Running in the sun

[LizLittle]

I completed wk6 run 2 2 weeks ago in the gym as it felt too hot (18 degrees) to run outside. Two days later I set out on the next run in 14 degrees and felt positive about attempting 25 minute run outside... until I had been running for about 2 minutes when my legs felt heavy and I lost all motivation and walked. I ran for another 2 minutes twice but walked the rest and returned disillusioned. 6 days later I flew out to Cyprus and brought running gear with me. The first day I just walked for 30 mins. The following day I put in some running and did 3x3mins.. this in 25 degree heat at 8am! Today I ran for 3,5,3 minutes in 27degrees and despite looking like a beetroot I felt comfortable. Why is it easier to run in higher temperatures here? It must be to do with the humidity? So I’m feeling more confident. Will do another run on Monday morning and then plan to get back on the programme by repeating some of the runs I’ve already done before tackling the elusive 25 min run. Mental attitude is I reckon about 75% of the battle!!

[Hidden]

Our heatwave just broke here (East Coast of US) where we had temperatures in the low 90s for a few weeks. By 8am, going outside would feel like opening the bathroom door where someone had been taking a blasting hot shower for twenty minutes.

A liiiitle exaggerated, but seriously the air was just so heavy and wet and you could get no relief from it.*

The only way I was able to do this running thing was to get out at 5am (I'm up anyway at that time) and just power through the sweating. Gross.

I can't even imagine how lovely it will be to run in crisp clean air and multicolored leaves in October. We can do it!

*I am also sad to report that a 30 year old guy died of heatstroke running a race in New Hampshire earlier this month. Heat is no joke. I would have to assume this man was super healthy and fit (to be running this kind of race) and still this happened.

Be careful, everyone! These temperatures are serious.

[Jay66UK Graduate]

The humidity will have a lot to do with it. Stay safe as 365892 says.

But there’s loads of other things, and you correctly identify the mental barriers as being the hardest.

Enjoy the rest of your time in Cyprus.

[Sofabunny]

I had completed firt run of week 8 about a month ago..28 mins of running..next run..feeling confident..felt like someone had planted kryptonite on me..couldn't get beyond 5 minutes..I've spent the last month trying to build back up..

I think our progress is fragile for us newbies..and we just need to make a plan and carry on..I think as long as we do something 3 times a week we will get there...for some of us progress is a bit spikey ,rather than a smooth upward trajectory.,..we have to stick with it..

[LizLittle in reply to Sofabunny]

👍👍