The Wet Mile

It was only mile #2, but I think I enjoy running in the rain. If anything, it masks a good amount of sweat. And I’m a sweater. During mile #1 a gnat died on my forehead. Not because of the sheer speed at which I was running (yes, that’s a joke), but because it drowned. The rain was a nice, welcome change.

There will be an environmental shift for mile #3 too. It’s about 20 degrees cooler than it was yesterday. I can’t decide if that’s a good thing or not. For the sweating, it seems like a plus. For the labored breathing, I’m not looking forward to it. I remember growing up playing soccer in this weather. It takes its toll on the lungs.

Mile #2 wasn’t as bad as a thought it would be. It was still a struggle and I was more than exhausted when I crossed the imaginary finish line, but the exhaustion didn’t last as long. Not long after, my body regained equilibrium and my face returned to its normal, non-fire-engine-red color. I’m not saying I’m suddenly good to go after only two days, but there was noticeable improvement.

What is interesting is the sensation I’ve begun to feel in my right knee. Sensation is a nice way of saying pain. I’ve had problems with my knees in the past so the feeling was nothing new, but it came back about halfway through mile #2. Good to know it’s still there and kicking. My hope is that it’s just adjusting to the fact that I’m not immediately retiring to the couch after work anymore.

The first two days weren’t easy, but I got through them in one piece (even if my thighs are screaming at me). Between breaths, I think about Mo when I run. $2 isn’t much, but it’s a start and I’m sure she’s somewhere smiling.