No rain delay - running in the rain

When I heard that the remnants of hurricane Hannah would bring us rain, I saw it as an opportunity to try my first run in the rain. Although this was my first "rain run" it was not my first foul weather run. When I was in Boone this past Christmas, I enjoyed a 2 mile run on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the sleet and snow.

I ran the 10 miler course again today with the temperature in the mid 60s and a nice, steady rain. The first 4 miles were not bad at all, although I warmed up more slowly because normally I am warmed up 1 mile into a run and today it took 2 miles. I added only a visor to my regular running attire. I did make sure to wear my smartwool socks, knowing that wool wears better than cotton when wet. (I learned that lesson backpacking in downpours in the back country in Denali Park.) I also applied vaseline to known and predicted friction spots.

Things I learned today:
1) My rain soaked shorts "grew" longer after 5 miles.

2) My inner upper arm is a friction spot --I will remember next time as pain creates change.

3) I prefer running in the rain to any running on days with temps over 70 degrees.

4) Trying to avoid puddles is not worth the extra effort especially after 5 miles.

5) Running in the rain requires less water than hot days but more nutrition. Although I drank 2 liters of fluid (1 propel & 1 water) after finishing, I was jonesing for food after 6 miles.

6) I missed my MP3 player, but it was not as bad as I thought.

7) Running with a partner is a good practice in rain or shine.

8) I ran slower in the rain.

9) It is best not to run until there is at least some daylight.

9) I can do this!

Cooler weather, new shoes, training for the 10 miler and goals

There are only 82 days 'til the 10 miler! Every time I think about this upcoming race, I get butterflies in my stomach. Some friends of mine who are runners, some of which have run this race before, have offered a variety of advice. I am sorting through their advice and what I am researching as well. In addition to the physical preparation left in the coming weeks of training, I still need to tackle the mental battles of the training and the race. My mind is my most challenging battlefield.

I am up to 10Ks in my long runs and totals between 12-15 miles per week. I miss running on the trails where the miles are clearly marked. However, because I have been running early in the AM (starting between 5:30-6 AM) I do not feel safe running alone on the trails through the wooded areas. I have been sticking to a fairly busy and well-light road with sidewalks. I like the relative coolness of the AM runs (this morning it took me 45 minutes to lose the red-faced look & feeling from the 73 degree 10K run.) I like the summer sunrises before 6 AM but I will also be glad to get back to the 45 degree and below winter days! I am very thankful for these past weeks with many days of temps below 90 degrees.

My dh got me a gift certificate to the local running shop so I could purchase new shoes. I have began running last August in a pair of leftover, many years old cross trainers that I picked up at Sam's Club. Months later after a couple of 5Ks, I purchased my first pair of shoes just for running--a pair of men's Reeboks for $17 from Sam's Club. Now I have a pair of Asics Gel-Nimbus 10. They are very nice although it took me several days to get over the sticker shock. I have NEVER paid that much for a pair of shoes before. I know I need good shoes for running.

My goals to accomplish prior to the 10 miler:
1. Drop another 8-15 lbs(from my current 179) to make it easier on my joints
2. Run the race course in its entirety at least twice
3. Run a 5 mile race on July 19th in 58:00 or under (This will be my first race as a 45 year old---seems like the 45-50 year old women run faster than the 40-44 year olds ---go figure!)
4. Learn to pace myself better in the first 1-1.5 miles
5. Figure out what nutrition works for me best on race mornings
6. Run a regular 10:30 mile in longer runs--I am currently struggling to break the 11:15 mark.