Do you remember the fun you derived from playing in the rain when you were little? I do.
Growing up in Cebu, I used to wish for hard driving rain. When it does come, I would dash outside. I would climb trees or go up the roof of our house in Tabunok. I remember how warm the water felt on my face. I remember how invincible I felt surveying the rooftops of our neighbours. These are memories I treasure. I sometimes long to recreate these memories.
Last weekend, Sydney received a heavy downpour. A marathon man (my ex-boss) told me once how his best runs were in the wet. That statement stuck in my memory. So I thought last Sunday, why not capture the carefree feeling again.
I decided to run in the rain.
So I set out.
I felt like a daredevil. I challenged myself. I wanted to test my fitness.
It was exhilarating. It was refreshing. It was fun.
I started by wearing a jumper. But I shed it after 500 meters. I became warmer.
I used to fear slipping. But let me tell you. The pavement only becomes slippery if flowers or leaves are strewn along the footpath. Or if it is muddy. If you avoid those, then plain pavement will be rough enough and will provide sufficient traction despite being wet.
My rain was not a heavy downpour. It was a steady drizzle. Enough to keep me cool.
Try it sometime. Run in the rain. Be a child again.
Let’s see if my body holds up.
The next day, I woke up in normal spirits. No sneezing fits nor runny nose.
I’ll definitely run in the rain again.