An old friend of my husband had bought a treadmill a while back. It did not get off to a good start as it spent the first few months of its life in the hall as they could not get it up the stairs. When they did start to use it, they found it hard going and gave up. The problem had been that they just got on and ran until they collapsed (which apparently was not that long). I suggested the C25K to them when they last visited and to my surprise they gave it a go. The treadmill had a few weeks of use before they decided it would be more fun running together so switched to venturing outside.
They visited again at the weekend (down from Scotland where they now live) and we planned to go out for a run on Sunday morning before they returned home.
When I saw the weather forecast (heavy rain first thing) I was hoping they would change their mind and I could go out later when it was predicted to improve. Unfortunately, they have embraced the Scottish weather and their runs go ahead regardless of what the elements are dishing out and turned up as planned in their running gear (which I must admit seemed more suited to the conditions than mine).
We were just doing my 5K road route as they are only just lengthening their runs and that suited me just fine. It was raining when we left, and we started our brisk walk. The first thing I noticed was that their interpretation of brisk is very brisk!! They are both taller than me and have a much longer stride, but, my god did they steam along, I was almost into a jog. As the rain had started to get heavier, the faster pace meant I was out in it less which was good.
The point where my 5 minute walk ends was reached at about 4 mins so we carried on for a bit longer. The rain is now quite heavy and I am not enjoying it much. We started our run which turned out to be only slightly faster than their walk so I could easily keep up with them. Conversation was a bit difficult as the rain was now lashing it down. So much water was hitting my face that I felt I was at risk of drowning!
My two running companions were trotting along like it was a spring morning, not a care in the world. Water had penetrated every layer of my clothing, the water on the footpath was like a river and I could feel it squelch out of my shoes with every step.
We reached the end of the run section and returned to their brisk walk pace. The rain was so heavy I could not hear a word they said. We got back to my house and they decided to go back to their hotel to shower and change and then pop back for a while before heading home. A covering of plastic bags on their car seats and off they went.
As usual my husband had a towel and robe for me so I did not drip all over the carpet. As I undressed, I found pools of water in my clothes than ran onto the bathroom floor. I think I was actually dryer in the shower!
When our guests returned the rain had just stopped. We warmed up with a hot coffee before they departed. I asked if they still used their treadmill if the weather gets really bad. They said it is now buried under boxes again so they cant get to it. But if the weather gets so bad that they cant leave the house, they may uncover it. I think their idea of bad weather is at least 6 feet of snow with a minus 20 temperature. rather them than me!!
w5r3!!!! I believe!!!
I wish i could get back out running :(
Gratuitous cruelty to a wet runner
W4 started - can't believe I was so nervous
W5R3 - Can't believe I enjoyed it
