Friday, July 27, 2012

Dedicated or Crazy?

It's five o'clock in the morning and I step out the door into the morning darkness. As I stretch out on the front porch, I can't help but notice the odd stillness to the air. I look up to realize it's just the calm before the storm. Off to the west, there is pitch black clouds looming above. Almost in a moment of panic, I start off down the street. This is my only window to squeeze in a long run in what looks to be another very busy weekend. It hasn't rained in months in central Illinois, and now it is threatening my run?  I think not.

Just a mile into my run, as I run along the flight lines of the airport, the show begins. The thunder rolled and the lightening lit up the dark morning sky. I immediately started to calculate how far off was the storm. It's a little something my husband taught me... When you see a flash of lightening, count the seconds until the thunder. Divide the number of seconds by five, and that will tell you how many miles away is the storm. I always found this to be useless trivial knowledge and made fun of my hubby for knowing such things... until I started running of course. This morning, the count was low and the wind picked up. The storm was rolling in fast, which only made me run faster, trying to get in as many miles as possible.  Note: This is the wrong thing to do. When you see lightening during a run, the wise runner would head towards home.


Just three miles into the run, the rain began. At first a sprinkle, and then quickly an all out downpour. Two nice cars stopped to ask me if I needed a ride...

Car #1: "You're gonna get wet. You need a lift home?"
Me: "Oh, thank you, but I'm gonna run it out."
Car #1: "You're dedicated. Good luck lady."

Car #2: "Want a ride?"
Me: "No thanks. It actually feels good."
Car #2: "Wow, you're crazy!"

As I slopped through the newly made puddles, I couldn't help but feel invigorated. In fact, this was the best run I've had in weeks. The summer heat, humidity and busy schedule has taken its toll on my run love. The rain was a welcome change. I couldn't help but smile and laugh as the drops pelted my face. And through it all, I kept running further and further away from home...

Like any precipitation we've had this past month, the rain was brief. In fact, it didn't even last two miles. As quickly as it rolled in, the rain ceased. The dark clouds practically disappeared in minutes. And the most gorgeous sunrise rose from the horizon. It was so beautiful that it nearly stopped me in my tracks. I wished I had my iPhone along to snap a picture to share (although it would surely have been ruined in the rain).  So in moments like this, I pause to take a mental photograph... an image to store in my head, a memory that reminds me why I roll myself out of bed when most are fast asleep.

I continued into town in what now seemed to be the most perfect of mornings. I was still drenched wet. My clothes were glued to my body and my ponytail slapped back and forth. The bright sun now nearly blinding me. My shoes squashed water between my toes, but I forged ahead happier than ever to complete my 10 miles.

I started to debate the drivers' comments... "Dedicated or Crazy?"  If you run long enough, one will surely get caught in a rain storm (this is not my first or worst). You will trudge through snow.  The insane heat index may slow you down, but it won't scare you off.  Even the hills will become your friends. Spring winds will tousle your hair, but not your spirit. You are a runner and nothing stops the run.

Just recently I realized that 'the run' has changed for me permanently. In my first few years of running, the elements of Mother Nature used to discourage me, and let's be frank... provide an excuse. I would fall into slumps where I'd go a week without a run. These are the trials of a beginning runner.  Fast forward to this year, and I feel like I've really found myself. Running isn't something I do to lose weight or get fit (although that is a great byproduct). Running is not a chore or punishment.  Instead, it's my sweet spot of the day. When I run, I feel alive and joyful - filled to the top with glory. It makes me appreciate all the good things that I've been blessed with in life. Running is my sanctuary... my time to find peace, renew love, and reason with the chaotic world we live in.

I don't run because I'm dedicated or crazy...
I run because simply, I LOVE THE RUN.

21 comments:

  1. I just had a rainy run last week and it was by far, my best run ever. We had a nasty storm here last night too but I got my run in just before it started. I was walking back home and as soon as I saw lightining, I sprinted to my driveway. Rain I can do, lightining scares me.
    You have to have a little crazy to be dedicated right? :)

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  2. I love the rain runs! My son (he biked) did one yesterday after a month of NO rain. LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT!

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  3. Oh man - I LOVED reading this post, Jess! I could totally relate and felt captivated by your words, the impending storm, and the feeling of accomplishing and running through _____ (rain, snow, etc - life!). Thanks for sharing. I like the comment above - "You have to have a little crazy to be dedicated right?" :D Agreed.

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  4. AMEN :) My fave runs are the ones in the rain- something about the solitude :)

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  5. Love <3 Thank you for this:)

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  6. You are a talented writer Jess! You made me feel like I was right there running with you in the rain! Such an inspiration. I'm one of those newbie runners who tends to cave to excuses...I will keep going through because I want to LOVE the run like you do!

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  7. That's a great story! I think I may have continued along too even though I knew it wouldn't be a good idea!

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  8. I think after the heatwave going on, I would be enjoying the rain too! We are all dedicated and crazy with our love of running.

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  9. That does sound refreshing. I don't know if I would like running with soggy, wet shoes!?!

    MRScrashmattb

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  10. woohoo! way to push through! Yea, I remember my first run through the rain...it was like I told all of the excuses from then on, to hit the road! NO MORE! It's refreshing and makes you feel good to know not many others would be pushing through in those conditions, almost like you've accomplished something many others would have feared! Thanks for the motivation...

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  11. Such wonderful words Jess!! I love "the run!" and if running is crazy then there are a whole bunch of us cra-cra's out here!!

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  12. As a new runner (9 months) this is incredibly inspiring for me. I will remember this the next time I just don't feel like going.

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  13. I love the mental transformation that happens as a runner develops... weather goes from being an excuse to a challenge. Way to get after it girl!

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  14. I can't wait till I get to that point! Running is still a bit more of a should do then want to, but I love it when I get going! However, running in the rain is one of my favorite things ever!

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  15. I've done the same thing many times...running with a storm approaching and calcutating how far I can go. The rain did feel so awesome! I was out in it too on Thursday morning.

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  16. Love your car dialogue. I've run in the rain before, its a nice way to cool down. However I was so disappointed last week I got caught a downpour with thunder and lighting. I called for a pick up for my first time. I hate that I had to call but it seemed too unsafe.

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  17. Perfect description of a rain run. Here in Belgium we have quit a lot of rainy days, so we are used to running in the rain.
    Once you reach the point that you run because you love it, you are a true runner !
    Greetz from Belgium
    Filip

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  18. Fun post! I love running in the rain, but I confess, I draw the line at lightening. ;)

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  19. Best to wear a front closure sport bra, if you do not wear a bra, Games for supporting breast ligaments damage, the site is easy to cause breast pain, and chest bigger, the higher the chance of pain.

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