My alarm went off at 3:45 this morning. I lay around for a few minutes and I gradually realized that it was pouring outside. Was today's workout going to be a total washout? It would all depend on whether this was just rain...or if it was a massive storm. I don't mind going out in rain...but I avoid lightning at all costs. I had a 3 hour run planned, so I would have to plan ahead.
I got up...had my coffee, and then checked out the weather forecast on the internet. I usually check out a couple of sights to see if they are both saying the same thing. This morning there was a weather alert...passing storms and a Tornado Watch! High winds, driving rain, and the possibility of funnel clouds. Great. It looked like this storm would end soon, and then I would have two hours before the next storm came by. This would mean I would just be out in the rain for an hour. If there was serious lightning I could always dodge for cover under any of the nearby condos I pass along the way back.
I headed outside just before 7am. It looked nice out! It usually takes me about 25 minutes to jog to the beach. The sun was rising above the ocean and not a funnel cloud to be seen! I headed south down the beach. What a beautiful day! Running in the sand is a great workout, but I always have the mountains in my mind. I keep thinking about the irony of training at sea level for a race in the alps. Crazy.
Speaking of crazy. I pass through a nude beach on my way down south. At this time of day there were only a few people out. I try to keep my eyes glued to the ground in front of me...but you know how that goes. I saw a guy walking straight toward me and he had a sweatshirt on over a T shirt to keep warm in the early morning hours. But he wasn't wearing any pants...go figure that one out! I don't understand the attraction of nude sunbathing...but each to their own I guess.
The only obstacle along this route is that I have to go over a "hill" to cross the inlet. This cat seemed to like being on camera!
I continued on down a tree-lined path. So far I had passed Sunny Isles beach, Haulover Beach and was heading toward Bal Harbor. Who knew there were so many separate beaches...and all of them with names. Before I moved here I was familiar with Fort Lauderdale Beach and that was about it. But there are hundreds and hundreds of named beaches. I have run along many of them.
After an hour-and-a-half it was time to turn around and head back North. Again, what a beautiful sight...and no storm seemed at hand. They were supposed to be rolling in from the West but I didn't see anything coming.
I am trying out a new watch for my upcoming race. The Tor des Geants (www.tordesgeants.it) requires you to have an altimeter on you. I have always worn a Timex Ironman watch...so it seemed like a no-brainer to buy the Timex with the altimeter. I really like this watch. It is simple to use, easy to read, seems to be pretty accurate...and was fairly cheap!
I crossed over the last bridge before home and decided that I really had to try out this new sports bar that has opened up on the water. What a great place to hang out! The only problem is finding the time...maybe in late September? No, I had to get out before that...come on...a person has to have some kind of life apart from training!
My poor nose ran the entire time....it is really annoying. I can't just blow it because it is still so sore and I have stitches. So I have to very gently wipe it with my sleeve. It is a little niggly problem that begins to grow on you...and you have to call into play your mental toughness to just ignore the constant drip, drip, drip. And I still can't breathe through it. The smallest things can begin to drive you nutty when you are running. But it is always good to be tested I guess.
But...when you live in Miami...how can anything bother one for long...Life is a beach here!
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