It's Raining Ham

Ran 20, maybe 25 minutes yesterday during the lunch hour at work yesterday. I was supposed to meet some relatives from overseas in the evening for dinner, but they forgot. I’m not really bothered, except for the fact that I’d had to plan my running this week around their wavering timetable – on the days I have to take the train to work and then meet people in the evening, I don’t want to be carrying my shoes with me – so I was a bit miffed to have been messed around, even if people are coming from overseas. It sounds cruel and unappreciative, but I’m sorry, that’s just how I am. I like to at least know what I’m doing two days ahead, and I don’t like to be unnecessarily messed around.

Had a good run anyway. I discovered a relatively quiet route around the river. The only downside to it is that I don’t have the necessary technology to Garminize the distance run, but sometimes it’s not about the numbers, it’s about the personal time out.

Was intending to go running again this afternoon, but I think I would benefit more from weights and stretching – the latter especially. My hamstrings are tight and could do with some door-frame TLC. My knees have also started to remind me that I am just about in the red when it comes to our weekly mileage agreement, so best for them to have a rest.

In any case, it’s raining and looks to stay that way for a while, so that’s that.

I am reminded of Massoman’s quotes about rain, which I feel makes a lot of sense: “Rain is not for running in. I may finish in the rain, but that’s a different matter altogether.” (Or something to that extent.) I understand the need to work through discomfort, complacency, procrastination and things like that when it comes to running – you need to kick yourself out the door, run, and get used to lungs screaming “Oxygen!” and strive to run further – and I know adversity of any sort develops determination, tenacity and fortitude. But life, to me at least, isn’t about going through the wall all the time. I don’t believe in constantly challenging myself, to put myself under pressure all the time. There is a balance to be struck between extending yourself and keeping on the safe side. Sometimes you have to accept life’s limitations in whatever form they come by, without feeling you’re a procrastinating loser. If it’s raining heavily, some people might lace up, but I won’t, because I don’t see the need to risk catching a cold just to prove “I’m a rain runner.” And I won’t be bothered if people think I am soft, or say I have let the weather dictate my training. On some days I might go out just because I fancy running in the rain.

But today’s not one of those days.

And I am fine with that.

Think whatever you will.