What’s that? Sam writing about running? You bloody know it. I’m all about getting out and going for a run. Whether it’s a sunny day that makes you feel like you’re about to pass out from heatstroke or an evening where it’s raining so heavily you’re worried your shoes will never dry out again, you can catch me (you won’t catch me) out there running.
This month for me is all about running. I’m looking to up the distance I’m running this month, which should help with my endurance, which in turn will help increase my overall pace and time. To achieve this goal, I’ve decided I’m going to be running three times a week, regardless of circumstances. As it so happens, yesterday’s circumstances meant I was running at night in the rain, across dimly lit footpaths, streets, and grass.
There’s something serene and wonderful about running in the rain. You’re staying cooler, you’re not overheating and sweating and constantly going for that water bottle. It’s especially nice at night with the street lights reflecting off the ground like some kind of movie set in Miami or Los Angeles, perhaps starting Jake Gyllenhaal. Perhaps it’s just the contrast to the blistering heat of the sun and the radiating intensity of black bitumen that makes it so appealing.
Either way, moving through a wet world while other people are inside, and it’s just you, your feet hitting the ground and the running tunes in your ears, is incredible.
There are, of course, some problems with running at night and even more with running in the rain. For starters, I can barely see where the heck my feet are landing. Street lights are few and far between. The small reprieve I have is that I’m familiar with the terrain, so I know where the bumps and breaks are, where the trip hazards might be.
Unfortunately, this is made a bit difficult in rainy conditions. Not only is the ground slick, but a foot placement that was previously secure may suddenly be either a massive hazard or just a big ol’ puddle waiting to consume my shoe.
Last night’s run, although rewarding and mind-clearing, was agonizingly slow. I felt like I was going at a snail’s pace, trying to ensure my footing was secure on each stride, watching the ground for errant puddles and hidden dangers. It’s a different sort of mental taxation that takes place when running in different conditions.
The whole thing made me think about those people that like to go running along bush tracks. Not only are they going at a steady incline the entire way, but they’re also leaping over rocks and branches, avoiding uneven ground, and risking a sprained ankle. I can’t imagine wanting to put myself in that kind of position. Oh, and speaking specifically about North America, there are mountain lions there – are you kidding me? Not worth it.
At the end of the 6km run, I certainly felt good for having gone, despite the fact my pace was slower and my timing was all thrown off. At least I went out and did it.
