rockin' the suburbs

Today's run was close to 15, from Cleveland proper through Lakewood, Rocky River, Bay Village, and a few feet into Avon Lake, almost totally on Lake Road before heading north to my parents' place. When I started the rain was steady but light, but by the end I was in the middle of a downpour and soaked to the bone. Usually, even on rainy days, there is a difference between the front and back of one's shorts. Today everything was saturated. It was like James Taylor's Fire and Rain, but without the fire.

During the week I figured I'd try a longer run without my iPod, and the rain kinda forced that to be the decision. It was probably good for me to make the journey without the benefit of music (which I think helped a bunch last week). And if nothing else, I am more prepared now to run longer distances in the rain. Nothing like getting to the point where you realize it doesn't matter anymore if you try and avoid the puddles. I just hope the kicks dry out before Tuesday.

So, a week away from the 20 miler and just four weeks from the marathon itself. I think I can objectively use the term "homestretch".