raindrops on roses

My Thursday runs usually take place at lunchtime in the Metroparks near Moen HQ. A bunch of employees run together in what has been loosely termed the Moen running club. Yesterday's rain combined with it being the day before a holiday reduced our number to just myself and a co-worker named Ray, who convinced me to run outside despite the threat of heavy precipitation.

It didn't take long for me to become exceedingly pleased with this decision. The rain held off until about halfway through our run, but after we turned around to head back, le deluge. We got back to Moen pretty well soaked.

It's funny that I generally try to wait out bad weather patterns when contemplating a jog, because rainy day runs are totally excellent. When it's really coming down cats and dogs, running is a truly exuberant experience. During our summer cross country workouts, the team always looked forward to coming across an active sprinkler in someone's yard. In all actuality though, sprinklers are disappointing. You're past the thing in less than a second and actual interaction with water is minimal. A rainstorm actually delivers on this promise of refreshment. It's like sweating, except clean and multiplied a hundredfold. Plus, because the elements are making their presence felt constantly, the water becomes one's main focus. During these times, I find it easier to ignore my pace and wholly concentrate on having fun. Fatigue is almost nonexistent when I run through the rain. Soggy socks are the main drawback of traveling amongst the puddles, but I'd say it's a fair exchange.

I always wonder about the motorists I see while running on a rainy day. If they pity me for getting caught in the rain or think I'm crazy when I can't suppress a grin. They really don't know what they're missing.