Category Archives: rain

Rain!

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Last night as I was nodding off to sleep I caught the smell of rain. This morning when I woke up thinking of watering the garden I quickly realized I don’t have to. Rain had been falling all night and the ground was soaked, good thing I mowed the grass yesterday! So I haven’t ventured out into it yet, but I am looking forward to it a lot. It will be really nice to not be running in the heat.

Running in the rain is a lot easier when you have some sort of rain protection. My two priorities are a hat and a rain jacket. The hat mostly is to keep rain off of my glasses, but I am also not a big fan of it hitting my bald head either. Even with hair I don’t think I would like. Rivulets if rain streaming down my face is annoying! The jacket is a must to keep my clothes reasonably dry (of course that hasn’t been an option during the hot runs where I am soaked with sweat). My jacket isn’t totally water proof but I think that might be a bit of overkill though I certainly wouldn’t mind a nice new WP jacket. Mine does fine and serves as an orange beacon warning others to please not run me over. The problem with the jacket at this time of year is that it gets really warm inside it, especially when it is so humid out. So sometimes I have been forced to take it off despite the wet. It is just too hot running in what amounts to a plastic bag.

One thing to consider when running is your traction. My Asics Gel Kayanos have never been the best shoe for the rain. They slip and slide quite a bit more than other shoes I have run in the rain with. especially on push off. I actually don’t remember having an issue with either of my new pairs this year (a model 10 and a 16), but I will watch for it today. The other traction issue to watch for are others on the road. Today will be especially bad as it hasn’t rained in a couple weeks and the roads will be slick with water and oil. I will have to be extra careful with others.

Keeping your feet dry is also a priority. I usually do ok on my regular 6 mile runs, but any longer and my feet get pretty wet through my shoes. I also have a tendency to step in puddles. Usually I am trying to jump over them and don’t quite make it or I step in a wet spot where I misjudge the depth. Wet socks can be a real drag and can lead to blisters. I know some runners like to wear the footies that cover your feet with a water-proof layer. I have never worn a pair, but I imagine they are a huge help and would be especially necessary for a long run. I wonder how hot they actually make your feet?

I won’t today, but I also like wearing gloves in the rain. The reason I won’t wear them today is that it is pretty warm out still. But if it were cold enough for them it gives me a good option for squeegeeing off my glasses. I have often though of sewing a rubber strip onto my pointer finder to wipe away the drops, but the gloves do ok without it. I often will bring a bandanna with me to help keep my face dry, serves a similar purpose when it is really hot out.

On an ms note, I noticed yesterday that I was feeling slightly dizzy. When I woke up this morning I felt the same. That and stuffed up. I am not sure that the rain had any affect on this, but I am also pretty sure it did. I took and antihistamine this morning so hopefully that will help. More later…

More rain, less miles

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Its really strange to me but I am starting to hate the rain. I guess I am just getting sick of it. I actually love the rain and I like running in it a lot. Part of this change in attitude may have to do with running with the dog. I get really nervous with her when she gets wet, she is just to squirmy and slippery, even with her harness (or as I call it haulter since when I pullback she halts. Plus haulter sounds sexier!) So sun is supposedly on the way, but so is mom for a week so I won’t get to run in it. I am sure I’ll have plenty of sun coming up.

I saw an ms running event advertised today, Mud Run ms Portland. It looks like a lot of fun and I was thinking seriously about doing it, But then I watched one of their videos and they have to do some pretty serious climbing, screw that! Maybe its only serious cause I am a heights wuss, Still, I’ll pass.

Fastest tempo run yet and then rain

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Yesterday I set out to do a tempo run. I wasn’t feeling to into it and the air quality was really poor from either a forest fire or more likely wood burning that has become so popular in the area. If its wood (or even looks like wood) burn it! No regard for pollution, just burn it! Anyway, I could rant for hours about this but I have a run to talk about. So my breathing was not great and I had to keep coughing to remove my neighbors enjoyable fires from my lungs (wait, I said I wouldn’t rant anymore.) So as I was going through a warm up and approaching my tempo route I was none to confident in my abilities. Still, I forged on, I really wanted to get this out of the way in my schedule of quality runs.

The first mile came really easily to me and I recorded a 7:33. I was feeling it in my lungs, but I still felt pretty strong. As I pulled through the second mile I realized I had to slow down. Seems I went out to fast for that first mile. So I paced it down a bit, but still kept pushing it. It was tough, but my second mile was not to bad at 8:13. At the start of the third mile I kept thinking about something my running partner heard at her boot camp. If you are doing a quality run and can’t keep up then its not a bad idea to bag it. The thinking with that being that you aren’t getting the benefit from the activity if you aren’t doing it properly. It was starting to sound like a really good idea. But, I remembered my philosophy of powering through difficulty to build yourself for the future. Sort of a variation of ‘no pain, no gain’. While I disagree with Nike’s motto I am all for powering pushing myself through the hard parts. So I kept at it albeit slower yet. In the end I finished my third mile at 8:40 which wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be and as it turns out the fastest I have done my three mile tempo run yet. So I was really happy with the run. I finished up with a run through the canyon and home.

