New study shows you get less wet in the rain by running

[Thrasher865]

Groundbreaking stuff here. I hope that this new scientific field continues to evolve. It could provide insight never before imaginable. Like, does your toast get more burnt on high or medium heat.

When it's raining, run, don't walk - Technology & science - Science - LiveScience - NBCNews.com

When you're caught in a downpour with no umbrella, should you run or walk? Running will get you out of the rain faster, but at the risk of encountering more drops along the way — and therein lies the dilemma. Now, science gives the go-ahead: in most cases, run.

Running as fast as you can is usually the best way to minimize wetness, according to Franco Bocci, a professor of engineering at the University of Brescia in Italy. Reporting in the European Journal of Physics, Bocci has shown that the optimal travel speed varies depending on how thin you are, the wind speed, raindrop size and the angle between your path and the wind direction. Certain combinations of these factors set an optimal travel speed, which may occasionally be slower than a flat-out sprint.

However, in a pinch, just go for it.
"Let's say that in general, the best thing is to run, as fast as you can — not always, but in general," Bocci told BBC News. "If you're really thin, it's more probable that there will be an optimal speed. Otherwise, it's better to run fast."

There are a few easy-to-identify exceptions worth remembering. If the wind is blowing in the direction you're traveling, attempt to jog at a speed equal to the wind speed. That's the pace at which you feel the least wind (and rain) smacking against you. [Why Does a Breeze Feel Cool?]

If the wind is hitting your back at an angle, jog a little faster than you think it's blowing. (The larger the angle, the more you should hustle.)

Bocci's calculations follow a long tradition of physicists attempting to address the complex problem of optimal travel strategies during rainfall. Whereas past efforts have tended to simplify the problem, and consequently, have produced simple answers, Bocci says his work reveals how complicated the running versus walking dilemma really is — and he says the answer will become more complicated the more factors physicists take into account.

But as far as you're concerned, run, don't walk, to the nearest cover. Or, carry an umbrella.

[rockyvols]

U nedda get layed!

[Thrasher865]

Originally Posted by rockyvols

U nedda get layed!

I hope it rains today. You're gonna get soaked!

[Rocky_Top_Vol13]

wow, didn't know i needed a scientist to tell me the less time i spend in a downpour, the less I'll get wet....now I know...and knowing is half the battle! ( in my best GI Joe voice)

[rockyvols]

Originally Posted by Rocky_Top_Vol13

wow, didn't know i needed a scientist to tell me the less time i spend in a downpour, the less I'll get wet....now I know...and knowing is half the battle! ( in my best GI Joe voice)

Smart azz! Thats valuable info! The more you know

[rockyvols]

Originally Posted by Thrasher865

I hope it rains today. You're gonna get soaked!

Not now. I know to run!

[DynamiteMcGhee]

You wouldn't believe how much slower people will walk across a college campus in the rain. Move beeches!

[Rocky_Top_Vol13]

Originally Posted by rockyvols

Smart azz! Thats valuable info! The more you know

.

[rockyvols]

Carry a umbrella everywhere you go like nerd

[theFallGuy]

studies show the ladies get more wet when immaround

boom!

[Nerd-Vol]

Originally Posted by rockyvols

Carry a umbrella everywhere you go like nerd

This!!!

[Thrasher865]

Originally Posted by Rocky_Top_Vol13

wow, didn't know i needed a scientist to tell me the less time i spend in a downpour, the less I'll get wet....now I know...and knowing is half the battle! ( in my best GI Joe voice)

There's more to it than you might think!

If you ran at infinite speed, you would get infinitely wet!

[Spartacavolus]

then why does a car get pelted more as you drive faster

[Rocky_Top_Vol13]

Originally Posted by Thrasher865

There's more to it than you might think!

If you ran at infinite speed, you would get infinitely wet!

just how many people do you know that can run at infinite speed? (besides Rod Wilkes of course)

[Thrasher865]

Originally Posted by Spartacavolus

then why does a car get pelted more as you drive faster

Cuz cars can drive a lot faster than we can run! There is a break even point!

I'm working in my lab to determine the formula to calculate this point right now. I will develop an iphone app that will run it for you on the fly, after a few simple wind speed and direction measurements that can be performed with a simple wind meter that can fit in a small backpack or briefcase. So you will always know precisely what speed to run during a rainstorm.

Droid users will just have to carry an umbrella.