Running Through a Storm

This week Mother Nature provided a “first” in my preparing for the Peachtree Road Race.  

I’ve experienced cool temperatures, heat, humidity but never rain in getting ready for my first 10K. On Wednesday, I found myself running in a storm.

I didn’t plan on getting drenched. I was simply determined to get my run in.

A busy morning made late afternoon my only choice. A good forecast is a must when planning your run. However, from my years working at the Weather Channel, I know conditions can change quickly.

The day’s forecast called for a chance of rain or storms. This time of the year, a “chance” could mean a downpour in Marietta and bone-dry streets for Druid Hills and Emory.

My running paths are through the Candler Park, Edgewood and Kirkwood neighborhoods. Radio reports said storms rumbled north and west of the city. Despite darkening clouds overhead, I felt comfortable getting in a four mile run.

I headed out under gray skies. It was hot. Humidity made it sticky. I hate those conditions but the Peachtree is on the fourth of July so I’ve tried to get used to it.

About a mile into the run, conditions changed.

Winds picked up. The temperature fell. It actually made the run a little more comfortable. I pushed past the shops in Kirkwood.

I could hear thunder in the distance. Shortly after, I could see lightning followed by louder rumblings. I kept going up Hosea Williams Drive. As I reached the two mile point, the first drops fell. Then the rain started coming down faster, the wind blowing harder.

There was no place to go but under trees. That was not about to happen with lightning around.  

I wear glasses. So picture trying to run in streets, dodging ponding water, trying to see where you’re going through water covered lenses. Not easy.

I made it back to the Kirkwood shopping area and took shelter under a building overhang. I tried to wipe off my glasses.

The roughest part of the storm moved through quickly. Rain continued, but hey, I was already wet and I felt chilled just standing there.  So I moved on making it home dripping wet.

Running in the same area the next day, a downed tree blocked the street.  I don’t know how soon after my run the tree fell. It still makes me wonder about going out if there’s a “chance” for storms.

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