8km Easy, Tropical Rainstorm...

I almost forgot about going for a run yesterday. After Saturday's effort just to get out for a run - my mind must have thought that that was enough for a few days. Then there was the distraction of watching the cricket on TV (England in Pakistan).

But as I looked at my watch at about 5.45pm, thinking "mmm, I'm getting hungry" - I suddenly decided to get the gear on and go out for a run.

I almost turned around and went back, because it was just starting to rain as I stepped out of the door. I looked at the sky and saw that it was likely to develop into a late afternoon tropical rainstorm.

My Imaginary Friend wasn't fussed. He just set off at his metronomic 6:00/km pace, calling out "see you in 8km".

So I pressed on. And the rain increased, and the wind, and then it started to hail - those little tiny hailstones that feel like pins as they hit your skin. It was hard going as the wind and rain / hail was fierce, but I just pulled down my cap and kept to the easy pace - didn't get too stressed and thankfully avoided increasing the speed to try to get it over and done with.

When I turned with my back to the weather, it became much easier - although by that stage I was drenched and couldn't avoid the puddles, so it was like running with an extra 5 kg (probably good training).

After about 4km, I had thoughts of binning it after 6km and had to battle with my mind to keep going. I was pleased to finish the full 8km in 46:35 - that's 5:46/km pace - so a little faster than intended, but it felt comfortable.

So even with just 2 consecutive days of running, I feel like I'm back into the routine. I plan to get out at least 3 evenings this week, just keeping to the easy paced schedule.