Rain Run.

Short of an actual baptism, there is nothing in life more cleansing and renewing that a vigorous warm summer rain run.

I've managed to squeeze in a few good ones in the last few days, and today was no exception. For 4 glorious miles, I pounded the pavement, rain pouring down my face, while I sung along (at high volume) to my favorite Beyonce jams. While the rain run has many benefits, the most immediate is the ability to sing along at high volume to your ipod, because with all likelihood, you're the only sucker crazy enough to be hanging out in the rain.

I don't know if it's the religious undercurrents, or just human nature, but it just feels so right to get soaking wet. Not in the, oh I'm so hot I would just die to run under a sprinkler sense, but to really just feel doused with water, dripping and heavy, so that you can barely look up. I guess it's sort of empowering to feel this force of nature pushing against you, while you shore up your mental and physical arsenal, and push back. But it's got to be water; wind and snow just aren't the same.

Water has a very special place in the human consciousness. It nourishes our bodies, it's a symbol of purity and holiness. The earth is 70% water, and our bodies are 60% water. It allows us to travel, and is symbolic of great distance and great unknown. Beaches conjure up memories of good times and sunsets, lakes bring us back to summer camp.

To quote the most eloquent waiter, from whom I've ever requested a glass of water:

Ah, yes, water. That which gives us life, and without which, we would not be.

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