Worst Run Ever?

This past weekend was a long one for me. On Friday I left Farmington for Springfield so I could wake up early on Saturday and head to Lamar and officiate the Class 2 Semi-Final State Football Playoff game; total drive time 275 miles almost 5 hours. Before I left mom and dad's in Aurora, 6 mile easy run. Immediately after the game return trip to Farmington; arrive 8:45 pm. Next day long run scheduled with only one problem; forecast calls for wind, rain, and dropping temps.

Let me preface with "I HATE the Treadmill". There was no way I was running inside for 16 miles. Besides, I figured if I toughed it out in the rain, then I could handle anything on race day in Houston. Let me also state "I HATE the Weather Channel". Once again they are nowhere close to actual weather.

I start the run in light sprinkles which is immediately followed by downpour, strong winds, and rapidly decreasing temperatures. I thought I would combat the elements by running in St. Joe Park which only led to one more problem: hills. By mile 4 I am shivering and miserable and considering turning around and my Ipod earbuds are going out, but for some reason of pride I keep going. By mile 9 my legs are beginning to rub, chafe, and I can not keep the fuel belt in place. Funny thing about running in the rain; you really never think about anything else but how bad the run sucks, which only makes the run worse. When I finally return to the car 15 miles - 2 hours later, and 20 degrees colder, I can no longer feel my hands. This is really the least of my concerns, except I can't get my hands to turn the key to start the car.

I have never ranked "bad" runs because I guess I never really think a run is all that bad, or I just forget about it quickly. But, if I had to, this one has to rank up there with worst run of all time. To top it all off, we went to the Rams game that afternoon and I think I would have rather been back out in the rain.

Weekly Recap: Monday 5 easy; Tuesday 9 hill repeats; Wednesday 7 easy; Thursday 9 tempo; Friday off; Saturday 6 easy; Sunday 15 long. Total 51 miles.