It's Raining Miles

It is a soggy weekend in the Midwest. But when you're training for a marathon, there are no rainouts. This weekend posted little to no flexibility for me. The long run was happening Saturday morning no matter what. Hubby was working all weekend and my kids had a sleepover at Grandma's Friday night. Saturday a.m. was my only window... for 20 miles.

I had mixed emotions going into this big run. On one hand, I was nervous after the disastrous 18 I had the week before. It was a great big slap in the face that said, "You are so not ready for 26.2." But being a stubborn runner, I was also anxious and pumped up to prove that wrong. Time to turn this training around! 

So I did everything smart on Friday... ate clean with plenty of healthy carbs, hydrated throughout the day and gave myself a true rest day. Up early Saturday morning, I made time for an oatmeal/banana breakfast. Leading into the weekend, forecasts were threatening thunderstorms all weekend. Nothing yet, but as I left the house, here's what the radar looked like...

Yup, it's coming... so I better get running!

Literally as soon as I stepped out of my car, the rain started. For the first 10 mile loop, it was a light drizzle and actually felt pretty good. I had dressed perfect and was super comfortable (compression capris, Injinji socks, compression calf sleeves, short-sleeve moisture-wicking top with a waterproof vest overtop and a visor to keep the rain out of my eyes).  The route I mapped wasn't a baby course - there's just no avoiding some hills in Peoria if you're running major miles. My legs were definitely feeling the constant elevation changes.

My friend Anna met up with me for the second 10 mile loop. By now, the rain began to get heavy. I quickly found out that my toughie friend doesn't run in rain. Say what?  Complaining and cursing the whole way, Anna stuck it out with me (thank you girl!). The rain was coming down fast and puddles formed everywhere. The sides of the roads were like mini rivers. We jumped and dodged as much as we could... but it was inevitable. Our feet were soaked, along with everything else.

The end of 20. Man, I look exhausted, huh?

By mile 18, I was pretty much over this wet run... but pushed to finish. My legs were starting to stiffen up a bit, so I walked out the final blocks after my watch hit the magical 20. Done! Unlike last week, my body felt normal after this long run, tired but nothing out of the ordinary. I was so delighted with how the rest of the day went... a little soreness, but I'm walking around fine the next day.

Whoop!  That's a wrap on 20!

20.12 miles in 3:32 (10:33 pace)

This isn't the first time I've run long in rain. This past spring, I killed a 22 (here), drenched but on an absolute high.  Running in rain not only makes you feel bada$$, but it also prepares you for anything that can happen on the big race day. 

Unfortunately, the stormfront continued through the night and into this morning. We had to postpone our local Peoria Cupcake Classic. While I don't mind running in rain, this event involved a lot of beginners and the thought of soggy cupcakes is just gross. Hopefully, Wednesday evening will be clear so the local group can reunite and get our Cupcake on!

Did you have a big run this weekend? How did it go?

Who did their Cupcake 5k today?