After what can only be described as a brutal winter (by our standards), we are now preparing for what promises to be, and I quote “The hottest summer in Florida’s history.”
Joy.
I like the heat. I really do. I love sunshine and long days and margaritas by the pool (preferably served under an umbrella with a fan). However, it wreaks havoc on running schedules, and residents of this state have to be extra careful in regards to hydration and sunscreen.
Through the winter months, I’ve been spoiled. I’ve been enjoying sleeping in a little longer in the mornings (7:00 AM! So decadent!) and then taking my runs after dropping little man at school. Still morning, but not at the crack of dawn. It’s made things a little easier and just slightly more pleasant and less rushed. Unfortunately, it’s getting too hot and too humid for that to continue.
This morning, I set my alarm for 5:00 AM and was up before the sun. I was dreading it simply because I hated losing out on two precious hours of sleep (I haven’t been getting much and I’m exhausted) and because it meant that I would be running without music (safety precaution for those wee morning hours). Blah.
But, I did it. I was out on the pavement in time to hear the roosters crow, and in time to catch the first peek of the pink sunrise through the trees. I had almost forgotten how peaceful it could be so early in the morning.
Even without the sun beating down, the humidity was thick and heavy, so even a little 3.1 mile run was tough. However, it was great to get my legs and feet moving again after almost a week off. My numbers weren’t hideous, either.
Even better? I am not feeling discomfort from the plantar fasciitis! Id on’t know if it’s gone or taking a hiatus or what’s going on, but it’s such a relief not to have any twinges. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that things stay this way.
I wasn’t able to get any shots of the start of sunrise because of the clouds, but I did get to see the start of my hydrangeas in bloom. Can’t wait for this plant to be fully flowering.
As mentioned, I have just a week and a half more of downtime with my running. Between baseball playoffs and parties and my upcoming birthday, the schedule is just too hectic to be able to commit to a regular routine. I’m not thrilled with the uncertainty, but it is what it is and I need to take advantage of the resting period before the marathon training starts in full.
How is the spring treating you? Pollen and humidity starting to take it’s toll? Or is it a welcome break after winter?
Does your social calendar ever get in the way of your training? Do you always make it work or do you sometimes just let your training slide with the promise to get back into it when things calm down a little?
My schedule definitely keeps me from getting in all my training. And the heat and humidity is another factor that leads to my derailment. The past few days have been brutal too! The humidity just smacks me in the face when I open up the door.
I pray you continue with pain free training. Hopefully it’s all past you now. Good Luck!
Haley @ Running with Diapers recently posted…What I Ate Wednesday: Pregnancy Nutrition Edition
It’s like being in a warm tub! I think the humidity helps make us stronger in our runs, but it’s annoying to run through.
I hope the pain is all done, too! I was so happy when I realized that it wasn’t bothering me!
Are they really saying it is supposed to be the hottest Florida summer ever? I so hope not!! #fingerscrossed#
Lora recently posted…There is enough success to go around!
This is what they’re saying. I hope they’re wrong.
Yes, suddenly hotter and up much earlier. I did not miss that.
It’s so incredibly hard to get back into the groove after months and months of cooler weather!
Oh yey, I am so happy for you that your foot is feeling good! Taking time off is stinkin hard but so often well worth it!
I really have a very hard time running in the heat an humidity. I’ve been thinking the last few weeks about how my weekends will soon have to be just as early as my weekdays, Booo! I really like getting to “sleep in” until 6:30-7 haha!
LOL! So sad when 6:30-7 is “sleeping in”. Oh, well. Takes the pressure off the rest of the day.
runswithpugs recently posted…yay weekend.
I really would love to be a morning runner but I just cant lol. I actually heard the same thing weather wise about the tri-state area (NJ)…that it will be a HOT and HUMID summer…blegh!!
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…Runner’s Wishlist
It always seems to get just as hot in the NE. I think the season is just a little bit shorter and the winters are more extreme.
I wish I could run in the evenings, but it really throws me off.
runswithpugs recently posted…yay weekend.
I think Spring is still hibernating up here in CT. 40 degrees and raining today. Booo!
Nice work on the early run! Glad your foot is feeling better!
Stacie Seidman recently posted…It’s an honor just to be nominated….
Ugh! Hurry up, Spring! Hurry up!
runswithpugs recently posted…yay weekend.
My car is covered with yellow dust – so I am sneezing my head off. Thankfully, they make meds for that!!! I am loving the warmer temps.
Kristen @ The Smith Summary recently posted…Running for a Reason: St. Jude Heroes Pre-Race Pasta Party
The pollen is awful. Poor little man has seasonal allergies, and we are getting to the time when my allergies will kick in soon. You are right- thankfully there are meds.
runswithpugs recently posted…yay weekend.
I am in Florida as well, and it is not fun. I left at 5:45 to get a 7 mile run in, and I still couldn’t believe how hot and sticky it was at that time of day. I hate running before sunrise because I am terrified of being snatched, but I have to do it to keep up with training. I can’t wait for Fall!
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I always take my pepper spray and run without my earbuds. I’m less afraid of being snatched as I am of the wild boar and snakes.
runswithpugs recently posted…yay weekend.
seriously? hottest in florida history? that’s terrifying. i’m newish to florida (this will be my third summer) and i don’t think that i’m ready for the hottest summer yet. i may die. i try to remind myself that heat training is comperable to altitude training, and if i keep running it will just make me a stronger runner….right?!?!? i’m still trying to make the transition to morning for my running….i haven’t been successful yet….
i just found your blog and love it! gonna poke around some more 🙂
dawn @ running the dawn recently posted…shoes shoes shoes
So glad to have you!
I’ll be honest, it is a HUGE advantage to be able to run in the heat and humidity. If you can do that, the rest is gravy. I have always struggled with really cold temperatures (I just can’t breathe right in them), but for the most part, I think it would be much harder to go from cold to hot temps, then it is from hot to cold.
We had one hot summer, and if the last few days are anything to go by we are going to have a cold winter.
I had to break out the fluffy jacket today, it was 11c (I have no idea what that is in f, but it’s cold).
I tell you what I’m glad summer is over, I hope you it’s not too nasty hot for you.
Matilda recently posted…April Running Stats
I don’t know what it is in F either, but effing cold comes to mind. Fingers crossed that we both have mild seasons!
One thing about running in the Florida summers; it sure makes it seem like a piece of cake to run in the fall and winter. I keep telling myself that throughout my summer runs. I do start getting used to it and its not too bad though, as long as I get out early. Keep on keeping on….
Randy recently posted…Zero Drop Running Shoes
It really does help a lot. Not a lot of fun running before dawn, but I think it’s a fair trade off. 🙂
I really used to enjoy running on the beach barefooted. Unfortunately I stepped into a small hole dug by some kids that were building sand castles and this lead to a sharp pain in my foot. I was later told that this is as a result of the stretching of the plantar fascia. I am really looking forward to getting out there in the next few weeks and start enjoying the early signs of good weather
Joanne Smith recently posted…Brooks Women’s Ariel Running Shoe Buyer Guide
Helen when I read your post, I just said ouch!!! I know the feeling because I have had problems with my plantar fasciitis recently. Using shoes with good arch support is the key I think. Good luck