Beating the heat. . . . Or something like it.

I'm finally recovered from my hot & humid week of running.  My two short runs .. . Only 4 miles each were amongst two of the hardest runs I've had in a very long time.  Even running at 4:30 am didn't make running more comfortable because the humidity was awful!  I had an entire bottle of water both days and it still felt unbearable.  I even suffered the consequences throughout the day.  I was exhausted for the remainder of the week and had a slight headache on Wednesday & Thursday. It's so frustrating have a tough 4 mile run.  It's even more frustrating not enjoying those runs and just wanting them to end.  I rarely wish I weren't running . . . . Except at the tail end of long runs when I'm totally spent. . . . So I hate the feeling of dreading every step.  Fortunately for me I've been running long enough and I've had plenty of runner's highs to know that these hot & humid runs aren't a demonstration of my ability to run a long distance at a decent pace.  If I felt the way I felt on those 4 mile runs for 25% of my runs I may quit! They truly were atrocious!

Angie and I met up for 13 miles yesterday.  The humidity had dropped quite a bit as did the temps (high 60's when we started at 5am).  While I think we would both agree we were thankful for the slight relief in hot and humid weather, it was by no means an easy run and we still had to work at it.  We both went through 40 oz of Gatorade & 16 oz of water.  We walked a couple times so we could have the energy to finish!!  

Running in the summer takes a different approach to having a good run and enjoying what we love despite the unfavorable weather.  We have to be proud of our dedication despite more walk breaks and a slower pace.  

Post Long Run recovery with my compression socks & my little man who had his 26th haircut . . . . A summer buzz cut!

I'm feeling refreshed today & looking forward to a productive Sunday of grocery shopping, laundry, cooking & family time!!!

~Brooke~