Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Bad Exceptions to the Rule


Hi. It's Laura.

 

I shouldn't call it a rule. It is more of a guideline.

 

I found an article in Runner's World a few years ago explaining the 20 degree rule for dressing to run outside. Whatever the temperature is outside add 20 degree and dress accordingly. For example, if running in 60 degree weather, dress for normal activity in 80 degree weather. At 80 degrees, I would wear shorts and a short sleeve shirt with a baseball hat. At 50 degrees, I would wear shorts and a long sleeve shirt or Capri pants and a short sleeve shirt. That is exactly what I wore this morning. Capri running pants and s short sleeve shirt, except it felt more like 40 degrees when I walked out the door.

 

Before I continue, I should explain that I am terribly cranky today. Perhaps it is because my run was so lousy because I certainly didn't wake up this way. I awoke cozy and warm and the bed was oh so comfy.

 

I normally look forward to my Tuesday runs and today was no exception.

 

So as I was saying, I headed out the front door and realized it was chillier than I anticipated so I went back up to the apartment to change into a long sleeve shirt. Normally a little chilly is ok today felt different

 

Once done, back to the street.

 

Central Park is just less than 1/2 mile away from my front door. So by the time I’m half way there, I am warm and ready to go. Today, a block in, I realize it is misting. Damn Damn Damn. I don’t mind misting, I don't even mind rain but today I was wearing brand new sneakers that took over a week to get fitted. I know how this sounds like a big bratty baby but I was upset that, on day one of my new sneakers, they had to get wet in the rain.

 

Mind you I am no princess [Editor’s Note: Uh… Never mind] when it comes to outdoor exercise. I have run in many downpours and don't mind it one bit. But usually I know it is raining or it is going to rain. Today, that was not the case. I checked the weather before I walk out the door. Chris Cimino did not mention rain in the forecast that I heard. By the time I entered Central Park the rain was a steady downpour. Grrrr

 

The fact that it is was pouring and I didn't know it was supposed to rain and that I was wearing brand new shoes ruined the first mile of my run. (Truth be told? The first mile usually stinks anyway.)

 

I can't tell you why this was so upsetting to me today. I spent the first mile cursing the weather man (I know, I know, colossal waste of energy and since when are weather men ever right).

 

I would like to say that everything was just fine for running conditions this morning but they weren't. My shuffle was low on battery. I was not dressed properly. I was chilly. It was pouring rain. The park was crowded (go figure! Apparently no one knew it was raining). And, it was just a little too dark from overcast to see the puddles that I stomped in (with brand spanking new sneakers)

 

I trudged on and managed to squeak out the rest of my run (actually cut short because of the rain and the shiny brand spanking new sneaks).

 

We all find excuses to not go to our workouts, excuses are easy. To actually go out to workout in spite of the excuses ultimately makes us feel better after the fact. By the time I got home, the rain had stopped and the sun started to make its way out.

 

Play hard!

 

Laura

 

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