Running in the Rain

Now, I discovered something over the weekend. There is a very select subgroup of people within the running community who actually run outside regardless of the weather. I like to think that I am an honorary member of this subgroup... well at least for one day. On Saturday, I was slated to run 7 miles. When the rain let up a bit, I drove down to Lake Harriet, ready to run around both Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun alone. Although the rain seemed to be stopping, it did just the opposite. At first I pleaded with the rain to stop, but when it persisted I cursed the skies and powered forward. There's a feeling that washes over you when you decide to do the unpopular thing. A feeling like you've purposefully taken the more difficult path, and are proud of it. I ran until my indignant pride fueled each step, and each step quickened my pace until I began running faster than I ever would've run in the sunshine.

And, as I said, the people are different. Not that those who run in the rain are different than those who run in the sunshine... but they've changed. One young man high-fived me as we passed in opposite directions. A young woman smiled at me, as we pushed through a treeless pass at Lake Calhoun. Another young man complimented my running attire, "very good outfit." (Well, he wasn't a runner and I'm not entirely sure what he was doing at the lake, but how could I leave out such a perfect quote?)

As I rounded the final curve around Lake Harriet and toward my car, I was filled with a strong sense of relief. All I wanted was a warm bath, and that is exactly what I did upon returning home.

Running in the rain. It's no picnic, but it comes highly recommended, if only for the sense of satisfaction once it's over.

Tips for running in the rain:

- Wear a hat. I think I wiped the rain from my eyes and forehead about 5,000 times.

- Definitely wear a long sleeved layer. I was thankful for my soaked, but warm outer layer.

- Launder your clothes like a normal person. I rinse my running tights in the shower, and hang them to dry. Since it's difficult to fully rinse the soap from the fabric, my pants began to lather with the friction. Ummm, embarrassing!

Photo from: http://davefontaine.com/blog/

Official Training Begins Monday!

It's been about six weeks since RandBall and I signed up for the Twin Cities Marathon. Let's focus on the positives first: my muffin-top is decreasing, I'm fitting into one clothing size smaller, and we both have a great tan! My number one accomplishment thus far is the development of defined calf muscles (as evidenced by the photo at the right.) It's been 13 years since I've been on a soccer team. Ever since I stopped playing soccer, my calf muscles slowly disintegrated into a foamy, pliable mass. My legs didn't get bigger, per se, just mushier. I'm most proud of my new calves, and I plan to show them off with my new (one size smaller!!) capri pants.

Now, the downside: it's getting hotter outside, and as the temperature increases, and the humidity gets higher, the harder it is to breathe out there! We're doing our best to train outdoors, but once (so far) I opted to go to the gym to run on the treadmill. Also, we took a trip to Arizona for a friend's wedding. In an attempt to avoid getting behind with our pre-training, we hit the trails near our hotel. Not only is it tough to train on the road, but it's also a reminder that even when we're on vacation, we're not on vacation vacation. What I mean is, when on vacation, most of our dining rules do not apply. For instance, RandBall and I try to limit our french fry intake to only one serving each week, and generally like to eat healthy, balanced meals. We also do our best to limit our alcohol intake to weekends and special events. On vacation, all those rules go out the window--or at least they did. Now I notice how the indulgences slow me down on the next morning's run. I'm starting to think that our indulgences here an there will have to be measured and limited in the eighteen weeks of our official training program. Realize, I'm writing this post during Memorial weekend, the unofficial start of summer, where people celebrate by eating large amounts of barbecued food accompanied by several beers. I'm not making any promises, but I can say we'll do our best.

Important upcoming dates:
- Dew Drop 5K, Saint Paul, MN, June 20th
- Urban Wildland Half-Marathon, Richfield, MN, August 7th
- Bear Water Run, 20 Mile Race, September 11th

Training for the Maratahon Training Program

It all started innocently. I have been wondering for a while whether I could ever become a strong enough runner to actually complete a marathon. I grew up with asthma, wheezing and panting in gym class, barely running a 12 minute mile. Since discovering that my asthma symptoms are due to my allergies to every plant and animal under the sun, and not "exercise induced," I have become much more athletic. Never a runner per se, I'm willing to give it a try.

I approached RandBall with a statement, "If I ever run a marathon, I should probably do one before we decide to have kids." His prompt response was, "This is the perfect time to do a marathon." Hmmm... no pressure, I hope.

So, in lieu of procreating, we will be focusing the next several months on pounding the pavements of South Minneapolis: around Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun, along Minnehaha Creek, and maybe the occasional jaunt to Saint Paul. (Gasp! Across the river??)

First thing's first- the gear. I bought these fabulous compression running tights, pictured above. I was nervous that my "junk in the trunk" might cause undulating ripples, and despite the old adage 'spandex is a privilege not a right," I have bravely gone where no modest Swedish Lutheran has gone before: into the hotpants, and out the door.

For those truly interested in the wonder of these compression tights- they offer support for the joints, especially the knees, and help prevent injury. They're sized like nylons or tights--you go by height, not traditional clothing size. In my trepidation, I ordered a large, but a medium would have been the more appropriate length.

Last week we logged 30 miles! Six five-mile jogs around Lake Harriet.

This week, we plan to run the regular Lake Harriet run, and work in the circuit between Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun, approximately 7 miles at least once.

Stay tuned for more updates on the training progress.