For some reason I get these days where I want to challenge myself. Is training for a marathon enough? Nah. Let’s run outside for the first time in this heat with no hydration belt or backpack when the heat index is 99 degrees and we have a heat advisory. I didn’t really think about all of this until I began to run. For 5 miles.
So no wonder this run sucked. Even on my wonderfully shaded path in the park, it sucked. In fact, for the first 2.5 miles I run on a narrow path and it was so shaded with trees, I felt like I was suffocating. After that I went straight back to my car and chugged half a bottle of water. I definitely would have finished it..but I knew I would need it on the other side of 2.5 more miles. I even thought about getting back into my car and driving to the gym for the second half.
Alas, back on the path I went. At one point I think I was at an 11:00 min. mile pace. Contemplating walking. Sweat pouring off of me. I felt like I wasn’t even lifting my legs, but somehow I was still moving. I know the warning signs of a heat stroke and I wasn’t experiencing any of those symptoms.. it was just SO HOT!
But I did it. I finished all 5 miles. That doesn’t make me tough. I hate it when people run outside in this heat and think they are tough, most of the time it just makes them stupid. Today, I just didn’t want to run inside again and against my better judgment, ran outside.
More water, please?
The CDC states the warning signs of a heat stroke include:
- An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
- Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
If you want to run outside do it in the morning or after 8pm when it has cooled down! Time to eat; with some salt to make up for all that sweat!
Will Run for Food 