
My hope at the beginning of each summer in the south is that I can make it until October. This year my fitness was going pretty well before the heat and humidity started. In prior years I have tried to get in shape during the spring and summer. It is torture. It seemed no matter how slow I ran, it got worse. I slogged along. This year while helping others to get in shape and learn to run, I have relearned a technique that helps. I run along at a normal 8 min pace until I cannot go any longer, then I take a 1 or 2 minute walk to recover. This way I am running at a comfortable pace but, can still handle the heat. It would seem easier to run a 10 minute per mile pace or so but, that is too slow to be comfortable or of any benefit. The walking recoveries help lower the heart rate, dissipate some heat and rehydrate while on the run. It is crucial to hydrate towards the end of the run as this helps the recovery process. Have fun with the warm weather and use the longer daylight hours to get in shape.
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