Running In The Rain
This morning we set off for the longest run of the clinic so far – 18km. Training long miles can be daunting, and adding in the insanely grey and rainy weather of Vancouver makes it all the more discouraging to get up and outside.
Our route today took us up Pipeline, where we left the busy streets and entered a more industrial, remote area. As we trudged up the hill the rain falling around us turned to snow, and the puddles we were running through turned to slippery slush. To the one side of us there were mountains dusted in snow; above us the overcast skies; and at our eyelevel the gravel road lined with evergreens. In all, this made for a hauntingly serene and beautiful sight.
Now, don’t start thinking running is all pretty views and great photo ops. In fact, what I didn’t include in my description above was the aching numbness that situated in my fingertips, or the painful sleet, rain and snow that that bombarded our faces as the wind blew toward us.
As you can see, there are upsides and downsides of running in the rain. For all you who are curious about the experience, I’ve taken the liberty of breaking down the options you have when you wake up at 7AM to the sound of rain pounding outside and hurdling towards your window.
Option A:
Don’t run. Just don’t do it. Sleep in and spend Sunday morning like it should be spent.
Option B:
Go for the run.
Step 1: Struggle
What do you wear? Rain can deceivingly be associated with cold, however there are times when you realize layering with two Dri-Fit shirts, a neck warmer, toque and thick leggings is unnecessary.
Step 2: Regret
You can hear the collective grumblings of the members of your group. Their uneasiness echo’s your own thoughts…Why in the world did I give my comfy bed for an 8AM run??
Step 3: Euphoria
You just hit your stride. You’ve warmed up and feel good physically and mentally. You tell yourself maybe this run won’t be so bad after all! Self-encouragement is key.
Step 4: Hopelessness
You’re starting to feel the fatigue creep into your legs. You look down at your watch and to your surprise find realize you’ve only been running for 2km and have 16km to go… is it too late to turn around?
Step 5: Regret part 2
As the elevation increases the air around you becomes cooler – chilling your toes and freezing the tip of your nose. Every step you take up the hill is accompanied with a small slip backwards as your traction has been diminished by the snow/slush on the ground. The struggle is real… why, why, why did you come??
Step 6: Joy
You reach the half-way turn around point. The group stops for a minute to re-fuel. For the first time today you take in the picturesque scenery, and recognize how capable you are of completing this run. You can do it!
Step 7: Defeat
Regardless of the momentarily rejuvenation you felt at the half-way point, you realize still have a long way to go. Your legs feel heavy, your breathing hard and worst of all the group leader says “let’s speed up the pace!”
Step 8: Exhaustion/ Accomplishment/ Relief
You finally finish the run, and are proud of yourself for being able to conquer not only the distance but the elements as well.