This morning I got up early to go for a run with my running partner. She is not much for the rains and it is even harder for her to get through that first wet run. So was prepared for the text saying she was bagging it. So alone I headed out for eight miles of recovery. It was a good run, slow and easy and a nice change from the previous days tempo. I didn’t mind the rains too much even though it was too warm to wear my running jacket. So I stripped it off and got soaked. Still it was a nice run. I was actually surprised at the number of runners I ran into in teh rain. Good to see everyone keeping up with it. Now I just need to work on my running partner. She’ll come around!

Another recovery run, two in a row

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In an attempt to wipe out my feeling of being wiped out I did a second recovery run today both coming after my 15.5 mi long run on Sunday. I think I could use several more! Today I tried a different route that I have been thinking about. It actually had a good mile of uphill as I attacked Mt Tabor from the west side. I didn’t go all the way to the top though and kept the run to six miles, easy miles other than the hilly portion. The last third was pretty much downhill and relatively easy going, but I was feeling so worn out that it was actually somewhat excruciating. My feet hurt and my legs were tired but I really wanted to run in the rain today. It was so nice and cool. I brought my rain shell for the first time in a long while, but it wasn’t cool enough to keep it on so around the waste it went. It makes a good reflector there.

Four in a row!

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So I finally managed to do my four runs in a row so I am officially back into the swing of running. Funny thing is I a going to Europe for 2 weeks and I know I will fall off my routine. So I have established my running just in time to slack off. But that is fine, I’ll consider it a rest period and then ramp back up again.

Last week was the second week in a row that I ran five days on with two days off. Both weeks I ran over 35 miles. I am feeling really good, I think this is a good amount for me to be doing if not a bit more than I should be doing. I have been feeling so good about the running that I am considering another marathon. With a proper ramp up I can do it no problem. I have been concerned about my feet and several issues I have been having, but those have seemed to work themselves out for the most part. I’ll see how they do with some long runs (15+ miles). This weekend my running partner and I did a nine mile run, the first 4.5 of which was uphill. We went from a running store in the 23rd St. shopping district up to Leif Erickson trail for another 3 miles before turning around and heading back. My running partner has gotten me into eating while running as an energy boost, the snack of choice has become peanut butter pretzels. What a great reward after 4-5 miles of running! 6-8 of them and I am ready to keep going. Now when I snack on them without running I feel guilty!

Today I headed into the rain. Our fall/winter weather is here. Rainy, windy. It wasn’t that bad. I have been fighting a slight cold and I was questioning whether or not I should even do it, but I decided I really should. I was bundled up and had my rain jacket on. In teh 6.5 miles I did, I never felt like I got too wet, so I think I was fine. Plus I think it is good to run when you feel under the weather. Certainly not a super long hard run, but a base run is just what the doctor ordered!

Four in a row!

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So I finally managed to do my four runs in a row so I am officially back into the swing of running. Funny thing is I a going to Europe for 2 weeks and I know I will fall off my routine. So I have established my running just in time to slack off. But that is fine, I’ll consider it a rest period and then ramp back up again.

Last week was the second week in a row that I ran five days on with two days off. Both weeks I ran over 35 miles. I am feeling really good, I think this is a good amount for me to be doing if not a bit more than I should be doing. I have been feeling so good about the running that I am considering another marathon. With a proper ramp up I can do it no problem. I have been concerned about my feet and several issues I have been having, but those have seemed to work themselves out for the most part. I’ll see how they do with some long runs (15+ miles). This weekend my running partner and I did a nine mile run, the first 4.5 of which was uphill. We went from a running store in the 23rd St. shopping district up to Leif Erickson trail for another 3 miles before turning around and heading back. My running partner has gotten me into eating while running as an energy boost, the snack of choice has become peanut butter pretzels. What a great reward after 4-5 miles of running! 6-8 of them and I am ready to keep going. Now when I snack on them without running I feel guilty!

Today I headed into the rain. Our fall/winter weather is here. Rainy, windy. It wasn’t that bad. I have been fighting a slight cold and I was questioning whether or not I should even do it, but I decided I really should. I was bundled up and had my rain jacket on. In teh 6.5 miles I did, I never felt like I got too wet, so I think I was fine. Plus I think it is good to run when you feel under the weather. Certainly not a super long hard run, but a base run is just what the doctor ordered!

Rain!

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After a summer of dry heat it was a welcome change to have a wet run in the rain. The downside was it was still pretty warm and the combination made for a muggy energy sapping run. Still it was really nice and I totally enjoyed myself. It’s funny, my shirt felt so heavy being soaked. I felt like I was carrying around a ton of bricks with me. The light was really cool looking, I forget how much I like the light on cloudy days especially in the morning.

