Summer Training

Summer training = heat, humidity and a whole lot of sweat!

Now I am not above working up a good sweat, but I truly am not a big fan of running when the temps start to rise above 80 degrees.
Through my research and reading of Jeff Galloway's book, Half Marathon - You Can Do It! He charts that you are significantly slowed down in running when the temps get over 60 degrees. If the temps are 66 - 69 degrees F you should be slowing your pace down by a mile/minute. That is substantial when you are training and says alot for those of you (like me) who may feel nauseated when running in the heat!

With the goal setting that Runnerbud Jen and I have done, training is currently in full swing. We have a 10 miler in just a few weeks, a 200 mile Ragnar Relay in October and our first 1/2 marathon in March. I'm sure we will toss a few 5K's in there for good measure as well.
As we have been increasing our mileage I decided it was time for a fuel belt. If you know me well, you realize I had to research them to death online and in the stores. I feel bad for the guy in Flying Feet who helped me take apart, resize and put back together about 5 types of belts. THEN I decided to check out the water bottles that you carry in your hand. If you have never checked out the variety of bottles and belts out there, I must tell you that the choices are dizzying!
In the end I decided to go with the I-Fitness fuel belt that has 2 bottles on it and a good size pocket for gels, Shot-bloks or even an I-phone. It took me about two runs to get used to wearing it and I will admit I'm sold on wearing it. Any runs over 3 miles, I have to have hydration. Which brings me to remind you to HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE out there!

Did you know that your metabolism slows down when you are dehydrated?

If you want to read more about running in the heat check out these informative links!
Tips for Running in the heat
Myths About Running in the Heat

So for the next month or two, Runnerbud Jen and I will keep on keeping on as we have for months. Kicking it before dawn seems to help us find cooler temps (and less traffic!) which in turn helps us to add those training miles to our runs.
Of course if all else fails...sign up for runs that have cold, frosty beverages at the end!

If you run, you are a runner!
~Rachel