I could not run yesterday... I wanted to, but I simply couldn't. The rain was torrential, long, sharp, slanting shards of icy water. When we woke yesterday,the rain was already slatting against the window panes, accompanied by a fierce wind which was battering our side gates and lashing against the little trees in the garden. A run, though wanted, was out of the question. Small, soggy snails are an unpleasant thought.
This morning seemed full of promise.
So, I started out today, encouraged, as usual, by my husband, who, from the depths of a snugly-warm bed informed me that the rain was not due to start until 8 a.m.
Got togged up and headed out for a repeat Stepping Stone run.
The sky was dull, no clouds, no brightness, no break in the grey monotone of the early morning.
I had figured, whilst I am getting used to the next stage, post-graduation, I would vary my runs, so thought I might head for some of my favourite tracks. Up to the Old Road and along the back lanes to the next village. However...the rain, not scheduled to start until 8, ( clearly, no one told the rain that), was already making its presence felt, as I headed down the hill towards the railway station. Unwilling to get soggy feet at such an early stage in the year, I turned and headed back up the hill, ( yes, I actually chose to run back up a hill), and took the route of the last two runs. Passed the lady from the shop, walking her dog; she has already seen me loads of times in some of the vilest conditions, and thinks I am completely loopy, but she waved at me, whilst muttering gloomily, that the lane to the next village was flooded! Good decision to turn around I thought!
Up the hill to the roundabout.. five minutes into the run. I am finding this stage a lot easier than I thought I would, and do like the reassuring company of Laura again. Breathing steadied and time to concentrate and look around, despite the increasing rainfall. ( Must get a cap). No one about now, no dog walkers and no fellow runners. Five large seagulls stared suspiciously at me from their lofty perch on one of the roundabout lights. I intended to take it steady, keep with the beat, and maybe turn a little earlier.
I am still finding that my hips sway a little... and not sure if I should be trying to stop this; it doesn't seem to affect my pace or anything, so maybe it's okay? My feet make a very satisfying squish as they hit the pavement, no puddles here, unlike the lanes, and only the odd pile of wet brown leaves to negotiate. The sky did not brighten at all as I headed up towards the common, the trees in the gardens as I passed were beginning to sway in a strengthening wind and the branches on some of the larger trees dripped their cold slivers of water down onto me.
It is an extremely odd thing, but there is a perverse pleasure in running in the rain. I might have been the only person in the world. A grey sky, cold rain, the rhythmic beat of the music and a feeling of hidden joy deep inside. Amazing.
I got right up to the brow of the hill again, before I turned, and the luxury of a downhill return journey, despite the wetness of it all, lay before me. I am sure, like a lot of you, the idea of a downhill run is a pleasant one. My feet seem just to get lighter and I can really concentrate on those light-landing, short, quick steps that Laura talks about.
Another branch has come down over from the golf course grounds, the hedge squashed and the split in the tree trunk , a rich reddish brown. The grass is trodden where others have walked or run around it. My feet squelched as I slowed down in order to pass. Then onwards and downwards for the final big finish..not so big really, but big enough.
The rain was so heavy by now, that I was completely drenched, not cold, but very, very wet. The seagulls were still on the roundabout light.. Thirty minutes on... could they be the same ones? One took flight as I passed, outstretched white wings, a sharp yellow beak, and a disdainful glare, at me, a mere mortal!
Curtains opening as I ran past the houses, the world waking to a wet Sunday; a day for staying warm, staying dry, staying inside, a do what you will day.
Five minutes, a very slow walk, and the haven of home.
A super run...soggy... but super!
Wet run, dry reward!
First run after graduation
🏴 My first tourist run 🏴 W6R1/3🍀 and it was blowing a hoolie 💨 !
