Yeah, it’s hot here (August – September, that is). I walk across campus, go shopping (always on foot), etc. — the heat is just a part of daily life. My air conditioner in my apartment provides me with a much-needed escape.
But running in this? Oy. My first week here, the “feels like” index was above 100 degrees fahrenheit every single day. Now, two weeks later, it is still there. That is, weather.com has the “feels like” temperature at 102F or so, and accuweather.com has it at 113F today (their “real feel” temperature). Whatever…that’s hot. It doesn’t cool off much at night. In the morning, it’s about 80, but super super humid. So, when I step outside at dawn, it surprises me every day…”wow, it’s hot and humid this morning.” Duh. The humidity goes down as the day progresses, but the heat cranks up. It’s inescapable!
So, much to my chagrin, I was able to jog only 8.3 miles (with some walking) last Sunday, when at home in Oregon, I was running 15-milers with ease every other Sunday. 🙁 That changes my marathon plans drastically. In order to do the December 6th Macau marathon, I will have to work my long run up (gradually) from 8 miles, completing only one 20-miler prior to the race. Gah!
In general, think “half” if you’re not used to this weather at all. If your longest long run is 16 miles, think 8. Bring water along, even for short runs. Drink something with electrolytes earlier than you normally would. Slow way, way down.
My face gets scarlet red after about 7 miles or after any intense effort. I’m sure that the Chinese probably think I look like I’m about to explode (my face does feel like it’s going to explode).
Last Saturday I went on my first hash house harriers run…at 3pm in the afternoon! Luckily, it involved lots of dead ends and standing around in confusion, so although it was hot, I didn’t die out there. They are baba loco, by the way, those hhh-ers…and that’s all I’ll say about the run. :] I do have a picture, though. The young men in the photo are sitting on blocks of ice.
As the fall progresses, it will cool down, and I am hoping my speed will improve. Right now I’m running about 30 seconds/mile slower than normal for longer runs. Besides my once/week speedwork, I am not doing any tempo work; good gawd no! I hope this lack of tempo running won’t hurt me later on in the season, but oh well, that’s the way it goes.