Friday Five Link up!

It's Friday, yay!!!!! And what a good day it would be to have a baby no?  HAHAHA! Wishful thinking I am sure but she has to come eventually ;)

So this Friday Five link up brought to you by You Signed Up for WHAT?!, Eat Pray Run DC (newly married!!!!!) and Mar on the Run! is Five Ways to Beat the Heat.  Summer is fast approaching and I know
that after the winter of Polar Vortex conditions we all are trying so hard to NOT complain about how hot it is.  This extremely pregnant mama is having a really hard time since the heat, humidity AND this gigantic "speed bump" of a belly has me nothing short of miserable, but I really *am* trying to embrace the heat and enjoy it....

Anyway, one of the easiest ways to beat the heat is to bring it inside (AIR CONDITION!) and run on the "mill" but if you are anything like me, that really isn't an option.  Not only do I not have access to a treadmill, I hate them. Like can not stand being on them and would rather run in any weather condition there is.  Here in Maine I often get 2-4 of those weather "conditions" during any given run, so I have learned a few things. Here are my 5 tips for beating the heat while still getting out there and pounding the pavement!

FIVE WAYS TO BEAT THE HEAT

Go Early or Go Late:

The summer sun gets pretty darn intense as soon as it rises and stays that way all day.  So go when the sun
has yet to come up or has gone down.  These non sun times of day can still have high humidity and high temps but without the blazing sun beating down on you, you will feel cooler.  My run affair actually started with hot humid night runs back in August of 2010.  The pre dawn hours and post dusk hours can also be super peaceful and reflecting.  You are out there as the world is waking up or going to sleep and it's like you are transcending time.

Hydrate WELL and bring water:

You are hot and it's worse with dehydration.  So make sure you get that water in before you run.  Your body needs to be fully hydrated so that when you are out there you stay that way.  Sweating is good!!! When you stop sweating that's BAD!!!! And go out carrying some water with you.  It is good to drink even on your short runs in the heat and splash on your head if needed.  Speaking of splashing, I like to go out when I know the neighbors will be watering their lawns.  Running through those sprinklers is pretty fun!!!!

Cool off before or during:

Do not be afraid to jump in a cold shower or a pool before your run.  Starting out cool will help you get through some of your run before you start to warm up.  And if you can, take that opportunity to run in the rain.  Nothing beats a good summer rain storm where you get to run, and cool down! Just remember, that visibility in the rain lowers so make sure you stay visible and alert!



Dress Appropriately: 

Dress in loose, moisture wicking clothing.  Do NOT decide that your high socks make you look cute or that the long sleeve matches your sneakers the best.  You do not need to add the extra warming layers now that the vortex is over.  Carefully, pack them up and put them aside until the weather cools OR decide to rock them in the comfort of your AC once your run is over.





Pace Yourself

As the weather heats up and the humidity strikes your pace IS going to change.  Do not force yourself to run your best pace at each run.  Take your time out there and get the distance in.  Pace doesn't need to be top speed all the time.  And if you are out there and feeling faint, dizzy weak or all of a sudden ice cold with goosebumps stop and walk for a bit.  There is nothing wrong with walking, moving is moving and it is always better to be safe out there then be breaking records.


Now have some summer running and enjoy this season of running.  We all know that once the cold kicks back in we will be back to the complaining... ;) What kinds of tips do you have to avoid being too hot out there?