Running For Fun by klebe

I decided on Saturday, having been occupied all day, that with rain forecast for Sunday morning I’d run with Peg then. Running in the rain is much better than trudging along feeling miserable.

Looked out the curtains early and it was dry, so hopped back into bed relieved that the weather forecast was wrong.  When I got up at 8, I started wishing I’d run earlier. The wind was gusting and the rain was coming down in sheets.

Had a quick mental debate with myself, but thought what the hell, lets go for it.

Donned the leggings, forced on the compression socks and popped on a T-shirt. Ventured outside to test the air, despite being bad weather it felt reasonably warm, but I threw in a cagoule just in case.

Parked the car on the top , opened the door, faced the wind and nearly drowned. (why hadn’t I thought to pack a snorkel?)  That was it, decision made, swiftly put on the cagoule (showerproof).

Within a couple of hundred yards boy was I glad I had, the wind was freezing, driving rain straight at me. Rapidly my hands disappeared up into the sleeves, only venturing out about 20 minutes later, like a tortoise coming out of hibernation,  when I’d properly warmed up.

The showerproof cagoule was no match for the climatic onslaught, simply acting like a giant filter, only stopping the largest of the raindrops from getting through.

The paths were awash, resembling rivers instead of tracks but with so many dead leaves lying everywhere, hiding hollows and tree roots, the river was often the best course to take.  Battled for a couple of miles into the wind before getting some respite in amongst the trees. Couldn’t help imagining them all as ra-ra girls waving their tassles  as the branches shook and waved at me. (or maybe I was getting delirious by that point).

Took in a few hills (I must have been delirious) along the way just for good measure, besides in those conditions there was safety in high ground, so long as you don’t mind getting blown away. (dilemma dilemma, drown or whisked off my feet).

Soaking wet, running gear feeling like a ton weight finally got back to the car.

Drivers seat still soaking wet this morning for the journey to work – had to sit on a bin bag!!

Needless to say  it was pretty quiet up there yesterday morning, just a few hardened dog walkers around and a couple of completely insane cyclists. (they had a choice!!)

Longest run of the year so far, so was pleased.

5.7 miles 51 mins 44 secs  9.02 min miles