It's been awhile since I've written and a lot has happened in that time. In my running adventure I have officially decided that I am training for the September 22nd Rochester, NY Half Marathon!
Okay, so actually I didn't JUST decide, I'm actually on training week 4 but I think there is a little trepidation of putting it out there and telling people. I am sure most people think "What happens if I can't cut it?!" Then there you are just that girl who said she was going to run a half marathon but didn't follow through!
I'm pretty sure that is just nerves talking because I know myself, and those who know me definitely know I am stubborn! So pending any natural disaster, injury, or illness I fully intend on making my way to that starting line to accomplish this exciting adventure.
So I titled this WANTED: Supporters from my crazy endeavor of training for a half marathon in the Southern MD heat because did I mention this is HARD!!?
On almost every run I tell myself :
"Wow Meg, so glad you decided to start this training program in the months of July and August where the temperature is comparable to say, oh......death valley."
So maybe that is a bit of an exaggeration but it has been so very hot and humid, to the point that within minutes I find myself with sweat not evaporating but instead just running down and dripping off of every part of my body. This is a new sensation for me, and strange at that!
On every run I tell myself that because this is so hard, I am mentally challenging my will power to continue and that this practice will come in handy when things get hard in the race. I also feel that if Rochester can come produce heat like this in September I would be shocked, so the temp on race day will certainly be much better and comfortable!
Now let's be clear. I am not running at noon in the hottest part of the day. But sadly, it seems that most days even on morning runs the temps are already in the 80's and humidity has been out of control. I'm starting to wake up earlier and earlier but that in itself has been a challenge as I have never been a morning runner. Look at all these new things I'm learning!!
Things I've learned about running in the heat:
1.) Everything SLOWS down! not just your running pace, but even your ability to move your hands and dexterity. I run with a hydration pack and for those of you who don't know what this looks like it is the following picture:
The bottles sit on your back area and yesterday just reaching back to grab bottles, or trying to get into the pocket area became a monumental task. It's like my hands wouldn't work and I found myself expending mental energy to complete this task. This shocked me.
2.) Shoes actually stick to the asphalt! not the whole way, but there were spots that must have been new or something because I suddenly found myself peeling my feet off the road as I ran.
3.) Distances such as 1/8 and 1/4 of a mile start to seem as if they are the Rocky Mountains after a snowstorm, AND you are a member of the Donner family. Stuck with no way out.
(minus the whole eating each other thing of course)
4.) At some point in the run I have an intense couple of minutes where suddenly I feel as though I am trapped inside a bubble. The heat feels as though it has surrounded me and is so intense its almost sauna like. It's very strange and eventually passes but what this is, I just don't know!
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| This accurately depicts what the bubble feels like I think! |
5.) Running in the heat makes me appreciate cool weather running SO MUCH MORE! Strangely, Will and I recently returned from a trip to Southern Mississippi where for some reason the weather was actually much cooler and refreshing. I never imagined that Mississippi running could be more comfortable than here...... Interesting.
Today's thought:
"Always do your best! But when your best is not available, (or out for a Margarita) then always do SOMETHING.... because something is better than nothing."
Happy Running!
