Running in the Rain

I dont know what happened to me last night. I had a race scheduled for the morning in Central Park. The NYRR 8000M race. A wierd distance right? Its an 8K. Now I have run 5Ks 10K, 4 milers, 5 milers, 1/2 marathons and full marathons-but never an 8K. I was so looking forward to it. And then when the weather hit and threatened menacingly to OH MY GOD...RAIN...... I wimped out. OUCH!!!!!! why oh why. I have run before in the rain. Last year i ran the Scotland Run...a 10 K in CP in the rain... I DIDNT MELT...and I ran the Liberty Half Marathon in the rain...and guess what..> I DIDNT MELT. Yes a little more challenging, but fun nontheless. Isnt what we runners live for the challenge? The challenge of running not against others...but against ourselves. Overcoming challenges and hardships. Its what running...and indeed life is all about. If you back down from one challenge...whose to say what others you will back down from. And so I am truly disappointed in myself. The lure of the extra sleep; of not taking that trek into NYC at 5:30 am in the rain; to find a parking spot, pick up my number at Road Runner on 89th street and 5th ave; get over to the start at 102nd St and run and then drive home in wet clothes; only to then have to go..yes to the Running Store to work a full day; that's what I gave in to...the lure of the blanket. Now as I reflect back...that was a big cop out by me. But a lesson learned.

Running is about challenges- about PERSONAL records; setting goals; doing our best to meet them; not being afraid of challenges or of defeat. Its about achievements and trying to do your best. Rain should not stop our quest to achieve.
Food for thought!!!!