Run Through the Puddles

If you’ve glanced at the forecast, it looks like we may be in for another rainy weekend. Now, normally, that might put a damper on things (no pun intended)—but after my most recent rainy run, I’m choosing to see it a little differently. 

A few weekends ago, the weather was rainy and miserable. But when I got up that Saturday morning, I was actually excited to see the rain. I know that’s not the typical response when you want to be outside and go for a run, but I genuinely felt that way. There’s something about running in the rain that makes it more fun—more adventurous.

As many of you know, running is my release. For some, it might be catching a movie, playing the piano, reading the Post-Dispatch, or scrolling social media. For me, it’s simple—like Forrest Gump said, “I just felt like running.” Most weekdays, I’m on the treadmill in the basement, but on the weekends, I’m outside—no matter the weather. That’s been my routine for about 15 years.

I usually map out where I’ll run ahead of time. On weekends, I grab a Gatorade and head out the door to meet up with my running buddy, Ron. This weekend, because of the rain, we headed to the Al Foster’s trail near Eureka. It runs along the Meramec River and gives us a great view of the rising water. Typically, we’re at Babler State Park—but not this time. An adventure was calling.

The trail was a muddy mess. We run a five-mile route to a tree that marks the halfway point. On the way out, I found myself doing everything I could to avoid the puddles. I was hopping from rock to rock, sliding along the trail's edge, and long jumping over the mud. And you know what? I was still getting soaked and muddy.

Something changed on the way back.

We got to the tree and began to head back.  We decided to take a fork in the trail as it loops around the back side of Al Foster’s. As we came upon a low point, there it was—a deep puddle stretching across the entire trail. We had a choice: turn back… or run through it.

Well, I was suddenly 15 years old again. I ran straight through it. The icy water shot halfway up my calves. I laughed, let out a loud “Yessssss!” and kept going. From then on, it became a competition—who could hit the most puddles over the last two miles? I can honestly say it was one of the best runs I’ve had in years.

Later that night, after bragging to my wife Jennifer about our muddy adventure (yes, she’s heard it all), I had a moment of reflection. Sure, it felt like going back in time—but there was something more.

At the start of that run, I failed. I failed to stay dry. I failed to enjoy what I said I was excited about. I failed to just run—freely and without worry. And isn’t that what running is supposed to be for me?

Like my rainy weekend run, as leaders, do we often do the same thing? We avoid the puddles by tip-toeing around them. We jump from rock to rock, trying to play it safe”—avoiding hard conversations, uncomfortable moments, or unfamiliar connections out of fear. Growing isn’t about playing it safe; it’s about failing forward, learning forward, living forward, and loving forward–those moments in life that push us forward. I encourage you to run through the puddles, embrace the struggles, and trust that on the other side, you will be stronger, wiser, and ready for whatever comes next. Every single time I’ve chosen to run through the puddles—literally or figuratively—I’ve come out on the other side smiling, more connected, and better for it.

It’s messy. It’s not always easy. But it’s real.

So my advice is…go make some powerful memories by jumping in the puddles and embracing the struggle.