Rain Day

As forecast, there has been very heavy rain all day today as a front moves across the Southeast, and I am glad that I adjusted my weekly schedule to avoid it.  I have run in conditions like this before, and unlike running in a summer shower or a light drizzle, running in a torrential downpour like this is absolutely miserable - chilled to the bone, soggy shoes, chafing skin.  I've had some "character building runs" during this training program, but running in these conditions is not productive. 

So what a surprise to see as I was driving down Sixth Street this morning a sole runner, making her way in a downpour so heavy that my windshield wipers were on high.  It was a local woman, Caitlin, whom I have often seen out on the road recently, very likely training for some upcoming race.  I eased by her (she was wearing earphones and I was coming up from behind) and gave her a thumbs up, but her face was focused fiercely on the task ahead:  the deep puddles, the leaf-strewn road, and hopefully a nice warm bath waiting at home.  Good job Caitlin!  I've been there before and I know what you were going through.