Sunday, October 14, 2012

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?

17 comments:

  1. Actually, no you don't look exhausted (although I am sure you were), you look FANTASTIC!! Great run girl!

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  2. Great work! I did my last long run before my first half marathon next weekend. It started out cold and blustery and ended with a few rain drops. I have been trying to run in any kind of weather to be ready for whatever the day of the half may bring. Out here, it could be anything from sun and 80's to 30's and a blizzard of snow. Right now, it looks like it may be a perfect day of lows in the 40's climbing to the 70's

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  3. Well done!

    I did my 5k this morning. Really humid and hot here in Houston.

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  4. Well done!

    I did my 5k this morning. Really humid and hot here in Houston.

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  5. I did a half marathon in Baltimore.

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  6. I just finished my first 5k yesterday and hope to one day be able to do 20 miles like you just did! You are an inspiration and love reading about your runs.

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  7. Nice job. That's outstanding to get it done in the rain. I can go out for a 3 or 4, but to mentally prepare yourself for 20 in the rain must have been tough! You've got to know you're ready now!

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  8. We did our 5K Cupcake Classic here in NJ this morning...it was a beautiful partly sunny cool morning. I hope to increase my miles someday but don't think I'll ever do 20. And our cupcakes were delicious!! Thanks Jess!!!

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  9. amazing...simply AMAZING!!! I think I'd lose the long run motivation with the drizzly rain, but you're right...no rest for the motivated!!! such a great way to GET IT DONE!!!!

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  10. GREAT RUN! I can't wait to run this week for the virtual run! (:

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  11. Great job! :) I actually enjoy running in the rain. crazy, eh?

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  12. i cannot imagine running 20 in the rain- awesome job. I hope you didn't get any blisters from soaked feet!

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  13. You ARE totally bada$$. Great work, girl!!!!

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  14. I must say, running in the rain is actually quite nice and soothing, minus the wet shoes and blisters. Me and a few other runners ran in the rain last week and it felt amazing. There were some pretty heavy thunderstorms that day with a lot of lightning, but fortunately the lightning had stopped by the time we started running but the rain was still coming down, though it wasn't as heavy as it was earlier.

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  15. "Complaining and cursing the whole way" nooo not me! xoxo

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