Rain run.

Waking up to a gloomy morning, it's hard to get out of bed and muster up the energy and motivation to go for a run. All it takes is a few rain sprinkles and my mind hurries to think of something else I would rather be doing than going for a run in the rain. I could read that new book I picked up, get an early start in the studio, fold some laundry, but no. Part of committing to running outside means actually following through.

Ever since the weather's turned somewhat decent I've decided to stop running on the treadmill and actually hit the pavement. Basically because it's more challenging. And exciting.

With new tennis shoes, and 1.5% of my normal motivation, I set off this AM for a 4-miler. No big deal but it's the getting out there that's the challenge. I decided to run to the dilapidated swing in the woods a few miles away. Once I got there, I looked around to make sure no one was watching and grabbed on to the PVC pipe handle (wet with rain, mind you) and ran off the ledge, swinging wildly in the rain like a chimpanzee.

And now you ask, was it worth it? Running with blurred eyesight? Wet clothing? Smudges on your new tennis shoes? Freezing hands? My answer is yes, it was.

There is something about the rhythm of your feet hitting the sidewalk, jumping over puddles, no one else insight. I feel like this it the way nature is intended to look, gradually becoming more alive, more green and refreshed with a morning shower of raindrops.