Triple H

We had an official heat wave here. I believe it takes three or more days of 90 degree heat to be an official heat wave. I believe it was 90 degrees or higher Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. It was hazy, hot and humid - the Triple H - but that does not mean training could come to a stop. It did however mean that my training paces would slow significantly.

Saturday was my last day of good weather running. I ran at 7:00am when it was 62 degrees outside. By 10:00am saturday it was 80 and it was just going up from there.

On Sunday I had a 10-12 miler scheduled, my parents were coming into town, I had to work and I had a bridal shower to go to. I woke up and started working at 6:00am (I'm in Information Technology and we had a nightmare of a day on Saturday pretty much taking my time from 9:00am to 10:30pm) and finished my work. I was out the door by 8:00am so I could get back in time for my parents who were arriving between 9:30am and 10:00am. The only part I didn't plan was that by 8:00am it was already 85 degrees. I had on my ultra lightweight moisture wicking dri-fit Nike tank, my new Nike spandex shorts, my new UnderArmour running bra and my trusty fuel belt. I didn't have an sports drinks so my belt was full of just plain water and two GU packets. I took it nice and easy through the whole run. I ended up doing an out and back and turning around at 5 because it was just so hot. I stopped a lot to stretch and drink. I felt stupid when I passed the 7/11 and realized I could have just put a couple bucks in my pocket so I'd be able to get a sports drink (doh!). I cannot even describe how much I was sweating on this run. It was literally pouring off of me. When I stopped to drink there was a puddle under me because of my sweat. I stopped around mile 8.5 and took the tank off. This was my first experience running in just a sports bra, but I didn't care what anyone driving by thought - after all were they running 10-miles? I don't think so - I was so hot that I just needed to do something. I tied the tank onto my fuel belt and for the remaining 1.5 miles felt the cold wet tank hitting my leg - so refreshing! When I finished the run, I felt good. My parents were at my place, but needless to say, they didn't really want a hug until I showered first.

Monday was a strength training day for me. So I was back on the road Tuesday. I swear my 4 miler on Tuesday was worse than the 10-miler. I ran the first mile, stopped to stretch and catch my breath. The air was so think and heavy that I just could not breathe. It was actually pretty scary. My legs felt great and wanted to run, but my lungs just couldn't keep up. I felt like I was going to puke for the remaining 3 miles and was so happy to have this run marked off my training. I felt OK when it was all done and over with.

The heat has just tired me out so much. If I had my way, I'd be in bed by 9:00pm every night, but unfortunately I have other things to do like dishes, laundry, work and all that adult responsibility stuff.

Tonight's run was a hill workout and much cooler. It was about 80 with a nice breeze when I went out at 6:00pm tonight. The humidity finally broke, my legs felt great and my lungs were working well. It was nice to have it all come together tonight.

How did you make it through all the hot weather running?