Last year, the heat beat me.   Beyond the major dehydration/hospital ordeal, I remember clearly how miserable I was last summer, setting the alarm early enough to insure inadequate sleep so the temps would be as close to bearable as possible.  I was grouchy for a large part of the season.

As this Spring unfolded, the looming temps were often on my mind.  I had this fear that my new found paces would regress and I’d end up the same ugly, sweaty mess I was last year.  But I’m not one to wait and see what happens to me…

Today was set to get up in the 90′s so instead of leaving early, like a bright person, I purposely waited until it hit 85 degrees.  After all, it was my last long run before the big race – I didn’t need to be fast, could take it as easy as I wanted, plus it was only a 12-miler.  I filled up my handheld, strapped on the HR monitor and out I went.

My HR shot up from the start but I was surprised to keep a fast pace even so.  Midway, I had a 4-mile block averaging 7:51/mi., major surprise considering it was 86 and climbing at that point.  Admittedly, the final two miles weren’t my fave; little shade and I wanted to jump in the river, but still, when all was said and done, I averaged 8:12/mi.  Besides a 16-miler two weeks ago at 8:07 (on a mere 51 degree day), it was my fastest Long or Easy run, ever.

Hot sun, I scoff at you!!

So with great relief I now envision this summer as something other than a pace murderer, a fatigue creator, a disgusting collection of stinky hot sweltering days.  I think it’s going to be a great season for improvement.

We reserve the right to rescind this statement as the humidity rises.

9 Responses to “Beating The Heat”