As my middle-aged bladder decided to get me up at 6.30am this morning, I decided to have one last run before setting off on my hols today. The weather was overcast but dry, fairly cool, so not bad conditions for a gentle 40 minutes.
Mistake 1. Going down a footpath through a field. Overnight rain has battered down the nettles which are now fouling the path, and I have a quite impressive array of nettle rash on my legs... ah well, Strava on, and off we go.
Mistake 2. Assuming that both weather apps on my phone are accurate. Both said that the rain would start at 9am. They were both out by 2 hours 8 minutes... at 6.52 the drizzle started, here I am with no waterproof jacket, ah well, it's only drizzle, crack on.
Mistake 3. Assuming "it's only drizzle". Just as I make the turn onto my "40 minute" course the drizzle turns to full blown rain. Curses. Now not only am I wet, I can't see where I'm going. Had to take off my glasses and run holding them as otherwise I'm trying to wipe them every 5-6 paces which isn't good.
I decided to abandon the 40 minutes and strike out for home...might manage 5k on this route, better than nothing. The watch buzzes, I sort of assume based on this and the fact I'm about a quarter of a mile from home that I've done 5k. Slow down, wipe the glasses and put them back on, phone off the arm and stop Strava... and... PR for 5k, knocking 13 seconds off Saturday's time, and another PR for 2 miles! Seems rain is the motivation for breaking records (or maybe getting home out of the rain is the real motivation?)
Kit is now in the washer... hoping it will wash and dry out so I can pack it in my case before the taxi arrives at 10.30! Shower and strong coffee for me now before my next challenge, getting my teenage daughter up and ready, she thinks mornings are best experienced by others. Wish me luck...
Wet running shoes can always go in a waterproof bag for travelling !
Consolidation Run 1
Weekly Virtual 5K
W8R3- First Parkrun... loved it ...!!
Let down by Michael...
