59F w/ steady rain. Objective: easy to moderate pace w/ a few form drills. I cannot even remember the last time it rained here. June maybe? As Cliff Mass explains, our region really isn't its stereotypically wet self in summer. But even this long drought is atypical. All the plants in the neighborhood seemed to be sighing with relief. It can be tricky to dress correctly for rain in the summer, when higher temperatures might make me too hot and getting soaked might make me too cold. Knowing I would be out in it for a while, I stayed conservative and went for warmth: my thinnest running tights, a long sleeve shirt of the thinnest fabric and closest fit, a nylon vest and gortex cap. There is no point in trying to stay dry; temperature control is everything. At the last minute, I also slipped on my thin Smartwool glove liners. Every single inch of me got soaked, but I was perfectly comfortable throughout the run. I believe my pace may have been hindered by carrying so much water, but I had a great time. When I was a little girl, if I ever was at home during the morning of a weekday (eg sick, school vacation), I remember my mother watching and following along with Jack LaLanne on TV. I still have an LP record of his that my mother had purchased to get some extra exercise when she couldn't watch the show (it's blue vinyl!). So I particularly enjoyed this little piece on Jack LaLanne. In addition to the powerful photos, there are two short videos embedded: the first about sugar consumption (as valid today as it was 50 years ago), and a self-improvement plan that is absolutely charming. If you need a smile this morning, I highly recommend them.
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