Like a True Washingtonian

...I ran in the pouring rain with Kerrie this morning! We met at 7am near the Cedar River Trail and we were the crazy ones going for a long run in the rain. Ah yes, in true Seattle style! So far, the 11 miler this morning is my longest run to date...and I have Kerrie to thank for keeping me motivated. Afterward, my body was like "um, that was harsh and I'm freezing," BUT the time seriously flew by. Sweetness!

We stopped briefly at Lake Washington to take a little breather before turning back, and Kerrie took our picture. Thank goodness for hats!It was seriously freezing outside, and the rain just did not let up once. The trail was nearly washed out when it was right next to the river, and it reminded me a lot of my Rome adventures. We saw some ducks, and one was contemplating running with us, but I think he was too fast, so we gracefully declined. He gave as a knowing "quack" and went for a swim instead. I wouldn't have gone in that water...show off.

Towards the end of the run, we ran into another blogger that was in town for the weekend...yes, we're crazy runners that gravitate towards each other! L.B. was a few miles into his 18-miler for the day, and as a native of California, I'm sure this weather was a new experience for him. :) It was fun running into another blogger! Seriously, running with a buddy just makes the time fly.

So, right after I was telling Kerrie about my run with Liz & Amy a few weeks ago where Amy's pants were "foaming at the knees," guess what my capris did??? Foamed! HAHAHAHAHA! It was hilarious! I've only washed those suckers once, so apparently I need to use less detergent too. (Thanks for the pictures, Kerrie!) ;)

Rockin' the foamy knees!

The total time for the run was 1:58:09, 11 miles, 10:44/mile pace. Kerrie ROCKED the end and we were cruising a 9:15 pace for a good 3/4 mile. She's faster than she thinks, folks! I do need to learn how to get mile splits from Gus (Garmin Forerunner 305). Anyone know how?

A couple things:
* I need to invest in gloves, I had perma-claw hands after the run and had to start my car with my wrists! I just couldn't get warm! When I was 7 minutes from home, I called Trav and asked him to start a bath for me...perfection.
* My blue "superhero" compression shirt is actually for hot weather, and it is designed to keep you cool. Heh. Guess that's why I couldn't get warm? Go figure.
* Peanut butter toast is now my favorite pre-run food.
* My Nathan water bottle erupts from the straw regardless what liquid I put in it. Good thing I was running two hours in the rain, or else it would look like I peed my pants. WIN.

It seriously was a lot of fun, and now I'm definitely not as nervous for next week's Half. Bring it!

[Kerrie's recap is pretty hilarious, so be sure to check it out here]