Summer Running

A disclaimer: to you blessed ones who live in the west or southwest or anyplace with temperatures that are reasonable, and the humidity is low, bless you. Wish I was there. 

I am not there. 

I have been running now for four years. I have done 16 half marathons - the last one, the Ogden Half Marathon, was an endurance trial in freezing rain and hurricane force winds. I cannot recall the last time I was that cold. 

I live deep in the south, and after the last couple of days, that cold is looking like my happy place. 

I confess, the first couple of years I ran, I just took summer off. I continued to work on my Fitbit step goals, but this was done indoors, and via rebounding on my Bellicon. 

I know I need to continue training, both for my diabetes and my running fitness.

So I have to figure out a way to make summer running a habit. 

No, I won't run on the treadmill, or dreadmill as I derisively call it. I use it only when there is no other choice. Like tropical storms. 

In the summer, humidity is the first big hurdle. I hate sweating, and within a few short minutes of going out into the near 100% humidity, I am slicked with head to toe sweat. 

So I decided that summer runs were detoxing me. Each drop of sweat was carrying out some toxin - chemical or emotional. It makes it tolerable. Never enjoyable! But doable. 

Next up - bugs. Lots of them. I ate one yesterday as I opened my mouth to speak. I've had to learn to hold my mouth in such a way it doesn't become a portal for the unexpected swarms of gnats and whatever creatures are winged. I never come home without the dead bodies of bugs on my sweaty body. 

Lovely. 

Lightning is a game changer. If there is thunder, there is no running. I live in the lightning strike capital of the world. 

This drives me out to run when the sun is coming up, or when the sun is down. I don't like running at night, but I cannot run during the heat of the day. I have invested in wicking clothing and reflective gear. My older gated community does not have much traffic, but I still must remain safety conscious. 

Summer used to be an excuse not to run. Now I have found work arounds, and  I will press through. 

My next half marathon is in October, and I want to be strong. 

Run on. 

e b e r