What I learned from.....running in the rain

I found myself faced with a dilemma on Sunday morning; I knew I needed to get my long run in (my half marathon is 5 week away O.M.G!) but there was one problem and that problem was rain. The skies had opened up over Toronto Saturday night (when I was out walking the pooch thank you very much) and hadn't really let up since. And to make matters worse the forecast for the remainder of the day didn't look very promising. So what was a girl to do?

Well this girl threw on her gear, including a very under-utilized hat to keep those pesky rain drops off my face, and headed out for a 13 kilometre jaunt into the heart of the city.

I wish I could say it was a refreshing and rejuvenating run but I'd be lying to you. Instead I will tell you that I was cranky and annoyed for the first 8k. My running belt was twisting around my body, my earphone kept popping out, I had to go to the bathroom..it just wasn't good. So not good that I almost gave up and called it a day at about the 3k mark.

That's right, I said almost. Somehow through the power of sheer determination not to be sidetracked by a little lot of pesky rain I just kept on going. And when I was done and walking to Starbucks for my well-deserved orange mango protein smoothie (if you haven't tried one yet stop reading this and go get one right now...I'll be here when you get back and you'll thank me for it I promise) I felt great. And I realized that this was one of those runs that had more then a physical benefit for me. This run had actually taught me a few things:

• Running in the rain make other people stare. And I love being the crazy running girl that other people look at in awe. I used to be the one doing the ogling and I am glad to be on the other side of the glass.
• Running in the summer rain is better then running in the summer heat. If every run from here on out was on a cloudy day I don't think I would mind one little bit. (at least not until late fall/early winter when I will beg for sunlight and warmth again I'm sure)
• Running in the rain when you are training for a long distance run is necessary. I can't guarantee the weather on race day so I better get used to all the possible conditions if I can.
• Running in the rain makes you appreciate the accomplishments of others. Miranda (Miranda's Jeans) was completing a Try-a-Tri at the same time that I was running and I thought to myself "Girl, if she can do all that in this weather you can sure as hell run down Yonge St."
• Running in the rain makes you appreciate your own accomplishments and dedication. A year ago I wouldn't run on the best day and now here I am running on the crappy ones. That's progress if I do say so myself.

Who woulda thought I would get so much done before noon on a Sunday huh?? I guess the moral of the story is that sometimes the things that can make us grumble and groan can teach us the most about ourselves. I am sure glad I didn't let a little water get in the way of all that!


So tell me, what have you learned about yourself lately?


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