Run before the rain

Today's run (street): 4.15 miles 

Today's weather is supposed to include soaking rains starting some time this morning. I thought that after yesterday's 8 mile training run that I might stay inside, especially if it was going to pour. I've been thinking about my conditioning gaps and what work I should be doing to prepare for the half marathon. An article I just read in the March Runner's World focused on the glutes and how they affect running performance. I've often thought that this is a weak spot for me and I'm constantly planning to do the core exercises that will build up my gluteus muscles. I figured that today was as a good a day as any so that was my plan.

When I got up I saw that the rains hadn't started so I changed my mind and went out around 6:30 AM for a neighborhood run. The Sunday morning streets were quiet and the skies were getting cloudy but I managed to get through my miles before the rain started to fall. While there wasn't any precipitation, the winds were stiff and it felt like 75% of the time I was was running against them. I started off feeling energized, somewhat surprising after covering so many base-building miles yesterday at Bethpage.

After a while the wind resistance and my actual energy level caught up and it started to feel like a tough run. I'd planned to run 3-4 miles today and I ended up keeping to that distance. My pace was decidedly slow - about 9:50 - but between the wind resistance and some built up fatigue it made sense. I'm thinking of doing some core exercises later to work on those glutes.

Finally, my friend FS was planning to run the Coogan's Salsa, Blues, and Shamrocks 5K / Kids' Races this morning. I hope that was a good experience and not too wet. The course is run around Ft. Tryon Park and the Cloisters, an especially scenic area. Happy Sunday. I'm glad I missed the rain.