This morning I crawled reluctantly out of bed at 6:15 a.m. and got ready for my run. My plan was to run for two hours on asphalt bike trails, at roughly marathon pace. Although it was a mild 45F outside, a peek outside revealed strong winds and driving rain – I dressed appropriately and headed out. The first kilometer was through town, the rain had let up some, so I thought I was going to get over a stormy run. But as I headed out over the open field ways towards the neighboring town of Blankenloch I headed into the wind and was pelted by a furious storm of rain and hail.
As I approached Blankenloch I turned and headed through the middle of town seeking shelter from the wind. The hail dissipated and the rain let up so I headed back out of town and continued my loop. Over the last 6-7 kilometers the sun managed to break through the clouds and motivated me to make up some of the time I lost during the short storm. I finished my roughly 20 kilometer (12+ mile) run in 2:00:55, almost exactly the pace I was seeking.
I do have to admit that I started out very sluggish, my muscles were tight and I had all I could do to get any decent pace going – and this after two days off from training. I have slacking off with my cross-training lately and I think this is a side effect.
Have a nice weekend!
Somebody already finished while I am just rolling out!
Thanks for checking up on me, Jack!
I always give myself a couple of miles to warm up before trying to accelerate to any real pace; especially on a cold, rainy morning. You did very well this morning.
A two hour run is slacking off? Oh, you said on your cross-training. What's that? I thought cross-training was running my routes backward. Sounds to me like you're doing pretty good!
Neither rain nor hail will stop him from his run....oh yeah, that's the postal service. Great job!!
How does one "dress appropriately" for strong winds, driving rain, and occasional hail? Jack - you're an original!
Your storm run will certainly help with your mental toughness for your upcoming marathon. You're no rain wimp! If it rains on the day of race you will be prepared. Bring the best you got mother nature!
I see my wife "back of pack" has made some replies to you. I've just discovered your blog on Phil's site and thought I would respond. I took a peek at the Bienwald web site but since I'm not able to read German I was only able to view the pictures. It looked cool but it seemed like several runners were overdressed for a marathon. Sounds like you have prepared well. Enjoy your taper and run strong!