Yesterday, I ran six miles in the rain. When I left work in my running shorts, my co-workers said, YOU ARE NOT RUNNING IN THIS. I said, I don't know. I'm going to start out and see where it goes.
And so I did. I was, not surprisingly, the only living soul on the bike trail. Even my slithery snake friends were all holed up somewhere warm and dry. I did see a spotted salamander. He was really cute, but when I tried to take a picture, he ran away. Probably to find a nice dry spot.
When I got to work this morning, someone asked if I ended up running. I said, I did. Six wet, soggy miles. Someone else said, What sort of insane person chooses to run for six miles in the rain?! Before I could answer, someone else said, A dedicated runner.
I'm not really sure if I am a dedicated runner, but I needed that run yesterday. I spent the first half wondering what I was doing, trying not to slip on the wet pavement and leaves littering my path. I spent the second half feeling good, enjoying the water running down my face, laughing at how squishy my shoes were. I somehow managed that coveted negative split, the difficult task of pushing each mile at a faster pace (not too fast, mind you) until you finish. Knowing that a half-marathon in April (yes, I am paying someone to let me run 13.1 miles) could very well mean rainy grey weather just like yesterday, so I might as well get one steady rain run under my belt.
I finished the last mile out of breath, seeking shelter in my car where I peeled of my socks and shoes and cranked the heat, hoping to dry out my clothes a little bit. I needed that run, that crazy wet run in the rain. I loved playing in the rain as a kid, but as grownups, we don't get to do it as much. We avoid the puddles and try not to get our fancy clothes wet.
I sat in the car and mused over how well this week has gone. How the behavior problems Luke started after Tommy's hospital stay have dissipated, how happy he's been. How happy I've been, yet I didn't notice. I needed that rain to wash away the sadness I've carried around, to wring sadness out of my body like rainwater out of clothes. For once, I needed to feel a little crazy in a good way, instead of the overwhelming frustration I've been feeling for awhile now.
I guess that what I learned is that it's okay for adults to play in the rain, too. Really. Go find a few puddles. They're good for the soul.
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13 comments:
I'm glad you went! It takes some extra gumption to get started in the rain but I agree - some of my favorite runs have been in the pouring rain. Well done :)
One. Rain is so healing for us emotionally. It can literally wash away that *feeling*.
Two. You signed up for a half!?!?! I am *so* excited for you!! Yay, Erin!!
Okay sounds like you are doing awesome and if you will just breeze through your half in April!! Awesome you signed up, its addicting!!!
I am a major run in the rain kind of girls its just so relaxing and I literally feel like my emotions are getting washed away clean!
Rain is such a sense of renewal. It washes away every last thing, fills in the cracks and holes with its delicious puddles, and cleanses imperfections. It's cold or warm. Soft or stinging. Loud or gentle. But it is so safe and I have always loved it more than I could ever express.
So glad it was raining so you could wash away the sadness. So fun to do something IN the rain and not run inside as fast as you can.
I'm also especially happy that things starting feeling happy for you. And SO glad that you noticed and now you can enjoy feeling better. :)
My dad (the one who taught me to love a good run) has a saying: "once you get wet, you can't get wetter!" He's big on running through rain, too. This post helps me see why.
I remember my first run in the rain and I absolutely loved it, for all the same reasons as you. It felt invigorating, refreshing and cool. So excited for your half marathon in April!
I love your writing :)
sometimes, you just need the rain or sprinklers or just a dadgum shower in a quiet bathroom.
I love you. That is all.
Rain runs can be very cleansing for the soul. I'm glad you found that to be the case. Now, please put in a good word with the weatherman to keep Sunday dry though :-) I don't need to be cleansed for over five hours.
Growing up in So. Cal., rain runs were a special treat in which acted like lunatics because it was actually raining.
Here, they are not so rare, and can sometimes get old. But, sometimes, you just NEED that rain to make things all look and feel a little different. And we haven't had much rain here lately.
You are awesome. And I am so glad you had that run.
Half mary, here you come!
And I just love this.
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