the soothing sounds that surround you.

KEEN Footwear offers some of the coolest most comfortable fashions for everything from long hikes to date nights. KEEN shoes are fun, sporty, and versatile and you may just be able to score yourself a free pair! In fact, if you win the giveaway, you could win anything on the KEEN website. Socks, shoes, purses, laptop bags and backpacks are up for grabs.

Oh ... and entering is ridiculously easy. All you have to do is visit KEENFootwear.com and decide which pair of shoes you like best and then write in this comment section which style you love and what you would want to go do in them.

And just so nobody walks away feeling like a loser, KEEN has offered That's Fit readers a special promo code to get free shipping on anything you purchase. That code is FITFREE and you deserve every penny that you save!

Keep reading for official Giveaway Guidelines ...

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Bad news for those of you living in Seattle, England, or any other place where a rainy forecast is the norm: Rainy weather can make it harder for you to shed weight.

Researchers in Scotland say rain can make you fat because this type of weather causes your levels of vitamin D to dip, which affects a hormone associated with hunger. Makes sense -- however, I think it definitely has something to do with cravings, as in, you're more likely to crave comfort foods when the weather has you down. Plus, when you're cooped up inside, what else is there to do besides snuggle up to a good movie with a big bowl of popcorn and mug of hot cocoa?

Either way, the point is this: Bad weather is no excuse to give up your healthy habits. After all, the gym is open in all seasons. When a craving hits, head for the treadmill or fill up on something healthy.

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I don't know what the weather is like where you live but in my neck of the woods, we've suddenly switched from a pleasant Indian Summer to a rainy, cold fall. If you're a runner, the rain can really put a damper on your workout.

Marie Claire experts have a tip for running in the rain -- they suggest wearing a garbage bag to keep dry. I can see how that would be handy before a race; you could wear the garbage bag to protect yourself from the rain and then strip it off when the race begins. But wouldn't an inexpensive poncho work just as well? As far as actually running with a garbage bag on? Well, I think the idea just stinks.

If you'd prefer not to look like a running sack of garbage, then be sure to dress in layers -- wear a technical fabric that wicks moisture from your skin as a base layer and a waterproof jacket as your outer layer. You may also want to wear a brimmed hat to keep some of the rain out of your face. Kristen has the scoop on waterproof running shoes.

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April 22 is Earth Day. What will you do on this day to celebrate the diversity of life on our planet? What will you do promote a healthier environment? My mom thinks I should start a compost pile. Our local Home Depot is selling compost bins for $35. This would be a pretty affordable way to make a difference by cutting down on yard and kitchen trash and nourishing the soil in my yard.

Publix GreenWise Market magazine recommends I honor Earth Day by putting together a tropical snack mix with ingredients from around the world. Each yummy item listed below comes from a crop grown in ways that protect the rain forest.

• Dried papaya, diced (Mexico)

• Dried pineapple, diced (Phillipines)

• Dried banana chips (Central and South America)

• Flaked coconut, unsweetened (Philipines)

• Macadamia nuts, chopped (Hawaii)

• Cashews, raw (India)

For more Earth Day inspiration, visit earthday.net.

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I don't know about you, but I love taking a run on a drizzly day. I love the water hitting my face, I love the smell of the rain, and I love the fact that it's usually a bit cooler. What I don't love is wet feet.

New Balance has come out with a running shoe made of Gore Tex, so it's totally waterproof. The sole is rugged and looks like it would grip really well, even on wet, slippery, uneven terrain, which is great because they have the shock absorbency to handle a trail run. Plus, since it's Gore Tex, you can get them as dirty as you want and they should be a breeze to clean.

Men's (orange) and women's (blue) New Balance 1110 are currently on sale at New Balance North Shore for $99.99.

Via FitSugar

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We could all use more fun in our lives, and although this video is a little off-beat and different I think it's a great reminder for all of us to have a little more fun and get back in touch with our inner child. Frisbee is a cheap way to get moving, and it's been around forever -- in fact it just turned 50 last month! Plus it's a great way to spend time with your family, friends, and even your dog.

And remember, Frisbee can be played at whatever level you want -- you don't have to get as crazy as the guys in the video!

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