I think it's a little unreasonable to have to wring your shorts off after
and easy paced run. This has become an everyday thing lately as it's been
90-plus degrees with 612-percent humidity. I try my best to get my run in before 8
a.m., but because of other obligations it's not always possible. I struggled
through six miles (eight miles scheduled) the other day. I did, after all, run at 1 p.m. out of necessity but I was unaware that it might have been the hottest hour
of the summer thus far. My weather app read a "real feel" of 119 degrees.
There are studies out there have compared the benefits of heat training to
that of altitude training. While altitude training has been found to
increase the body's red blood cell count, training in extreme heat while
slightly dehydrated can stimulate the body to produce more plasma.
I truly hope that all of us are gaining a little more plasma and not just a
layer of mental toughness. Either way, if you are out at anytime in the
South Carolina summer I applaud your effort, because at a minimum that is
very impressive.
I have yet to do many structured workouts as the summer is typically
base-ville for everyone's fall racing; a little speed here and there just
to keep the legs active. But I am personally going to extend my base until
September in hopes of staying motivated through November. I'm keeping my
hopes of a fast 5K alive for at least one more fall season, and there will
be plenty of updates along the way!