A few months ago, I started a structured, 60-week running program to train for the 2009 Music City Marathon and Half Marathon, and the benefits have been welcome additions to my world. I feel better. My health and fitness has improved. I sleep better. And I've almost reached my original goal pace for the running event (may need to re-establish that goal pace).

So far in the program, my long run has been 7 miles. The thought of running this distance eight weeks ago was quite daunting, but the program steadily increases with end goals in mind. After running the 2005 Music City Half Marathon, I'm mentally accustomed to the distance, but my cardiovascular strength and joint health after over two years of inactivity posed as limiters to reaching this distance.

After this week's 6-mile run at competition pace, the training plan for today called for an easy 2-mile jog for recovery. Two whole miles. "Whoopdidoo" is my general response to short easy runs; however, they are beneficial for overall fitness progress, and, as I was reminded today, for other benefits as well. After lacing up my shoes, plugging in the iPod, and leashing up our furry girl Sundae for the short, easy run, Sundae and I are heading to the greenway, enjoying the fresh air rinsed clean from overnight rains. Puddles still on the road.

Just over a half-mile in, here comes the rain. Gentle sprinkles at first, so we moved to the tree-covered side of the neighborhood greenway trail. “Another mile and a half, Sundae. Let’s see if we can stay dry or if this rain will blow over quickly.” That was my first reaction. The rain continued and gently increased to a steady rain.

Then, the aforementioned “benefit” occurred to me. When I was a boy, the opportunity to play in the rain was welcome and seized upon. At what point in my lifetime did I lose that boyhood thrill? Why are we grown-ups so averse to spontaneity? Time to be a boy again. Time to continue running in the rain, away from the tree canopy, out in the open where I would get covered in rain … completely soaked.

I turn 38 in three days. Big deal; I feel 28. Today, covered in rain on my seemingly insignificant 2-mile run, I felt 8. And it was good.