Puddle Game

I have always been a firm believer in training in all kinds of weather. The reason for that belief is that you really never know what type of weather you might encounter for a race. Usually, running in all types of weather pays off. If you have been training in the wind and rain, you will run a better race if those conditions meet you on race day. If you have been training in cold weather, then a cold weather race will be something that your body say, "Ok, I know how to do this let's go!". I really believe that you should take on whatever weather comes along. That is with the exception of lightning. Stop, find shelter.

But that's not where I am really going with all of this. Yesterday, it rained. Yes, I ran. Yes, there were puddles in the streets. I was on the sidewalk most of the time during my run so I was avoiding the major collections of water. Then it started. It seems as though runner+puddle= great time for drivers/cars. It might be my imagination, but I was sure that drivers were finding great sport in seeing just how wet they could get me. I could hear them coming up behind me, gritting their teeth, almost aiming for that puddle that would totally soak the runner on the sidewalk. They were very successful. It isn't the first time. It has happened many times.

So I have decided to start assigning points to the splash. If they want to play games, I can too. Ok, here goes. Car vs. Runner. The car gets 5 points if the splash hits just the shoe area. 10 points if the car gets sock and ankle area. 20 points anything else waist down. Full body soak and the car gets 50 points. There, that works well. So yesterday, after a brief 6 mile run, I was soaked from the waist down. It didn't happen all at once. Of course I kept score. Then I realized that I had no way to get any points. Not good! So, I need to develop a plan of attack.
Any suggestions?

Coming soon to this blog, Car vs. Runner: Runner gets points!

Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!