What a miserable day for a long run.
Last night, the morning forecast was for rain starting overnight turning to snow around 8 am. The temperature was to stay in the low to mid-thirties throughout the morning.
When I woke up at 5:30 am, the rain was yet to start, and the temperature was 41 degrees.
Thursday is my typical long-run day. My cleaning lady comes every other Thursday at 7:30 am. Because of COVID and snowstorms, it has been six weeks between cleanings. My house is too small for me to be here while she is cleaning. So, I head out to run when she gets here.
90% of a successful workout is getting out the door. The other half is completing the run. This morning when she arrived, there had been steady rain for an hour with a dropping temperature. Her arrival gave me that push.
I decided to stay closer to home with an 11-mile route rather than heading out on Lee Drive for 12 miles. The in-town course has many bail-out options.
I left wearing shorts over compression shorts, a singlet over a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, knit hat, gaiter, and a heavy Dri-Fit overshirt tied around my waist. Within the first 5 minutes, I untied and put on the overshirt.
My Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 shoes have more than 400 miles on them. So, I wore them as my rain shoes. They still feel like new.
On the way through Chatham, there were puddles and large mud sections to slow my run.
The Belmont-Ferry Farm Trail was covered with water in many locations. The secret of a long run in the rain is to try and keep your feet dry. This strategy should reduce slippage and blisters.
By the time I got across the Falmouth Bridge onto the Heritage Trail, the rain had slowed, and there was no standing water.
The return trip had fewer water hazards. There still was mud. It never started to snow.
My 11-mile run was a success even though it was 3 minutes slower than last week and 9 minutes slower than last year.
I need to extend my long run next week. Let’s hope for more favorable conditions.