Bold Moves

I ran my 15th career half-marathon (HM) in June, the Hospital Hill Half-Marathon in KC, Missouri.  It’s a very hilly course and it’s ususally quite warm so this is a race that I run as a tune-up up for my fall marathon.  It’s also fun to participate in a race with a rich history that gives out great race swag.  This year, all participants received a very nice backpack!  But the most unique thing about this year’s Hospital Hill was not the nice medal or the cool swag; it was the weather.  A series of storms rolling through the area threatened the race and for the first time, as I stood with hoards of other runners under the awning of the Westin hotel, I wondered if we’d get to run at all.

The race was delayed by almost an hour due to lightening.  Finally, they annoounced that the next storm front did not appear to be producing lightening, just rain so the race wouold soon get started.  We all gathered at the start, many runners already soaked from the earlier downpour but now only a few light sprinkles were falling.  It was 65 degrees, cool by summer standards but very, very muggy.  Still, I was elated to be running at all so no worries!

The rain came once again, in earnest by mile 5.  At one point it was pouring so hard that streams of water were flowing across the road. Around mile 7 I discovered that the painted lines on the road are VERY SLIPPERY!  I avoided landing on my butt but I’m sure the sight was quite humorous as I skidded on one foot, arms waving about wildly like a tight rope walker desperately trying not to fall!  It rained the entire race.  Like the whole 13 point flippin’ 1 miles!  And the amazing thing is that I beat my time from last year! Go figure.  This was my first time running a half-marathon in the rain.

I learned a few things from running 13.1 miles in the rain.  Mind over matter – once I accepted that I’d be a slushy mess, I was able to just run and do my best. The power of positive thinking cannot be underestimated!  Preparation is key – I knew that rain was likely so I cut arm/head holes into a large garbage bag and wore that to the Start Line.  This kept my core dry walking to the start point and kept me from feeling chilled before the race.   Maintain a sense of humor – it’s hard to look good when you’re soaked to the bone.  My compression shorts were sagging down my legs! Many runners were avoiding the race photographers on the course; not me! I figured they’re out here in the rain too so smile big and carry on.  Pain is inevitable – I avoided the pain of falling on my butt.  I didn’t avoid the pain of chafing.  No amount of Body Glide can compete with being drenched with the combination of rain and sweat.   War stories – running a race in challenging conditions makes for better tales to tell later! It also adds to your sense of accomplishment and realizing that Phil 4:13 is right on target.

I am better for the experience.  And despite my level of sweetness (or saltiness), I didn’t melt!  Bahahahahaha!

Remember….attitude is everything.