I believe I entered a new realm of hard-coreness this past weekend. No, I didn’t run any farther than usual, I didn’t PR in spectacular fashion, and I definitely didn’t wear compression socks. But I did run in possibly the worst weather I’ve ever encountered on a race. Just showing up for the P.R.o.N.E. 5K on Boston’s Castle Island was an accomplishment, if I don’t say so myself. Indeed, I can’t believe how many runners came out, given the conditions. But then again, there were a number of small, fluffy enticements …
This raincoat-clad pug was the star of the show.
P.R.o.N.E. stands for Pug Rescue of New England, an organization I was beyond thrilled to support. I am the most dog-obsessed person I know who doesn’t actually own a dog. (I’m terribly allergic, which is the tragedy of my life.) Surely, only a pug-fest could draw so many people out of doors in such weather.
Awwwwwwwww.
I had been obsessively Googling the forecast all week, but sadly each time I checked, things looked more dire. It was raining only lightly when I left home, though, so I had some hope that things might improve.
They didn’t.
I was especially unprepared for the wind. As I walked with a fellow runner along the water towards the start area, I was shocked at how blowy it was. Then I realized we were traveling along part of the course, and I started to get The Fear. I am terrible at running in the wind. In the annals of things that make me quake in my sneakers, it lies somewhere in between hills and compression socks.
Water views!
As the runners milled around waiting for the start, the rain got heavier. Forget mid-run sweatiness, we were all soaked before we even began. (I wonder how much extra weight we were carrying thanks to our wet clothes and waterlogged sneakers. Makes me feel even more hard core.)
Blogging buddies!
I met up with the lovely Tiffany, who blogs at Cute Dogs & Hugs (check it out!), and her hubby. The three of us took off and squelched our way through the first mile without too much trouble. I was feeling pretty good, probably because it was nice and cool, and the rain didn’t bother me too much at the outset. I was so distracted by the damp that I forgot to turn on my watch, but Tiffany kept us updated on our pace and we were doing just fine.
However, the farther we got, the more uncomfortable – and no doubt scowly – I became. There were big puddles to jump over (no one told me this was an obstacle course!), and the rain started dripping from my cap into my eyes. Ouch.
And did I mention the wind? It was relentless for the duration, coming at us from all angles (except the back, of course), but became especially furious as we headed out along the exposed jetty. (It’s amusing that the body of water we were running around is called Pleasure Bay.) The rain slammed into us from the side, and I was sure my fluttering bib was going to meet a watery end. Tiffany and her hubby were amazing. If it weren’t for them, I probably would have walked sooner, but I didn’t want to shame myself on our first meeting.
Anyone got a hairdryer? (RT2 Photography)
I did end up walking briefly, but I was comfortable (in my severe discomfort) that I hadn’t brought too much shame upon the house of Stride and Joy – given the soggy circumstances.
The organizers did a great job with this event, despite the unfortunate weather. Mother Nature definitely owes them a do-over.
As an aside, I think I may finally have this race-photo business figured out. The key is to smile and wave. Even if you are feeling VERY scowly and your undies are completely filled with rainwater …
Twenty-four runs down, 28 (hopefully dry) runs to go.
The event: P.R.o.N.E. 5K
The location: Castle Island, Boston
The date: June 2, 2012
My time: 32.48 (pace: 10.35)
The cause: Pug Rescue of New England
The T-shirt: Red cotton with P.R.o.N.E. logo.
The aftermath: Bananas, brownies, muffins, a lot of rain
* The headline is from the movie Annie, when Daddy Warbucks (Albert Finney) enters his mansion just after Sandy the dog has just been given a bath. One of my all-time faves.
Stride and Joy 
You did well! I’m glad we were able to help you kick things up a notch and not walk as soon as normal. =) Hopefully our next meet up will be slightly less blowy! And my race picture is horrible… those definitely won’t be going on the blog!!
You guys definitely helped! The funny thing about that race photo is that I was feeling like absolute CRAP when it was snapped! 🙂
Well, you look happy!!
What a great cause – one of my friends is pug-obsessed and would love this race! – and well done for doing it in such awful weather!
Thanks! I was excited to see the dogs, and was surprised there were so many there considering the conditions. SO cute. I definitely want to do this one again next year.
Girl, you are hardcore! I’m not sure I would have raced in those conditions. Great job!
Ha, thanks! You may have if there were cute dogs involved! 🙂
And did I mention the wind? It was relentless for the duration, coming at us from all angles (except the back, of course)
EXACTLY! Headwind or crosswind, no push whatsoever, especially out on the causeway. I’ve run this same (roughly) course twice before, once on a sunny December day, once in rain and wind that was actually worse than Saturday’s, if you can picture it (someone said 40 mph winds, it probably wasn’t too much of an exaggeration). Put it this way: when I was on the far side of the bay, I looked over my right shoulder to see a seagull fighting its way against the wind, keeping pace with me.
To reply to my earlier comment, thanks! I was in fourth place for a while and I think I let myself get psyched out – could have held it, but I’m OK with seventh…this time. 😉
The pugs really made the race – I think the one in the yellow raincoat is named Princess Coco. Little sweethearts. I asked if first prize was a pug.
I’m sorry we missed each other, I should have coordinated a bit better. You definitely score hardcore points for this one! I’ll give you more advance notice if our race schedules match up in the near future. Take care!
Ha, Princess Coco! Priceless. She was quite something, although her owner said she was not at all happy that morning.
Seventh place is fantastic, especially in those conditions. That’s pretty funny about the seagull. I really did feel as though I was going to blow away on that jetty! Good times. 🙂
I’ll be expecting you to do a run to raise money for cats soon. You know, to maintain your journalistic integrity and neutrality on pet causes.
I’ll raise money for the cats as soon as I see them running a 5K.
HAHA!! Great shot. I also do a thumbs up whenever I see a camera, if I can get my thumbs up. Good for you, a rainstorm is a reason for me to stay inside. Congrats!!
Thanks!! I’ve got to remember to do the thumbs up. I love how that picture completely belies how I am feeling. 🙂 I think I definitely would have stayed it if it hadn’t been for the dogs. I don’t mind a little drizzle, but that was ridiculous!
Way to go! Not only was it windy and rainy in Boston this weekend, it was COLD! You should be very proud of yourself! (As a fellow Bostonian, I didn’t even want to walk to my car on Saturday, let alone run a 5k)
You’re right, I completely forgot how chilly it was! I think I was so overcome by the wind that I didn’t notice that my hands were turning blue! Needless to say I stayed in for the rest of the weekend! 🙂
You wear hardcore well, nice pic! Congrats on the race and supporting a good and cute cause. 🙂
Heehee, thanks! Maybe waterlogged and bedraggled works better than red-faced and sweaty!
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