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# Don’t have enough sense to come in out of the rain
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/dont-have-enough-sense-to-come-in-out-of-the-rain/
- Published: 2004-10-23T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-25T01:11:23.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Pico, #archive-import

*EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT*

*By THADDEUS REICHLEY*

Apparently, I should watch what I wish for. Since I moved here a few months ago from Colorado, the biggest thing I have had to adjust to is the weather, or lack thereof, here in Santa Monica. I love seasons, and growing up in Seattle I have an appreciation for a good old-fashioned rain. However, this recent stretch of weather is a little out of control. I saw a guy walking a pair of dogs last night and got scared. I think my reaction is exacerbated by the fact that it is so different from the idyllic weather conditions I have so quickly become accustomed to. It is amazing how quickly we let ourselves get spoiled, begin to take things for granted, and if we are not careful even get a little soft.

I admit that I actually had a moment last night where I thought about not going for my daily run because it was raining. Hell, I used to go for weeks in Seattle without ever once seeing the sun, and in Colorado I would often come back from runs with icicles hanging from my eyelashes. And yet, here I was contemplating wimping out because of a few lousy raindrops. What was I thinking? Have I really become that much of fair-weather exerciser? No way. I quickly threw on the old runners and headed out the door, and I didn’t even wear a jacket.

It quickly became obvious that many other people were struggling with the same dilemma, having much less success. My route for the evening took me along Ocean Avenue, down to Pico Boulevard, and then onto the boardwalk. Usually this run is crowded almost to annoyance by a myriad of other exercise enthusiasts, but yesterday I felt like I was out after curfew. I saw a few joggers along Ocean, but once on the boardwalk it was pretty deserted. Though I rather enjoyed my personal stretch of coastline, I couldn’t help but wonder where everyone was. Then, on my way home, I ran past a house and saw something really depressing. A man was in his living room … on a treadmill.

I don’t want to bad mouth anyone who chooses to workout indoors. Some of my best friends are indoor exercisers, and at least you all work up a sweat. I am here more to campaign for the great outdoors and all of its moods. Most people live here because of the pleasant weather and not for the rain. And it is true, rain may not be ideal for a lot of activities. I will tell you that I would think twice about hopping on my bike for a ride in the weather we have been having lately (I don’t trust the drivers around here in this crap). But there is really nothing quite like a puddle hopping, soaked-to-the-bone, rain-in-your-face run. It really makes you feel like a kid again. And, it gives you an excuse to have a big cup of hot chocolate when you are done.

I finished my run yesterday wet but happy. I probably didn’t go quite as far as I would have on a sunny day, and my pace was a little slower, but I had the satisfaction of knowing that some of the moisture in my clothes was sweat and not rain. I had overcome my initial lack of motivation and gone out there for another day.

As I sit here typing, a steady rain is falling outside and I am excited about it. I can’t wait to get home and throw on my shorts for another soggy slog around the block. But if it’s raining tomorrow, I’m going to the gym! (Thaddeus Reichley is a pro triathlete and middle school teacher living and training in Santa Monica. Send questions, comments and concerns to).

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 23, 2004.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/102304.pdf?ref=smdp.com)