Lessons in Surprise

Today, I tested my knee.

Today, I set out under tumultuous skies and promised myself that the moment my knee started to give me challenges, I would stop and walk.

Today, that moment came at mile 1.5

And shortly after that moment, came the rain.

I'm not talking about a drizzle. I'm talking about a downpour. Not one minute after I stopped running.

Really?

It started as a gentle pitter-patter, but in the distance I heard the encroaching roar of a deluge. The sound of thousands of fat raindrops sluicing through trees.

As a perennial procrastinator, I often struggle with discipline. Distance running has certainly increased my capacity for it, but I'm still the "Oh-sure-I'll-have-another-beer-and-another-slice-of-pizza" gal or the "I'll-just-read-one-more-chapter-before-I-start-that-task" lady. 

As the first drops hit my head, I thought to myself, If I start running, I'll be home in four minutes. My shoes (new, mind you) won't get too wet. 

But the other voice, the voice that has been trying to protect my knee, warned Your knee can't handle it. You will regret it. 

In the minute it took for this exchange to take place, I was soaked.

I lifted my hands up, tilted my head back, laughed aloud, and enjoyed the sound of the rain in the trees.

Of course, the moment I made it home - literally, as I was standing on the front porch, peeling my sopping socks from my feet and wringing them out - the rain stopped, the setting sun lighting the sky. 

Lesson learned: sometimes, no matter what may crop up, hold fast to the plan, don't lose sight of the vision, and trust.

And, enjoy the sudden rainstorm.

PS Yes, I have not yet been to see an official member of the medical profession regarding this knee challenge. I have embarked upon an intimate relationship with my foam roller. Knots, knots, and more knots seem to be plaguing my IT bands and tightness in my hamstrings doesn't help matters. I'm giving myself one more week.