With a rainfall warning advisory in effect from Environment Canada, I was not surprised to find myself greeted with torrential rain for today’s run. It was the kind of weather a duck might like. A mad duck.
But it was mild, at least — about 8ºC. I wore two layers and almost felt a single layer may have sufficed. Still need the gloves, though, even if they eventually got thoroughly soaked in the process.
I was startled to find another jogger running clockwise around the path when I began but she disappeared after about 10 minutes. Two others showed up but they both also left after only a brief stay. I can’t say I blame them as the first 6 km of the run was a very hard rain with gusting wind. Strangely, at the 6k mark the sky brightened and the sun came out for a few moments while the rain still pounded down. On each lap the trail morphed as puddles grew and spread. It became a virtual obstacle course by the 3/4 mark with me nimbly hopping around, over and sometimes just straight through the water. The rains eventually eased up and for a few km actually stopped. By the end they resumed but with most of their vigor gone.
Unlike the previous run, I felt good on this one and the last stretch did not seem interminable. I finished by running a wee bit father and a little bit faster, so I’m happy with the results.
My shoes and socks are thoroughly soaked and muddy. The people who make laundry detergent will be pleased.
And what’s a run in the park without some new weird object to behold? Today it was this in the middle of the field:
That would be a floor buffer. Looked to be on good shape, if a little damp. Again, people are weird.
Results:
Total distance: 10.08 km (previous: 10.03 km)
Average time/km: 5:44/km (previous: 5.50/km)
Best time/km: 5.22/km (previous: 5.10/km) — I blame the unpredictable condition of the trail for the slower time here. Took a few laps to fully suss out the best way to navigate the watery ways.