I had two options yesterday - run in the pouring down rain, or hop on my trainer for a little while. All day I went back and forth. I had a funeral in the morning that had my mind racing, then a day consisting of a sick husband and a ton of orders for work. By 3:30, I knew the rain would wash away the stress.
But it was literally pouring. And cold. And getting dark fast. I got dressed, laced up the shoes, put on some reflective gear, came downstairs, stood in front of Tom and said "I'm going to run to your mom's. Pick me up in an hour and fifteen minutes". He thought I was nuts. He has to drag me out to run some days and beg me to run in the rain. But not yesterday.
I opened the door and walked outside. I immediately smiled. Yep, the puddles were calling me.
I had 8.15 glorious miles to myself. My mind wandered through the obstacles of my life right now - the impending move, the holidays, the Goofy Challenge, some new opportunities that I've yet to make public. I sang along to Lady Gaga, Sugarland, Aerosmith and thought about all the songs that need to be added to my MP3 before my next long run. I made sure I hit as many puddles as I could. I smiled the entire way.
You see, running in the rain was just what I needed yesterday to escape. It didn't matter that I was soaking wet. It didn't matter that I was alone. It didn't matter that it was dark and probably a bit dumb of me to be running alone on country roads. I felt invincible, like I could run forever. I just opened up and ran. And the usual hour and fifteen minute run only took me an hour and ten minutes. I ended up with the biggest smile on my face, and my the obstacles in my head figured out.
Today, I'll jump on the bike trainer. But yesterday, I loved every minute of my run in the rain.
**Don't forget to get me questions for Tom's guest post about Run Across America. They are coming in and some good ones!!!**
32 comments:
I love riding in the rain...
But it needs to start raining after I begin... if raining before, I won't go.... funny, huh?
Awesome. There are days when a nice wet run is just what the Dr ordered! :)
i love love love running in the rain!!!!
I think you've found the perfect de-stresser/counseling session. As long as you don't get sick or really bad blisters, I think running in the rain is perfect. I'm always a sucker for a HARD workout when there is a lot on my mind.
So, did you drop all your sponsors? You blog looks totally different without the left sidebar.
When are you all moving? I'm pretty excited to meet you guys at some triathlon or event.
Good luck to you as you transition, and I hope you get answers and solutions for your questions and things you're working on in your head.
You just inspired me to suck it up and go swim. Love those days where the running just gives you the freedom to breathe and work things out. The move is going to be great. The Goofy Challenge is going to be awesome. Lots of exciting things. :)
That sounds like an awesome run. I love the runs that make you feel sooo much better. I don't really have any questions for your hubby, but I'll check out the guess blog.
I have a niece who is type 1, so am looking forward to it.
trainer yuck. :)
I was out yesterday on the mountain bike, doing the exact same thing, it was so freeing!!
Nice job on the run
That post was so motivating. Being a fair weather runner, I find myself inside on the treadmill a lot lately now that it is getting colder and yep, rainy. BUt somehow it just doesn't FEEL the same.... so I am going to follow. My next run? Possibly in the rain.
There's soemthing that makes you feel hardcore, bad ass and uplifted when you get out there when the conditions suck and most people stay in! I'm sure you'll remember that cold rainy run when you get to ATL too...
you make me want to run in the rain.. ;-)
That was really motivating for me too. It has finally started to cool off here, and it was leaving me wondering how on earth I trained last winter in MI? I am sure I will figure it out.
I absolutely loved this post!! When I was younger I would run in the rain all of the time and I loved it! But, it's been awhile since I've done that and this post makes me miss it! I think the next time it rains I'll go for a run too! :)
EPIC!!!
I swear there is something very empowering about running in really crappy weather. Sounds like it was just what you needed. WTG!
I love a Rainy Night- Eddie Rabbit
The best song related to raining and clearing you head!!! Must download for iTunes
Here are some of my favorite versus/lines.
Well, I love a rainy night...
You know it makes me feel good
Well, I love a rainy night
It's such a beautiful sight
I love to feel the rain
On my face
Taste the rain on my lips
In the moonlight shadow
Showers washed
All my cares away
I wake up to a sunny day
'Cos I love a rainy night
Well, I love a rainy night...
Puts a song
In this heart of mine
Puts a smile on my face every time
I love a rainy night
You can see it in my eyes.
I ran in the pouring rain on Saturday. It was awesome because it was the hardest rain we have had in like 18 months. Some of our lakes and ponds actually have some water in them again!
And to think I didn't run to the bank today because of some wind. I just didn't want to face the cold even though the sun was out. I'm such a wuss! Glad it was just what you needed. Your music selection sounds as eclectic as mine. I'm curious to hear what else is on (or will be on) your play list.
happy post
I like it
I pick rain over heat any day
Oh how I miss running in the rain! Moving from Oregon to Colorado has made running in the rain a rare treat. I love those runs that remind you why we all run in the first place!
As you already are aware, I love running in the rain as well! Something so refreshing about it. Plus when you are already soaked, you can't get any wetter and you can run and slash through all the big puddles. I could do with the additional chafing problems, but that is a whole other story...
Do you do a lot of one way runs? I've done one way bike rides, but never a run like that.
Looking forward to hearing about your new opportunities! Hope everything is going well with the home selling/move/Tom's new job/and all the other craziness and excitement in your life.
Sounds magical. That rain is here today - I'm a wimp so am on the trainer but you had me thinkin'
good for you, sometimes it just calls to you
totally sounds magical...unlike the sub 30 F brisk wind we have going on here!
D
if its not cold, then running in thta rain is fabulous. so freeing and liberating! i agree.
That is pretty neat. We all need a good cleansing once in a while. And you know Atlanta gets a ton of rain, but without the cold or early sunsets of Columbus. It's still in the mid-50's there and doesn't get dark until 5:30.
I LOVE runs like that! Good for the soul : )
I love this. Running in the rain can indeed be a great, therapeutic thing. Glad you got out there!
This is awesome. Sometimes you just need to be a kid and jump in puddles.
Thrilled that you were able to clear your head. Awesome!
So glad you had a good run!
I think the allure of running in the rain went away for me when I moved to Oregon. =) LOL
Those runs are the best!! and really make you appreciate that you are able to run in the first place :)
Some days it is just better to make the runs more challenging ;) I think it is great you can use this mode of running as a means for reflection and positive reinforcement.
I remember last January and February there were 8-10 runs that were all in the rain, and the temps usually hovered around 40-45 degrees. It was great because I was literally usually by myself or maybe 1-2 other daring people out there. These were some of the most memorable runs I have had in some time, and I felt probably the best after those runs rather than a sunny, 70 degree day.
Here's to crappy weather!
warm rain + running = liquid LOVE ;)
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