Magic 10K plan W2R1: A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall

[Stephen_UK]

“Humid” is my least favourite kind of weather, so I was quite pleased that when I woke up it was raining. But when I went out in my shorts and T-shirt, it was absolutely POURING down. I wondered what madness I had entered into. Not one other runner was brave or stupid enough to go out in this deluge. Determined to do my 39 minutes, I tried to make the most of it and just get running.

I was quickly soaked to the bone. I had made a special waterproof bubblewrap case for my phone and it’s a good job that I did because everything else (and I mean everything) was immediately drenched.

I tried to leap over the worst of the puddles, but inevitably missed a few. Also, there was nothing I could do about the rivers of water running off the grass and over the path. It was also impossible to dodge the low tree branches, heavy with rain, so it was was like being caressed by a big wet monster every few metres.

I just kept going and by some miracle the rain started to ease off at about the 20-minute mark. The big plus side of this was that I didn’t get hot. The downside was that I could not have been wetter and I really don’t want to catch a cold.

As always, good music helped a lot. My playlist threw out Abba, “Alphabet Street” by Prince (to which I even did a little dance), and my favourite ever piece of classical music – “Adagio in G Minor” by Albinoni. The latter was perfect because its dramatic beauty could not have seemed more appropriate against those menacing grey skies.

The slug armies were back out in force: hundreds of them. It was like Slug Glastonbury out there.

I was pleased to eventually hit the 39-minute mark, and this became not only my longest run ever but also one of the best.

Thanks to everyone here who is so encouraging. Without you lot I don’t know if I would be inspired/crazy enough to go out in the pouring rain and...actually enjoy myself.

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

Well done on your long run, Stephen! And how lovely to hear that it was one of your best! 👏👏👏 Loved your descriptions of the various ways in which you just got wetter and wetter! 😂 I ran yesterday (no rain) And was actually praying for a downpour it was that hot and humid. 🥵 I used to actively avoid running in the rain, but don’t let it stop me now - skin is waterproof(ish), right?!

[Stephen_UK Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thanks for the kind words.

The irony is that when it’s too dry or too humid we want rain. But when you’re actually 100% drenched in it, that’s a different matter.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Well done Stephen! 🏃💦🏃💦🏃💦🏃 I bet you feel fantastic now. 👏👏👏

It’s quite invigorating running in the rain isn’t it, although like you said, this morning is throwing a real deluge at us. 😳 I always end up sploshing through puddles. Easier than jumping them! 😅🏃‍♀️💦

I’ve used clingfilm round my phone before, as that way it still fits in my armband. I’ll need a whole roll when I head out shortly! And yes, slugs! They come out in their droves!

All that said, rain is far better than hot and humid in my book. 👍

[Stephen_UK Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thank you. Yes, I feel really good now.

And yes, invigorating is definitely the right word.

I might try sploshing through the puddles next time, so thanks for the tip.

[backintime Graduate10]

Great post lol. Looks like slug trainer should be your second career after all...have you seen Flushed Away ? : D

Alphabet Street...love it...I need to add that.

Well done on your 39 minutes despite all that the heavens can throw at you. You took it all and finished anyway, Inspiring. Hope your shoes survived.

The fact that you enjoyed it....hmm...I think you're slightly crazy but dancing to Prince in the rain explains a bit (maybe try Purple Rain next time).

[Stephen_UK Graduate10 in reply to backintime]

Ha ha. Yes, this plan has indeed sent me slightly crazy.

The trainers have looked better. They are mostly water at the moment. Hoping they can dry off before I have to do it all again on Thursday.

Keep an eye on those slugs. They are still planning world domination and just waiting for the right moment to take over (probably a rainy day).

[backintime Graduate10 in reply to Stephen_UK]

If the trainers are really dripping you might want to put them through a spin cycle in your washer so they dry faster. Get some of the water out. Failing that, use it as a goodreason to supply me with shoe porn and buy some new shoes : ) you need a spare pair right ?

[Stephen_UK Graduate10 in reply to backintime]

Funny you should say that. I was wondering if I could use this as an excuse to buy some more...

[Jogunlikely]

Good going on the long run 👍 isn't it weird how we now welcome a little rain, probably not the downpour you got This morning though! 😂

[Stephen_UK Graduate10 in reply to Jogunlikely]

Yes, a little is very nice. But this was ridiculous.

[misswobble Graduate10]

Well done Fun int it 😃. I was out in it! 😁🌧. I did a small grocery shop afterwards, leaving puddles as I went round the aisles 😁.

I once did 20 km in pouring rain, on a warm day, and it was probably my best.

If you’re sensible, and take a jacket with you to put on afterwards, wear a cap etc. You can get cold quite quickly once you stop running 🙂

[Stephen_UK Graduate10 in reply to misswobble]

I wasn’t sensible. Just rushed home to a hot shower. But the air was warm so I didn’t get a chill.

20K in heavy rain is pretty impressive.

[roseabi]

"Slug Glastonbury" lol!!! I've had runs like that 😊😊😊

Good stuff, and congratulations!

[Stephen_UK Graduate10 in reply to roseabi]

Thanks!