Yesterday was a lesson in optimism. The snow was still piled up around town but streets were becoming navigable once more. But while the roadways showed thawing, the sidewalks were still a wreck. If I had to guess, maybe a third had been shoveled and the remainder were a fantastic terrain of oddly packed snow/ice that had been traversed in such a way that no level patch existed, only a compilation of icy footprints on top of each other. On top of all this, it was 34 degrees and pouring rain as I walked home from work. I stepped out of my office door and sighed - this was not a run I was looking forward to. I grumbled my dread to my mother on the phone while I walked.
Then I got home, remembered my awful run on Sunday and decided that this could in fact be a good run. With the music blaring, I got changed and stretched out and started with the positive thinking. On my way out the door, I may have even chanted "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming..." The crisp air called me and I took off falling immediately into a comfortable stride. The pathways called for quick footwork as I dodged icy patches - perfect practice for my upcoming trail race and keeping the run fun and lighthearted from the start. Knowing that the roads and sidewalks were in poor condition, I did not leave the house with a particular pace in mind, but rather with the goal to have a "good run" - especially after Sunday. I got off crowded main roads quickly and wound my way through the Ardmore side streets. At the first mile mark, I checked my watch - 9:00 easy minutes. I continued on and at the 2 mile mark - 17:44. The third and fourth mile involved many long hills so I "geared down" and shortened my stride, keeping my knee drive high and quick. The run felt quick but comfortable and the cold rain felt refreshing. At the fourth mile mark, I was under 9 minute pace which surprised me still. The steam billowed off me under the streetlights and I trucked on back to the house to finish up an "easy" 5 miles in under 44 minutes (8:40 pace) - keep in mind my 5K PR last fall was only 8:32 pace. I shook off on the porch and headed back in for a well deserved warm shower, feeling invisible and suddenly more enthused for the Krispy Kreme Challenge this weekend.
It's been quite a while since I had a short, fast race and I feel ready. I think I'm finally getting used to the idea of 34 degree rain as "good" running weather. And while the drivers I pass in their cars may think I'm crazy, the few other runners out on the road pass by with a nod and respectful wave for those who share the path with them on these days.
