Summer lull

I’ve been in the heart of the Summer running lull for several weeks. For some people, no amount of heat and humidity will keep them from maintaining their mileage during the summer. For the rest of us, the oppressive conditions end up winning out. I obviously fall into the later category and, living in Atlanta, there is a good three months of heat and humidity (day and night) that makes any run — and especially a long run — one of the most miserable experiences imaginable, not to mention dangerous. It can be darnright de-motivating for runners with large goals in front of them.

Call me an underachiever, but I simply accept the fact that I will not be keeping up high mileage during the summer, and frankly do not feel bad about it. Do not get me wrong: I DO keep running during the summer months, but only to the tune of 40%-50% of the norm. When I do run, it is only when the sun is down (morning or evening) because the sun’s rays just add to the already heavy heat and humidity. My core temperature tends to rise quickly and I’ve always battled overheating, so perhaps I’m just made to run in the cold months. One must simply accept that in the summer you just will not be able to run as far and as fast as normal — unless you want to get sick from heat exhaustion. When your core body temperature is ultra high, blood rushes to your skin to keep it cool, taking it away from the muscles that need blood to move the waste products and allow you to keep running. Of course, hydrating adequately is key when running at any time but especially in the summer. Oh, and no cotton in the summer…dry-fit, moisture-wicking clothes only!

The recent lower humidity (60%) and temperatures (lows in the low 70′s) has allowed me to pick up the running a little bit, but I know it will get hot again soon. Nevertheless, this respite has definitely given me some motivation that has been lacking lately.

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