Running in the rain

I’ve always loved the rain, and there is something about running in the rain that makes me insanely happy. I know the first thought of heading out and getting completely soaked from head to toe while you try to slog through some miles is an instant “no!” But instead of staying inside and being irritated that it rained all day, I decided to give it a try and get excited to go play in the rain.

I wore my Merrell barefoot running shoes to prepare to get wet. Instead of getting my more traditional running shoes soaked through I decided to forgo socks and live by the “wear sandals in the rain so your feet dry faster” strategy. To keep me warm, even when potentially drenched, I wore my warmest running tights and a long sleeve shirt under my waterproof running jacket. (Plus, how can a run not be fun when you are wearing purple tights?)

The whole run was a blast. I went a few minutes before the start of the Super Bowl and I had the streets to myself. While it was peaceful, it was also the most freeing run I’ve had in a while. I rapped to Eminem, jumped over puddles like a kid avoiding “lava,” and laughed like a maniac.

The whole day the rain went from a light shower to a full on downpour with no notice, so I wasn’t exactly sure how my plan would turn out. I got lucky that for the most part it was only a light drizzle. And when it did decide to really open up and show me what it’s like run in some real rain I couldn’t help but laugh. It was exhilarating to run with the rain hitting my face. Everyone who saw me probably thought I was crazy because of the huge smile on my face (and because I was voluntarily running in the rain, not because of the singing or leaping, obviously). I honestly can’t wait to do it again.