My feet are feeling the effects of running too quickly after injury. They don’t feel so bad before and during my runs, which is probably one of the reasons I have been pushing it. But after they have been really achy. Nothing aspirin doesn’t cure, but it is definitely a reminder that I need to take it easy on these runs. My feet are probably saying don’t run at all, but the rest of my body says ahhh go for it.

The first rains of the summer usually have a crushing effect on our yard making everything sag under the weight of the water. It also made the trails I run on a little treacherous with fallen branches. I had to stop several times and toss branches off to the side and out of the way of the next runner. I feel an obligation to the trails I run on to make it better for the next runner both in terms of a clear path and picking up garbage (especially in the canyon). I draw the line at dog poop though. I just can’t see carrying plastic baggies with me on my run and stopping to pick up crap, that’s taking responsibility a little too far. Especially when it isn’t being reciprocated.

Rain!

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After a summer of dry heat it was a welcome change to have a wet run in the rain. The downside was it was still pretty warm and the combination made for a muggy energy sapping run. Still it was really nice and I totally enjoyed myself. It’s funny, my shirt felt so heavy being soaked. I felt like I was carrying around a ton of bricks with me. The light was really cool looking, I forget how much I like the light on cloudy days especially in the morning.

My feet are feeling the effects of running too quickly after injury. They don’t feel so bad before and during my runs, which is probably one of the reasons I have been pushing it. But after they have been really achy. Nothing aspirin doesn’t cure, but it is definitely a reminder that I need to take it easy on these runs. My feet are probably saying don’t run at all, but the rest of my body says ahhh go for it.

The first rains of the summer usually have a crushing effect on our yard making everything sag under the weight of the water. It also made the trails I run on a little treacherous with fallen branches. I had to stop several times and toss branches off to the side and out of the way of the next runner. I feel an obligation to the trails I run on to make it better for the next runner both in terms of a clear path and picking up garbage (especially in the canyon). I draw the line at dog poop though. I just can’t see carrying plastic baggies with me on my run and stopping to pick up crap, that’s taking responsibility a little too far. Especially when it isn’t being reciprocated.

Six runs in a row with rain

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One thing I do that I would recommend to every runner is to keep a dairy of your runs. Many people write everything down in a journal, I wish I did that actually so I could have a permanent (as permanent as paper is) record of my running. I use an electronic running diary that I got for free. It keeps a little database on my hard drive and keeps track of things like route, type of run, how I was feeling, weather, distance and time. It also keeps track of what shoes I am wearing which is great to easily pull up how many miles you have burned through. So, I bring this up cause I noticed that today was the sixth rainy run in a row I have done. Sounds like running in Portland in the fall. Today’s wet weather run was a lot different than my nice drizzle yesterday. Today was colder, windier and the rain was coming down harder for about 3/4s of the run. I was bundled up with my tights, gloves, cold weather shirt and rain jacket. It felt great at first, but about halfway through I was too hot. First off came the gloves, then I had to stop to take off my cold weather shirt. I sometimes feel like a one-man band with everything hanging off of me, bandanna, water bottle, jacket or shirts tied around my waist, radio, hats, etc.

I use a site reporting tool on my blog that gives me pretty detailed reports about who visits, how long they stay, how they got there and search terms if they used a search engine. The two most popular sets of terms for arriving here are “bee stings ms” and “numb foot ms”. I don’t know that I will explore the bee stings more, but I am sure to write more about numb feet and my issues with it. It amazes me the global reach that blogs have, I have readers (well people who found the blog anyway) from all over the world.

Six runs in a row with rain

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One thing I do that I would recommend to every runner is to keep a dairy of your runs. Many people write everything down in a journal, I wish I did that actually so I could have a permanent (as permanent as paper is) record of my running. I use an electronic running diary that I got for free. It keeps a little database on my hard drive and keeps track of things like route, type of run, how I was feeling, weather, distance and time. It also keeps track of what shoes I am wearing which is great to easily pull up how many miles you have burned through. So, I bring this up cause I noticed that today was the sixth rainy run in a row I have done. Sounds like running in Portland in the fall. Today’s wet weather run was a lot different than my nice drizzle yesterday. Today was colder, windier and the rain was coming down harder for about 3/4s of the run. I was bundled up with my tights, gloves, cold weather shirt and rain jacket. It felt great at first, but about halfway through I was too hot. First off came the gloves, then I had to stop to take off my cold weather shirt. I sometimes feel like a one-man band with everything hanging off of me, bandanna, water bottle, jacket or shirts tied around my waist, radio, hats, etc.

I use a site reporting tool on my blog that gives me pretty detailed reports about who visits, how long they stay, how they got there and search terms if they used a search engine. The two most popular sets of terms for arriving here are “bee stings ms” and “numb foot ms”. I don’t know that I will explore the bee stings more, but I am sure to write more about numb feet and my issues with it. It amazes me the global reach that blogs have, I have readers (well people who found the blog anyway) from all over the world.