John 8:32 "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." NIV

Saturday, March 13, 2010

No wind, no rain... can stop me, babe!!!!

There ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you
No wind, no rain
Can stop me, babe

I began my long run today in the pouring rain with wind gusts up to 30 mph. But it did not stop me. I think I have officially graduated from the "fair weather running club". Yay.

I wanted a change of scenery so I headed to the Capital Crescent Trail and began in Bethesda, MD. The wind wasn't too bad heading out and it was barely raining, but the more I ran, the more is the wind picked up and the harder the rain fell.

I heard on the radio as I was headed to the trail that it was 40 degrees, but decided to keep my UA gear on. It was a mistake. I was burning up by mile 3. So what does any "professional" runner do? STRIP! Yep, I hung my water belt on the trail sign, took off my hat and bondi band and slide my UA shirt off and quickly put my light coat over my bra, put my water belt back on and tied my UA shirt around my waist.

I found out around mile 5 that my lovely coat was NOT water proof and my new camera and phone were getting wet... so I turned around and headed back to the car to see if I could save them. I do not know why anyone would buy this coat if it wasn't water proof. So I am in search of a light weight coat that is water proof now. Thank goodness I had removed my UA shirt earlier... it kept the rain off for the miles back to the car. My time for these miles was slowed a little due to the speed limit restrictions. Apparently, on this trail, you cannot go more than 15 mph... so I had to slow down.

When I returned to the parking lot, a huge group of runners were heading out. Obviously, I wasn't a part of their group because they forced me off of the trail. Hello... I am standing right here waiting for you to pass.... why is there a need to force me off the trail. Note to running groups - respect fellow runners... even if they don't have someone to run with.

Alas, my friend did arrive and we did 2.5 more miles together. It was nice to have some company. I have gotten used to running by myself... picking it up on hills and not listening to other's breathing, but the company was worth it. We caught up and planned future runs.

All in all, I am pleased with the mileage. I did 8.5 in 1hour 25 minutes. Not bad. Imagine what I could have done without the speed limit restrictions.

I hope everyone is having a good long run and if you are racing today (or tomorrow), I pray that you run hard and remain injury free.

12 comments:

Marjolein said...

Did you mind the rain? And the wind?
I find that I don't mind it so much when it starts when I'm already running. If it's already pouring I have a hard time getting myself out of the house.
Fingers crossed it will be at least dry tomorrow morning.
Enjoy your runs this week!

sAm said...

OH - I NEED to run on a trail with speed limits like that! Even I would have to slow down!! But - darn it, you wrecked my excuse for not wanting to run today in the rain. Shoot.

Julie said...

Hi Jen,
Awesome job! You did really well and I love the pictures:)I don't mind running in the rain as long as it isn't whipping in my face:) Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Pam @ herbieontherun.com said...

I LOVE running in the rain in the summertime, but if it's cold out? FORGET ABOUT IT!

I may have to soon suck it up and get over that though. Very soon. I'm supposed to do 8 tomorrow, and it's supposed to be raining! If it was a short weekday run I'd sit out, but I can't bring myself to skip a long run.

Marlene said...

Way to go on the run! Sounds like we have the same weather... good job not letting that stop you!

TMB @ RACING WITH BABES said...

Way to get out there! As for the coat, you don't really want a fully waterproof one, just water resistant. A waterproof one will lead to overheating since your sweat can't escape! Good luck on your search!

And I have found that putting your phone and camera in a small ziploc is the perfect way to keep them dry!

Jocelyn said...

Hard core for sure. I agree about putting your electronics in a zip lock bag! I hate it when coats don't do their job. Great job though

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

Great job getting out there and running in the rain. I could not make myself go back out and run once the rains started. me = lazy today. Back at it tomorrow.

I always put my phone/camera in a baggie so I don't get it wet.

MCM Mama said...

Great job on the run! I put my phone in a baggie too so I don't have to worry about it. I was out there in that rain today too, but only ran 4. Unfortunately that means 9 tomorrow.

Kirsten said...

Sounds and looks like a nice trail, awesome job on a tough day of wind and rain! You are rocking it runnergirl!!!!!

Anonymous said...

i am starting to "desire" trail running....never really done it before. But, I do get out and run in the wind and rain (thankfully - choclate doesnt fall apart in wind and rain, haha)..so good job on that...

Lauren said...

LOL I love the 'speed limit' comment ;D