Tag Archives: heat

Random Thoughts about a Dead Heat and Swamp Monsters

Posted on by Run DMT
2

Thanks to a nasty cold, I hadn’t run in over a week, but with the girls back at school this week, I was ready to get back into a regular routine again.  However, the heat is seriously killing me.  I’m usually one of those people not bothered by the heat, but I’m feeling it now and it ain’t got nothing to do with hot flashes, honey.

Anyhow, yesterday I woke up plenty early to fit in three miles before the back to school chaos.  I braved the heat and finished a sad, slow sweaty three miles.

3.1 miles

Time 33:18

Ave Pace 10:44

Max Pace 7:44

Even in the early morning hours, the humidity clings to me.  There’s no breeze only steam rising from the lakes and the storm drains, which is unbearable.  It’s like a swap monster or storm drain clown is breathing down my neck.

Besides the swamp monsters and storm drain clowns, I’m worried about my running because I haven’t been getting my miles in to be prepared for the Space Coast marathon which is only 13 weeks away.  The farthest I’ve gone is 10 miles and that was weeks ago.

My Garmin must have sensed my anxiety and couldn’t handle the stress and decided to check out.  Like a Monty Python sketch, my Garmin “is NO MORE.  It has ceased to be!  My Garmin is an ex-Garmin!”  But then, as I typed this post, I bumped its charging dock and it seems to be all right now.  I guess the heat is getting to my Garmin too.

A running friend, Larissa, is training for the Savannah Marathon and she mentioned to me the other day that she has been using the Galloway method to survive training in the heat.  She suggested I try it.  Following this method, I would run 3 minutes and walk one minute for recovery.

So, this morning I tested the Galloway method for 4 miles. Well, it was more like “run a mile walk a couple minutes.”  Plus, because I was Garmin-less, I guesstimated the total distance to be about 4 miles, but when I mapped it out on Map My Run, it was more like 4.47 miles.  Whatever.  The bottom line: The Galloway method certainly helped.

4.47 miles

Time 47:00

Ave Pace 10:30

A couple of weeks ago, I was supposed to participate in the All Out Running 5K.  A few days before the event, the race coordinators sent out an email about the trail and included these photos.

Needless to say, I freaked out!  I expected a trail run, not a mud run. And look at the height over those runners!  I guarantee those gentlemen are much taller than little ol’ petite barely 5′ me!   And I’m sure there’s a swamp monsters hiding in those waters!  Not to mention, I hadn’t trained for any swimming and it’s possible I would drown, if a swamp monster didn’t grab me first.

But thankfully, the race gods heard my cries and postponed the race, however, I’m not sure when the new date will be.  At least I have some extra time to work on my breaststroke while preventing a heatstroke.

*Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my training, it’s usually pretty random.*

Stacy

Musical Monday: I Hate This Part

Posted on by Run DMT
8

Since I keep hearing this Pussycat Dolls song on the radio and it’s been stuck in my head for days, I thought I would take this opportunity to get this song stuck in your head share it for my first Musical Monday.  Besides, this song perfectly describes my sentiments about my runs lately.

 

I can’t take it any longer 
Thought that we were stronger 
All we do is linger 
Slipping through my fingers 

 

With the heat and humidity choking me, there are moments in my runs where I find myself thinking how much I hate certain parts.  As the summer sun beats down on me and I struggle with each step, I hate this part right here.  Barely able to finish 3 miles without dying, I hate this part right here.  Encountering smoke in the middle of my run, I hate this part right here.  Having an asthma attack and then getting a cramp, I hate this part right here.

 

 

So, play along with me on this marvelous Musical Monday and tell me what moves youon your blog.  Add your link to McLinky and spread some linky love by visiting other players today.

