07-12-2018, 01:07 PM
2186
Re: Post your daily exercise routine
This mornings five mile run turned out to be one of the toughest runs this year.
Still jaded from yesterday's exceptional performance, I opened the door to a pitch black rain soaked morning. With naked legs and sturdy waterproof top I threw myself out into the unknown. No spring in my step this morning as I lumbered along puddle strewn streets passing half a dozen huddled people waiting at the bus stop.
The run alongside the field was interesting, too dark to see the squelchy oozing mud, but distant streetlights reflected off the many puddles that lay in wait for the zig zagging runner and were easily avoided . The rain had all but stopped now and ribbons of light were visible across the eastern sky. As I joined the footpath in the next village I was surprised to find that I came out of the field relatively unscathed, and still had dry feet...
It was very still and eerily warm for this time of year, I left the path and squelched my way through the woods, a brief pause as I waited to cross the main road, lots of traffic at this time in the morning, one look at me, half naked and panting like a thoroughbred racehorse and most drivers would be glad they were going to work.
It was light enough to see where to put my feet as I reached the lane at three miles, it was surprising to see so many dog walkers adorning the muddy path. Plenty of 'Good mornings' kept my spirits, and style respectable as I passed by, but a glance at the sky revealed a selection of very angry clouds heading my way.
It was just as I approached an old broken down gatepost (a natural one mile to go marker) that the wind sprung up out of nowhere and the heavens opened. The cold of the rain instantly passed through my waterproof and the path turned to a river, no longer was it possible to avoid the puddles as they expanded across my path before my very eyes.
I stooped forward and battled through the swirling rain and mist, shoes long since overcome by mud and water, almost running on the spot occasionally as the wind beat against my chest. My shorts clung to my thighs as water streamed off my coat, the hood was impossible to keep in place as the wind tugged and tore at it. I was expending far too much energy to maintain any kind of a pace and jogged blindly into the swirling torrent.
With less than half a mile to go I arrived at the railway crossing and with cold numb fingers pulled open the gate and crossed the deserted line, the rain had stopped, the sound of the metal gate clanged shut and I hung on for the last quarter of a mile. I had not intended to battle with the elements to such a degree this morning, and It has taken its toll, but that hot shower was never as appreciated as it was this morning....