Running in a Heat Wave

Want to know what it feels like to run through jello? Go running outside when it’s 91 degrees! That’s what it was like today! When I checked the weather before the run, it said 85 degrees–which isn’t too bad for me. Hmmm. Not so much.

Lori over at Finding Radiance sent me some Lanacane Chafing cream! I won her giveaway and I was excited to try the product.

I used it for the area I’m most prone to chafe in:  under my breasts where my Heart Rate Monitor is. I usually get rubbed raw under there in the summer. The good news: IT WORKS! I felt so much better with the chafing cream on. This will be a must in my gym bag now.

On my break I bought a Gatorade drink for after my run.

I knew it was going to be a hot one and I knew I’d be thirsty after the run. I kept it in my bag for immediate use.

I headed out of the air-conditioned office and into the wall of heat and was feeling pretty good. I quickly noticed that there was NO cool breeze. There was a breeze–but it was a breeze of HOT AIR. This will be fun!

I ran down to the Esplanade and drank from the first fountain I came to. I usually don’t drink from the water fountains in the city because that’s where the homeless and their dogs drink from. ICK. But when it’s 90+ degrees, I need to put aside my germaphobia.

My run was good. I had no aches and pains, no sacrum or hip pain. I did, however, have a little pain in my side like I did during my last run. What the hell is that and how do I fix it?? Grrr.

My energy level was okay during the run. The only thing was I suddenly felt dizzy. I walked for a few minutes and stood in the shade until it passed. (And when I got back to the office I immediately ordered this Running Water Bottle.)

I think I was dizzy because of the sudden heat. Clearly I need to hydrate better! Despite the heat, it was a gorgeous day out!!!

I got back to the office and immediately drank 3/4 of my Gatorade (45 calories for the whole bottle).

See how hot and sweaty I am? I showered and was still sweaty!

Today’s Stats:

Time: 34:28

Calories Burned: 434

Clearly not my PR (personal record) but I don’t care a bit! The priority in hot weather is not to be fast. It’s to get used to it so I’m prepared to run Hood to Coast at the end of August!!! I walked a little bit today and I’m okay with that.

While I was running, I composed a list in my head of tips for summer running. Here goes:

Tips for Running in the Heat

1. Drink a lot of water. Even if you are not thirsty.

2. Wear a hat. Or a visor. Something to shade your face and eyes from the glaring sun.

3. SUNSCREEN!!! I slathered it on everywhere and still got a little burned!

4. Wear a bandana around your neck and dip it in cold water fountains whenever you can. (I did not do this, but will try it next time.)

5. Listen to your body. If you don’t feel good, stop running.

6. Try to run in the shade if you can.

7. If you can alter your routine and run in the AM, do that. (I’m currently considering switching to morning runs this summer.)

8. Rehydrate immediately after the run. Having the Gatorade after my run was a stroke of brilliance on my part, if I do say so myself. I was desperate for it!

9. Wear light colored clothing. (I wore a pink shirt and black shorts–I can safely say I will NEVER wear white shorts when I run. 🙂 )

10. Wear wicking clothes and wicking socks. No one wants to be drenched in sweat. And the wrong kind of socks can cause blisters.

11. Don’t over-estimate your running abilities. Are you new to running? Don’t set out to run 10 miles in the heat. Know your body and your abilities.

And finally: know the signs of Heat Stroke. Heat stroke is a serious and potentially fatal condition. No run is worth dying for!

Signs of Heat Stroke:

• nausea
• vomiting
• fatigue
• weakness
• headache
• muscle cramps and aches
• dizziness
• high body temperature
• the absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin
• rapid pulse
• difficulty breathing
• strange behavior
• hallucinations
• confusion
• agitation
• disorientation
• seizure or coma

BE SAFE!