Despite the Rain...

     If you know me, you know that I hate rain… or at least running in it! I hate cold or any type of weather that could be considered inclement! In an ideal world athletes would always have the perfect conditions to compete and train in!

     But unfortunately this isn’t an ideal world! As a runner we have hills, mountains, wind, heat, rain, snow and much more to contend with! But as a runner who LOVES to run I will find anyway I can to run despite the weather. Lucky for me I live in Southern California, so for most of the year So Cal has exquisite sunshine and mild temperatures. I guess that’s why I am so spoiled and very aggravated at the thought of unfavorable conditions. I don’t have to run in snow, nor do I have hailstorms or tornados to avoid, yet I hate when I am forced to get my run in on the “dread-mill.” I love running outdoors despite the cooler temps, wind and occasional rain.

     I came to a realization today sitting in my car pre-race while the rain and wind tapped my car. I was cold and uncomfortable, and all I could think of was going home. I realized what a whinny baby I was and how I was letting the cold and the rain get the better of me. The previous week I ran a half marathon in very windy conditions but persevered through. I see how easily I had forgotten my own fortitude even under such conditions. I almost left the race and went home because the thought of running in the wet cold was unbearable. Shame on me! What a big baby! 10 minutes until the race and I hadn’t decided if I was going to run.

     I thought, “O.K., it’s now or never! Get your big butt out of this car and run!” And I did run. I pushed beyond my comfort zone even though I didn’t want to. Today many of my friends of mine are doing Ironman a race of 2.4 miles swimming, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 miles running. I can’t fathom the discomfort and pain their bodies are going through today, but despite it are still going and I believe they had rain too. I have no cause to whine or complain ever even with a little rain or cold.

     I ended up running my fastest 10k in a while- 48:06, 1^st in my age group and first female.  The point being~ even though it may be hard or uncomfortable you can do it all you have to do is try.