Liquid Sunshine

My fundraising webpage: http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/pfchangs09/ayates

(Thanks to all who have donated so far. I'm up to $925 in donations that will help save lives!!!)

Ok, so if I had to choose between running in 100 degree weather or running in the rain, I think I would choose the rain. That said, I don't think I ever foresaw running in a hurricane. However, that is exactly what I did this morning!

Today's 8:00am run was scheduled for Haine's Point (the national park past the Jefferson Memorial and along the Potomac). When we stretched and warmed up at 7:45, there was really only a light drizzle. By the time our run was well under way, it started to come down harder. Andrea and I continued to keep each other's pace up, and chatted with ease about our families, education, and past jobs. The coaches cheered us on, calling out that the torrential downpour was just "liquid sunshine." Haha, sure. Still, I think the rain kept us cool and motivated, and we finished our 4 miles easily. We weren't really even out of breath, and I think we both could have gone farther!

When we got back to the parking lot the rain was really picking up and the wind was crazy. Many people were standing there barefoot because everyone's sneakers were soaked through, and the staff was signing people out under an umbrella. I did get my tote bag prize for already raising over $600 (woohoo!), and I was able to use it for some of my soaking wet stuff. I returned home looking like a drowned rat, but all in all it was actually fun! I'll post a couple of pictures once Erin and Keri send them to me.

For those of you wondering about the first week of school, it went really well. I was able transition nicely back to work, and I feel like I'm prepared for the weeks ahead. I'm still figuring out the running/work balance, but I'm getting there. I tried out the Bethesda buddy run, but it was just too far away. I may try the buddy run on the Mall on Thursday, but other than that I think I will stick to running on the Hill and maybe doing one run at home each week while it's still light out.

That's about it for now. This Hurricane Hannah survivor is going to go relax and enjoy a lazy, rainy Saturday on the couch! Check back soon for pictures!