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Back in the Saddle Again

Posted on by Run DMT
4

I must have burned myself out with my sprint work on Tuesday, because I seem to be lacking some steam over the past few days.  I can’t seem to summon the energy to even get out of bed, which could be a sign that I’m overtraining in this ridiculous heat.  Plus, my allergies have been taking a toll on me over the past week, but at least I haven’t had an asthma attack! :-P

 

Usually, I’m an early riser (around 5:00), but as of late, I find myself waking up around 7:30.  When these rare occasions of oversleeping occur, my body needs the rest therefore I give in to it and sometimes without choice.  Unfortunately, it screws with my training schedule, but if I am indeed overtraining, then the rest is necessary and truly welcomed.

 

Since I missed my run on Wednesday, my BFF Sharon Mann tortured me with a boot camp muscle conditioning routine.  Between squats, lunges and sore calves from my sprint work on Tuesday, my legs were killing me.  Two days later, my quads still hurt.

 

Thursday, I wanted to fit in a 4 mile run since I intend to run 8 miles on Saturday.  But once again, I woke up late which caused me to run after 7:30 a.m. and would hinder any runner’s performance.  Florida runners have a rule of thumb to avoid the brutal summer heat: not after 7:30 and not before 7:30 p.m.  Running at 7:30 a.m. was definitely a struggle for me to say the least.  With the humidity, the blazing summer sun and sore calves, I forced myself to finish the four miles.

 

4 miles

Time 40:47

Pace 10:07

 

At least while in the blazing sun, I could work on my tan as I have a lovely tan line across my waist from my running shorts.

 

Today, I wanted to run 3 miles and bike 10 miles, but slept through that work-out too.  So although I skipped the run, I did ride 10 miles.  Since my quads are still sore, it was a really tough ride.  Somehow, I seemed to perform better last week with a bruised who-ha.  Not that I want to repeat that, mind you!  I will happily go slower to keep all my girlie parts in tact.

 

Bike-10 miles

Time 43:19

Speed 13.9 mph

 

And in case you’re wondering…no, I did not fall off my bike. 

 

 

At the start of my ride, Kelly, drove passed me and I gave a little wave.  It got a bit shaky there for a moment, but I didn’t fall.  Note to self: give a cordial nod when riding bike to avoid a nasty spill.

A Firecracker on the Fourth

Posted on by Run DMT
10

 

 At last year’s Lutz Independence Day 5K Run, I cramped terribly within the first mile, which I believed to be a result of starting off way too fast (7 mm) and perhaps being too hydrated.  Since last year’s race, I’ve tried to find the right balance of hydration (which I am still trying to figure out), but mostly I avoid drinking 30 minutes prior to my runs.

 

Fortunately, for this year’s 5K, I avoided starting off too fast and I maintained an 8:30-9:00 mm pace for most of the run.  I stopped at the water stations for a quick drink and to pour water on my head in an attempt to not overheat.

 5Kstart_7-4-09

 

At the start of the race, Tiffany and I spotted a very peculiar patriotic runner.  She wore a flag bikini top, red shorts, combat boots, a stars and stripes tiara and combat boots.  To complete the ensemble, she had a flag sticking out of the back of her shorts.  Since she wore desert combat boots, I assume she must have been a veteran.  Therefore, out of respect for our troops, I will not ridicule her attire, but I have to know one thing:  How could she run with a stick up her butt?  Do they teach that in boot camp?

 

soldier girl

 

The 5K course twisted through a residential neighborhood.  To help cool overheating runners, home owners and spectators aimed garden hoses and sprinklers into the streets.   At the one mile mark, a husband and wife team distributed water to the runners, a service they’ve happily offered for the past 20 years. 

 Lutz 5K_1

 

Lutz 5K_2

 

The heat really made the race a struggle, but I survived another ridiculously hot race and thankfully, I avoided any cramping.  My time was o.k.  Honestly, I wasn’t planning to break any PR.  I’m just glad I didn’t pass out from the heat.  Cool Running lists a different time/pace for my race results, but I am going by my good ol’ Garmin.

 3.1

Time 27:50

Ave Pace 8:58

 Tiffany_Me7-4-09

 

Even though this race is ridiculously hot, I love the small town fair after the race.  Pony rides, kettle corn and crafts make this race a family affair.  Sadly, my family missed my firecracker performance and the Fourth of July fair again.

