27 January 2011

Fair Weather Runner

Ok. I'll admit it.  I'm not a dedicated, hard core runner like some people are.  I run when I can, when my schedule allows, when it's convenient, when I feel like it.

During the week, I try to run during lunchtime instead of going out for some over priced, fast food. I got into the routine many years back at Intermedics. We had a great work out facility on the campus with a locker room and showers. I don't normally go for distance, more go as far as time allows. During the week, I try run during my normal lunchtime so that gives me ~1-1.5 hours run, cool down and clean up. I really hate treadmills, so I will try to run outside whenever possible. The summer is especially brutal when I go running in 92+ temps and 80% humidity. I like to run at that time cause it really wrings you out. Something about sweating out the toxins is supposed to be good for you?  Of course, when it is so hot, it takes me a long while to cool down, even with a cold shower. Because we have temperate weather, I try to keep up with my running all year long. I've run when it was blistering hot, I've run when it was hovering around freezing, I've run in a windstorm (great if your route gives you a tail wind), I've run in snow, I've run in sand. The one thing I really hate is when it rains.

If it is raining or is looking ugly, I will weigh my options. I have been out on a 5 mile run and halfway out the skies opened up on me.  Trail running - no cover, no where to get out of the torrent, already soaked so I just kept going. By the time I finished, I was soaked to the bone. Took a 4 days for my shoes to dry out.  When running in the rain, nothing stays dry and wearing rain gear is about like jogging in a sauna.

I;ve kept my eye on the forecast for the past few weeks, but any projections past 5 days is pretty much a SWAG.  Last three years we've had some excellent running weather (cold + clear). Was hoping for some halfway decent weather for Sunday, but, alas, the latest forecast is not so rosy:

Scattered T-Storms
      High              Precip  
67°F             40%

Definitely will mess up pace times.

3 days till lift off.

4 comments:

Rock Chef said...

There is definitely good and bad weather for that sort of thing. Not sure that running in a thunderstorm is ideal... It is certainly not great for cycling, not helped by the feeling that you are sitting on a lump of metal that is just shouting out "Over here! Me! Me! Strike me!"

meleah rebeccah said...

"I've run when it was blistering hot, I've run when it was hovering around freezing, I've run in a windstorm (great if your route gives you a tail wind), I've run in snow, I've run in sand."


Um, sorry to break it to you Agg, but that DOES make you a hard-core runner!!!!

terri said...

I admire your ability to run in so many different conditions. When I was running, I think wind was my worst enemy. But I don't like to get rained on even for a short while, so I can feel your pain in regards to having to run in the rain, getting soaked. Yuck. I hope the forecast ends up being wrong!

Abby said...

Interesting to read this now, post-run, knowing that you got rained on. And... you sound pretty hardcore to me!

I kind of like running in rain as long as it's not a major downpour. I'm definitely no fan of lightning! But 90 degrees and 82% humidity, I would not hack! Leave that for the Texans!