In the mornings from 6:30 to 8:00 there was always a run or some other exciting event to wake us up. This morning it was raining a lot and they scheduled a run around the lake. Great. We met with the students on poolside near the drying room.

Most of us wore running tights and jerseys or tee-shirts, socks and runnung shoes. Some of the students preferred anoraks or hoodies. I decided to wear running tights with a lycra top and a big hoodie.

Instructions

The instructor explained that hoodies and jogging suits were good for hard rain run training because they get heavy when wet and he suggested to take a shower before the run. He also said that rainwear might get too hot as we run. Finally he advised us of a muddy stretch about one third into the run which was good fun for mud sliding.

Some of students followed his advice and went to the shower to get their clothes soaked with warm water right from the start of the run. I chose to get wet slowly in the rain.

Down the Trail

Then we all headed down the trail, turned left and ran around the peanut shaped lake. After a few minutes running in the heavy rain we were all soaked through to the skin. That looked great, especially those in wet hoodies which slopped around as they ran.

Mud Slide

We reached the muddy stretch. Many of us dived in into the mud, sliding down the hill into a big mud pit. I went down once on my front and twice on my back. My hoodie was heavy with mud after that. We all looked a right mess after that as we carried on along the trail.

Run or Swim ?

Halfway down the lake was a narrow bit, about 100 meters wide. Near that point we were offered the choice between the full run and a shortcut which involved a swim through the lake. Most of us took the shortcut.

It was exciting to see so many people jump into the lake in their running kit. Now was my turn. I ran onto the small jetty and jumped in. Wow, what a refreshing feeling! It was very easy to swim in running clothes, only the shoes slowed me down a bit..

As I reached the other side I slowed down to watch the people in front of climb out of the water and running up the trail, their wet clothes glistening in the morning sun, shining through a gap in the clouds.

Showers and Warm-up Swim

We ran back up to the pool and headed for the showers, after taking the dirty shoes off. It was so busy that most people shared a shower. The instructor said we should carefully rinse off all the dirt and then jump into the pool to warm up.

Moments later we were all floating around in the pool, dressed in our running kit, relaxing from the run. It was a funny feeling swimming with socks on. Now I know why the Germans enjoy that so much; I always wondered why they wear socks in the water.