 Lutz

 

The small town fair reminds me of something you would see in a romantic comedy.  Boy meets girl.  Girl pukes on girl from heat exhaustion.  Like projectile vomit, their love is unstoppable.

Babes and Bums and My Badunkadunk

Posted on by Run DMT
1

Since this blog is called “Run DMT”, I owe it to my fans readers to post something about my training.

 

My next challenge is the Babes and Bum Triathlon on August 9, a mini-triathlon consisting of a 3.1 run, 10.5 mile bike and 1/8 mile swim.  Although the date is fast approaching, I am no way prepared for this race.  Between my oldest daughter home for the summer, the humidity, my allergies/asthma, and the many margaritas consumed this summer, my training regimen is completely out of whack.

 

For Independence Day, I participated in the Lutz Independence 5K run.  Seems simple enough, right?  I’ve run farther distances!  I started the race off strong running 7 minute miles, but then I got the worst stomach cramps imaginable.  I’ve read on-line that diet and dehydration can really wreak havoc on you in the summer months.  I’ve also read that running faster than your breathing can cause cramps, but nonetheless, I had to walk quite a bit throughout the race.  I was so upset!  I have trained so hard and have run longer distances and yet, I could not run the entire race.  Oh well.  My time was still pretty decent despite the cramps (29:10).

 

Lori, Leslie and me at the Lutz Independence Day Run

Lori, Leslie and me at the Lutz Independence Day Run

 

To be ready for the triathlon, I am giving up the margaritas.  Well, I am at least cutting back on them! LOL They are my vice at the moment and “once it hits your lips, it’s so good” (Frank the Tank, Old School 2003).

 

The greatest challenge for me at the moment besides the margaritas and the heat/humidity is the fact that I do not own a bike.  Seems silly to train to for a triathlon when you don’t own a bike, right?  Well, I am not the glass is half-empty kind of gal!  Where there is a will, there is a way and my way is sneaking into my girlfriend’s gym and riding a stationary bike for 10.5 miles.  My sister, Simone, and my friend, Lori, have offered to lend me their mountain bikes for the race, which I’ve heard are not the best bikes for triathlons as they are much slower and heavier than racing bikes.  When riding the stationary bike, I’ve set it to the highest resistance level, so hopefully that will prepare for riding a mountain bike in the race.

 

As for the swimming component of this race, I’ve have been swimming 8 laps in my community pool but it has not been easy for me.  In my mind, if I practice to swim further than the actual distance, then it will seem less of a struggle the day of the race.

 

It’s time to get serious again!  I will make a concerted effort to run 3 times a week again.  As I mentioned already, summer vacation has caused my whole routine to be jumbled.  Prior to summer, I was running 5 miles twice a week and 10 miles on Sunday.  With all our traveling and non-stop trips to Margaritaville, I am quite behind in my long distance runs.  Now that summer is coming to an end, I am able to redirect my focus and get back on track.  So, far this week I ran 4 miles.  I will run 5 miles on Friday and 8 miles on Sunday.  Hopefully, it will only take me a couple of weeks to reach 10 miles again.

 

As for my cross-training, I love kick-boxing! I’ve recorded dozens of episodes of In Shape with Sharon Mann.  Her shows kick my badunkadunk, especially boot camp and kickboxing.  On my days of rest, usually the Monday after my long run, Sharon and I do some yoga.

 

Today, my friend, Lori and I plan to visit the new Lifestyles gym that opened in Lutz.  We have a week’s free pass and I am excited to try out the group fitness classes.  I haven’t decided if I will join because I enjoy sneaking into my friend, Julie’s gym.  It’s so quiet there at the crack of dawn.  Since I start my day around 5:00 a.m., I can check my e-mail and then dash off to work-out while my family sleeps.  When I return, I jump in the shower, get dressed and by the time I am finished time, my house is alive and everyone is ready to start the day, including me.  If I join the gym, I may become lazy and start my day later and find myself readjusting my routine again.  There is only so much time in the day to work-out, blog, run a moms’ group, attend playdates and raise a family!