Tales in Triathlon
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The best thing about this time of the year is the heat.
I mean let's face it, we wait all winter long for holidays, long weekends, BBQ's and the lazy days of summer. I for one have loved the warm weather thus far and have taken full advantage it.
I also use the summer to improve upon my run that has always been a love/hate relationship. Once I'm out there it's a breeze, the wind through what little hair I have, the wonderful smells of summer in full bloom, the cool shade of a maple tree, and the fact that it doesn't take very long to work up a good sweat.
But getting out the door is not easy, it's hot out there, and that humidity is stifling, my allergies act up, and did I mention that you sweat a lot.
Here are some things that I use to put those excuses away… for now. My first strategy that I use is to run early in the morning or later at night when the temperatures are not as high. Running during those mid-afternoon hours is okay as long as you're well hydrated and keep hydrated, and keep the run duration to a minimum.
If you haven't found the joy of running with music I suggest you try it. Uploading your favourite tunes to a mobile device or mp3 player will allow you to divert your focus away from the pavement, and give you that motivation when you need it most. Just try not to sing and dance like my wifey when she's running (and if you do, look back to my first tip). Also, most mobile phones have an app that tracks your mileage, calories and pace and keeps track of all your runs to show if you're improving.
Misery loves company, so while you're running the roads, grab a good friend or join a running group. It is much easier to plod through the miles with someone else, and sometimes you can have a whole run pass by and not even remember it. There are a few running groups in town that run quite regularly, and I also like to use social media to see if anyone is interested in going out for a run. If all else fails I'll go with wifey, I just run a few meters behind her while she's singing and dancing (haha).
Make sure that you are wearing clothes that are light in colour, and made with lightweight materials as these will help to keep you cooler. Most of these garments have venting or panelling made of mesh to allow your body to expel as much heat as possible. A hat made from the same materials will wick moisture away from going into your eyes and face. Top it off with some sunglasses, and most importantly sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher and you're ready to go.
If you're just starting to run in the heat, give yourself some time to get acclimated. It may take up to a week or more to get use to how your body responds to the demands of running in high temps. Keep it slow and be patient with progress, it will come. Your pace will naturally be slower in high temperatures so don't fret if that app is telling to go faster, just enjoy what it is to be summer running.
Until we meet at the start line, train safe and have fun!