Boston -54 -- Thu. Feb. 25

Missed my morning run, partly from work chores I couldn't put off, and partly as the weather was pouring rain on slush--not enticing enough to get me to squeeze a run in. Took gear to work, figuring I might run home, but by 7 it was storming pouring again. Ouf. So, geared up after working till just after 9, then out: rain slicker with hat under it, gloves, and shorts, as I figured longs would just get soaked. Aiming for 4-5 laps of campus, 10+ miles, at a mild pace. Went out and immediately buffeted by the wind and driving rain; pretty chilly, though fortunately not sleet. First lap cold, and the whole area being dug up at the Hamlin crossroads meant I had to run in the road, then through a deep snowbank--so on the backstraight already soaked, but wind behind me meant I felt warm under my hat (almost pleasant). Pace was average 7:30s, so I figured I'd hold that, partly to stay warm, but also as the course is a pretty fast one really. Aiming to stay relaxed anyhow, not push, and just see how long I could keep it going without drowning (!). Lap 2 I tried to find another way round Hamlin, cutting inside Lederle, but that shortened the lap, so lap 3 I tried going outside, on the other side of the road. That was better, running right in front of Hamlin before crossing back. Lap 4 I was feeling a bit tired, but completing 9.8 miles I felt pretty good, on pace for 7:30s, maybe a bit better, so I did the extra lap. Then back into office (stopped clock meanwhile) to get car keys, and then down to car as a final bit, bringing the totals thus:

Time: 1:28:22
Distance: 11.98 miles
Pace: 7:23s

Comment: The day after, today, I've been so sore I can't believe it! Not sure what the source was: is running in the rain so different? Meh, I go the miles, with two sub-7:00s and one 7:00 flat (on the first half of the lap, which is always faster). Onward and upward!