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May 30, 2011 – DAY TWO of Summer Running
Memorial Day, 6:00am. I looked out the window and the morning sun was just peeping out of the clouds. The sky not yet blue, but a hint of golden warmth. Perfect, I thought. I put on new running shorts and a tank top… and of course my new summer/racing running shoes that had a good 20-25 miles on them already. I headed out to the boardwalk again.
Quiet, serene, still.
Most of the visitors for the big holiday weekend were still sleeping from family BBQs or just taking advantage of the Monday off. I ran my usual path down the boardwalk toward Asbury Park. It was somewhat chilly because the sun was still behind some light clouds, but I knew I would warm up as soon as I picked up the pace. The sun, like most, decided to stay in also and dark clouds started to move in. They looked slow moving so I thought 3 miles was just enough to go before it could possibly rain. Halfway into my run, and I was determined to do at least 3, the raindrops started falling, but it was refreshing because I my adrenalin warmed me up on this cloudy morning. A slight drizzle turned into a full blown rainstorm. The other early morning runners continued to move forward as the bikers on the boardwalk. I did the same, I didn’t wimp out. I couldn’t. It felt almost “liberating” to run in the rain. My tank top started to get heavy and the swishing sound of my socks were almost in harmony with the pitter patter of large raindrops hitting the boardwalk. Could I take cover underneath one of the restaurant awnings?
Sure I could, I continued on.
Now the smell of rain coupled with the seaside scent only empowered me to enjoy this run. Mile 2, the rain fell harder. Mile 3, I smiled with elation of facing this challenge as I thought of my cousin Elaine who has run in worse conditions and a longer course. She’s insane. Toward the end of Mile 3, the rain lessened and as I approached my usual landmark, the boardwalk playground, I thought of continuing down the boardwalk for another 2 miles, but my soaking wet socks convinced me that a 3 mile run in the rain with a smile was accomplishment enough for the holiday weekend.
Quiet, serene, still.
Most of the visitors for the big holiday weekend were still sleeping from family BBQs or just taking advantage of the Monday off. I ran my usual path down the boardwalk toward Asbury Park. It was somewhat chilly because the sun was still behind some light clouds, but I knew I would warm up as soon as I picked up the pace. The sun, like most, decided to stay in also and dark clouds started to move in. They looked slow moving so I thought 3 miles was just enough to go before it could possibly rain. Halfway into my run, and I was determined to do at least 3, the raindrops started falling, but it was refreshing because I my adrenalin warmed me up on this cloudy morning. A slight drizzle turned into a full blown rainstorm. The other early morning runners continued to move forward as the bikers on the boardwalk. I did the same, I didn’t wimp out. I couldn’t. It felt almost “liberating” to run in the rain. My tank top started to get heavy and the swishing sound of my socks were almost in harmony with the pitter patter of large raindrops hitting the boardwalk. Could I take cover underneath one of the restaurant awnings?
Sure I could, I continued on.
Now the smell of rain coupled with the seaside scent only empowered me to enjoy this run. Mile 2, the rain fell harder. Mile 3, I smiled with elation of facing this challenge as I thought of my cousin Elaine who has run in worse conditions and a longer course. She’s insane. Toward the end of Mile 3, the rain lessened and as I approached my usual landmark, the boardwalk playground, I thought of continuing down the boardwalk for another 2 miles, but my soaking wet socks convinced me that a 3 mile run in the rain with a smile was accomplishment enough for the holiday weekend.
