I year round commute, and train for centuries according to a rigorous ten week schedule of daily mileage. Last June here in Boston would have been cut in half if I didn't ride in the rain.

I only took up the practice last year inspired by some BF posts. I used to dislike getting the bike grimy, but a good suggestion was just wipe the chain and re-lube. I already had a mountain bike to use as a "beater," and a water proof jacket. I just needed to buy some rainpants. I wear Totes and plastic bags on my feet, a baseball cap under my helmet to keep my eyeglasses pretty clear, and put baggies over my electronic gear and rear trunk bag.

One inspiration on the commute is to answer that perennial question, "You didn't ride in today, did you." Of note to rumrunn6, the OP who lives near Boston, I did skip Tueday during our historic three day flooding rainstorm last week.