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RAINDROPS KEEP FALLING ON MY HEAD

This song kept running through my head on Sunday. Boy, did it rain! What a crazy day for a half-marathon…

I woke up Sunday morning, put on the weather channel and I knew we were doomed. Not only was the radar map green but it was dark green and orange. That is not a good sign. I sat there trying to rationalize and find the positive. At least I won’t over heat and dehydrate.

My biggest concern was having to stand in the rain at the start line for over an hour before we could run. I didn’t want to start the run totally soaked. I stopped at the $1 store and bought a poncho so I could throw it away once we started running. I also threw on a pair of flip flops and carried my socks and sneakers in a plastic bag to keep them dry as long as possible.

I got to the start line and it was pouring rain. There were already several hundred people all trying to find some kind of shelter to stay dry. We made the best of the situation and had a great time hanging out. Anyone that showed up to run had to be very dedicated. Some may call us nuts. We like to think of ourselves as avid runners.

Finally, it was time to start. I threw away my poncho and flip flops, threw on my sneakers stood at the start line and froze! I had long ago decided to wear the same running attire I have been wearing for this event for the past several years. It is cool and comfortable. Also, if it got wet, it would not be heavy from the rain. Unfortunately, the top did not have sleeves so my arms were really cold. Also, I did not wear a hat as I tend to over heat every time I wear one. I figured once I got running I would warm up, especially running 13.1 miles.

The rain really came down. Wearing glasses posed a problem. The rain was dripping off my glasses so much, I could not see. I decided to take them off and run. So I ran blind. I could not see anything. I couldn’t make out peoples faces or focus on much. Once we got to River Road, I was really worried I might twist an ankle or fall. River Road is a beautiful dirt road when it is not raining. Sunday it was getting pretty muddy and ruddy. All of my concentration was focused on the road and my feet doing all I could not to hurt myself.

Every now and then the rain would subside long enough for me to put my glasses back on and really enjoy the surroundings. Then the skies would just open again and pour. By about the third time, I was getting pretty tired of this. I ticked away the miles, taking one at a time counting them down. Finally the finish line! As always, it is so awesome to cross that line and the satisfaction and excitement over such an incredible accomplishment.

Once I finished I walked around talking with some other runners about their experiences. Very quickly my legs started cramping and I was still cold. I never warmed up. I have never experienced this before and knew I had to call it a day. By the time I hiked to my car my legs had an opportunity to stretch out and stop hurting. After a hot shower, Mineral Ice, a couple Ibuprofen and hot soup I actually felt pretty normal.

Upon reflection, it was the first time running 13.1 miles and not overheating. It also was a challenge running in such heavy rain and I’m glad I experienced that. Several people told me after the run that there was a weather warning for gale winds and severe rain and possible flooding. Pretty exciting to think I ran 13.1 miles in that!

Crazy, maybe….