Running In The Rain

I woke up early Thursday morning looked out my window and went back to bed.  The rain has returned to Seattle.  And honestly I think it's here to stay.  You know people always ask me, "Is it true. Does it really rain a lot in Seattle?".  The answer is simple. YES.  

After a beautiful summer in the Pacific Northwest we knew it was only a matter of time before the gloom and rain returned.  I guess I was spoiled running outside.  I'd run early to avoid the heat.  Yes, it actually got up to 90 degrees quite a few times.  I ditched the treadmill and took my runs outdoors and loved it.  Now?  Yeah back to Thursday morning.

I had a chiropractor appointment at noon and wanted to go for a run before.  But like I said I looked out the window and the rain just made me want to stay indoors.  Off I went to my appointment, wearing my running watch and dressed in my workout gear.  I was being optimistic.  Maybe it will clear up on my way back from the chiropractor.  It happens.

I walked in to see Dr. Michael Ross.  We chatted about our days and he asked me what was I getting into after the appointment.  I told him I wanted to go for a run but it's raining.  And he goes, "So!".  I told him I wasn't a fan of getting wet in the rain.  I hate the feeling of being cold afterwards.  And that's when my chiropractor became a therapist.  Well sort of.  He actually had me sit down and we talked rain, puddles, and insecurities.  He equated running in the rain as a challenge and getting all of your anger out.  Even if it was just being angry at the rain.

And just like that there I was at Greenlake, in the rain, staring at the bleachers.  Why did I listen to this man?  But as I warmed up on the stairs, I ran out to the trail and began my run.  I noticed the wet pavement.  I noticed the mile makers.  And I noticed how clear my head was.  I was running faster.  I was venting out on the pavement.  I was angry at the rain.  I was frustrated with my career.  I was pissed that I was still unemployed after three months of searching.  How?  And the more I vented the faster I would run.  

I eventually ended my run.  I ran those 3 miles faster than I usually do.  And let me just tell you I felt AWESOME!  I was glad I listened to Dr. Ross.  He was right.  Honestly he's always right.  Sometimes you just can't control the "rain" but you can control what you do about it.  Get wet sometimes.  You'll find out it's not bad after all.