Went out for a run last night in the pouring rain, and had a great time!
My last run had been on Monday night. By last night, Thursday, I was really itching to get out for a run. Been busy lately and wasn’t able to get any running in on Tues or Wed. I also knew that a run on Friday was out of the question, as we went out to see a show tonight, so my only opportunity was last night. Unfortunately, it was 39 degrees and raining hard, so I’d have to brave the elements.
I may be crazy, but I really do enjoy running in the rain. It got to me a little bit on my last long training run, but for a quick 5 mile run or so, I could deal. Some of my normal courses are just not runnable when there is a lot of rain, due to puddles or narrow roadways, etc. So, I decided to run on the 3.3 mile loop down 1st Ave to the East River and then up Ave A, and then add 2 miles down along the East River.
It turned out that the first 1.5 mile (down 1st Ave / Allen St) was with the wind, so the rain did not bother me at all. When running with the wind, you don’t get the rain in your face, while against the wind, it can be tough. So, with luck on my side, or blind smart planning, the first part of the run, with the wind, was almost pleasant. Went with 2 pairs of gloves and 2 shirts, the outer shirt layer very heavy, so I was plenty warm at that point. Then, when I hit the East River, I headed south on the bike path down to Wall St, and then turned around to head back up the path. That section of the bike path is all under the FDR Drive, so for that 2 mile stretch, I was completely dry! So far, so good! The final 1.5 miles, up Allen St / Ave A, was against the wind, and very tough. The wind was really blowing, and the rain was relentless. But, since it was a relatively short distance, I was able to get through it. I was very lucky on this run to get through Houston St and Delancy St, in both directions, without having to stop at the lights. By the end, I was soaked through and starting to get cold.
Total run was 5.1 miles, in 46:47, or 9:10 per mile. Not bad at all, considering the conditions.
Looking forward to getting a run in on Saturday, and then a trip to the gym on Sunday. Trying to decide if I will go semi-long on Saturday (10 miles or so), or go for a speed workout. My next ‘long’ run in preparation for the Austin Marathon will probably be the weekend after New Years, and in the 17-18 mile range.
