Running in the rain

It's raining outside and I'm really looking forward to my run tonight. I love running in the rain. It's different. It's calm. It's peaceful. It's isolated.

Most folks who don't run (and some that do) are surprised when I say that I look forward to rainy days (they'd really be surprised to see me in blizzards). But there is something about a rainy day that really appeals to me. It's always quite outside except for the drops of water hitting the ground and the occasional splashing of my shoes as they hit a puddle. I like finishing my run and looking around and seeing no one else outside with me. And I love taking a long hot shower after peeling off my wet clothes.

When it's raining, I like to do a route that, on a nice day, has a number of walkers or runners – because usually, they aren't if it's raining.

It makes me feel stronger and more determined that I'm one of the few that braved the elements and did the workout despite the added challenge. I'll be that much better than those that chose not to run because of the weather. And that good feeling usually seeps into the rest of my life. Because I figure, if I'm strong enough to meet a self imposed recreational challenge, I'll be strong enough to handle the challenges in work and personal life.

Training for a marathon or a triathlon is a long journey. And if you can't take enjoyment in the training, the payoff in the end isn't nearly what it could be.