We went from arctic tundra winter to hot and humid heat box in the matter of one day. Here in New Jersey we have had rain all week. I don’t mind rain but it means flooding as well as the humidity levels being high. It’s taken some serious adjusting too.
| Monday: | 11 untimed |
| Tuesday: | 12.5 untimed |
| Wednesday: | OFF |
| Thursday: | 12.5 untimed |
| Friday: | 12.5 untimed |
| Saturday: | 12.5 untimed |
| Sunday: | 5k Total miles: 15 |
| Total: | 76 |
Thoughts:
Monday I ran completely in the state forest. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday were the exact same route all untimed. I didn’t get bored as each run presented difficult challenges. Some days it was pouring rain, some days I was running late and realized I was dumb to run that direction, one I listened to the song fancy on repeat the entire run and Saturday it was sunny. I don’t get bored running the same route though and could do that for a while. That being said I’m going to map out some new routes next week and explore new places.
This week was spent acclimating to the heat. I know my paces will slow down for a while and I’m fine with that. First I’m adding an extra day of running in. (Last month I was running 5 days a week, not 6). Adding that day back is going to take some getting used too. I often think about the (stupid) runner I was that ran 7 days a week, every week. For me that resulted in injury (as it probably would now). So I’ll probably stay to 6 days a week (maybe a few 7 day run weeks but not for a while).
My goal for the 5k today is to get some speed work in and go from there. I don’t know what speed I’m currently at. My last 5k was 19:04 so I would like to be around that if possible. I saw a $20 5k and signed up on a whim.
Other thoughts:
The heat is terrible. It takes time to get adjusted too. Between the heat, humidty and adding an extra day of running I chose not to time my runs. (Which is good because I kept forgetting to charge my watch). I actually am debating adding in some cross training (when my schedule allows).
Next week:
I hope to do roughly the same thing. These next few weeks I’m going to get comfortable with running 6 days a week in the heat. I’m also going to get comfortable with 15 milers. Although I’m running 10-13 miles daily, the extra 2 miles feels a world of a difference right now.
I hope to do a 5k next weekend (I know there are some…I just have to pick one out).
Questions for you:
What is your best “acclimating to the heat” advice?
What was your favorite workout of the week?