1L Ran There: Heat & Humidity vs. Snow & Ice

As many of you know, I lived in the suburbs of Atlanta, GA for over 20 years, and I ran pretty much most of those years (except for a few months after my daughter was born - she was a preemie, it was hot, and I needed the break), and I ran 99% of those miles outside. Today, I'm so wondering how I did it. Now, I've never really considered myself to be a great "hot weather runner" but I survived Boston, 2003 (80F), Mad City Marathon, May, 2006 (78F), Inaugural ING Georgia Marathon, March, 2007 (76F) and of course, Boston , 2012 (89F) and I survived without too much stress. But man oh man, these last few days have been simply unbearable and it isn't even the actual temperatures, it is the humidity and dewpoint. I'm drenched by step 10 and simply dripping (and looking like I went swimming rather than running) by mile 3. I know I need to acclimate, but I'm shocked at how long it seems to be taking this year. Maybe it's the fact that I really did goof off a bit in May, but I didn't think I'd lost that much fitness, maybe it's that middle age, menopausal change in body chemistry, or maybe it's just me not giving it enough time. But then again, I look back at previous training logs, and it seems like it is just taking much longer than in the past.

So what advice do I have for hot, humid running - advice that I didn't follow myself this past weekend since I think I'm so acclimated. After all, I did live in Georgia for over 20 yrs. Well, here it is:

1) Run early. Yes, it might be more humid, but the temperature will feel
cooler (since it is) and the sun won't be beating down so hard.
2) Choose a shaded route - maybe even try trails or a golf course (ours
here is hilly but shaded along the perimeter and the early bird golfers
here don't seem to mind.
3) Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. But be smart about that hydration.
Imbibing a bit too much in alcohol with friends that you have not seen
in a year is not the correct plan. And make sure that you carry plenty of
water/electrolyte drink.
4) Don't experiment with something new. Why did I try those Hammer
Electrolytes when I'm used to S-caps? It might be in my head, but I
know that S-caps have worked for me.
5) Watch your nutrition. Remember those friends and those cocktails -
well, don't forget to eat. Better yet, eat well and drink water!
6) Listen to your body. It will tell you if you are overheating, etc. At
least I did that, and my running buds helped there too.
7) Remember next week will be better.

The good news is that I'm back in Chautauqua which is by far one of the most beautiful (and hilly) places on earth to run. I can also say that I'm getting in all my altitude training (we are at 1300-1600' here above the lake - 1300' is lake level and I normally train at 550-650') so that is definitely the reason I feel so sluggish and compromised - right???? It is hard to believe though that anywhere could be as quiet on the back roads - you might see a cyclist, other runner, an Amish family in a buggy or unfortunately a dog - as cars are pretty much delegated to the local county highway, but don't venture much into the backroads as this is a vacation area (lakes tend to do that and we are 1.5 hrs from Buffalo, NY, 2.5 hrs from Cleveland, OH, and 3 hrs from Pittsburgh, PA) that is generally quite rural. It is so pleasant to simply enjoy the countryside and the country running.

And some running friends......

In spite of the heat, humidity, and hills (a motto used by Big Peach Running Co in Atlanta), it is a wonderful place. I did get in 35 miles which is the most I've done in a week for a while and I did finish June with 125 miles. It is a long way until the NYC marathon and by then, I might be acclimated.

And as a reminder, so I just stop bitchin......