Week The Third - Straights and Curves (In the Rain?)

First off, repeat after me: this week's Tuesday workout is at the Austin High Track. At the end of this post, I'll put up different directions and parking options.

This week, we're doing something pretty similar to the work we've been doing, but we're stepping up to the track, which I think is a lot of fun. I think it makes everyone feel like they're releasing their inner Michael Johnson, which sounds completely inappropriate, but would have sounded worse had I not inculded his first name.

I hear a theoretical tiny, tinny, whiny voice crying out, "But what if it's raining?" Easy - we run in it. Aside from lightning, there's no reason not to run in the rain, and every reason to do it.

Races are run rain or shine - they, like us, will only cancel for lightning or major meteor strike at the start/finish area. What good would it do you to train in ideal conditions, just to show up and have to run in the rain? Very little. And if you think you're not all hardcore about running a race - when you slap down your $25 or $30 or whatever for the Race for the Cure or Cap 10K, you'd be pretty lame to turn tail and go home because it's raining.

It's an exercise in commitment - If you're going to let moisture stop you from training and putting in the work, then what else are you going to let stop you? Not having clean socks? Everyone Loves Raymond reruns? Do you want to be someone who gives in that easily? Do you want to be someone that loves Raymond? No, you don't.

It's freakin' epic - Pounding the pavement or the track or the trail in a downpour, you feel like you're in the middle of a Rocky training montage, or in the climactic scene of a movie. you can pretty much hear the orchestra churning along with you. People drive by you, and those that don't "get it" may think you're an idiot, but the many who do "get it" will think you're a bad-ass, and maybe they'll think about their own level of commitment.

So, tomorrow, rain or shine - anything but lightning, a decision I'll make at 6:30.

All this is not to say you shouldn't be prepared. Bring dry clothes and shoes to change into afterwards. Wet shoes and socks make for wet skin, which increase the chances of blistering - use some Bodyglide or Vaseline on your arches and anywhere else you tend to rub in your shoes.

And, if you have any questions, call me - 796. 0448. (I'm a little paranoid about the internet...)

Getting to Austin High's track:

From Southbound Mopac:

• Exit at Lake Austin Blvd.
• Continue down the access road, through Lake Austin Blvd., past RunTex
• At Stephen F. Austin Drive at the bottom of the hill, either park under the bridge in the dirt to your left, find street parking, or park in the lots around the tennis center.

From Northbound Mopac:

• Take the 1st-5th Streets Exit)
• Stay to the left (towards 5th street)
• Turn left on 6th/lake Austin Blvd.
• Turn left at Run Tex
• At Stephen F. Austin Drive at the bottom of the hill, either park under the bridge in the dirt to your left, find street parking, or park in the lots around the tennis center.

From Downtown:

• Take Cesar Chavez west towards Mopac
• Veer right just past the Animal Shelter, before you go up the ramp to Mopac (this is known in running circles (pardon the pun) as the Dog Pound Loop
• Go under the overpass, then turn right on Stephen F. Austin drive - you'll see the track