A test of strength and will

I woke up early today, as I have been for the past several months. The plan was, of course, to putt around a bit and then go for my run. I checked the weather network online, and they assured me that I could expect "light rain" when I stepped outside. I got geared up, happy that it was 13 degrees outside. Then I took a good look out there. Light rain, my ass! The rain was pelting down and the wind was blowing. I stood there for a moment, looking out. I considered the alternatives - I could stay inside my nice warm, dry house, maybe do a little Pilates or some yoga. As I stood there thinking about that, from deep inside a little voice started screaming, "BUT I WANT TO RUN!!!!!!!!" It was a voice I couldn't ignore. I knew that this moment was a test of what I am made of. Am I runner, or not?

Dammit, I am a runner. This, I know.

I took a deep breath and got myself out there. Yeah, it was wet and windy and everything I expected it be. I couldn't take my music because it was so wet, so the only sounds I had to carry me along were my own breathing, my feet splashing through the puddles, and the traffic whizzing by. I was soaked in a matter of minutes. It was so dark that I couldn't even attempt to avoid the puddles - I sloshed straight though them. My wet clothes weighed me down. At one point the wind blew so hard that I had to come to a dead stop to wait for the gust to die down. My legs grew tired and heavy. The wind blew and the rain stung my face.

I have never felt more alive.