Runners' Rambles Week of 6/18/01

[SusieO]

Well, you learn something new every day, and last Saturday I learned that if you want to run in Florida in June you have to get up really early. And 8a.m. is not early enough! Struggled through six miles on Saturday in the heat and humidity. Yesterday, I set out before 6a.m. and ran three miles much more successfully.

How is everyone else surviving this transition into summer?

[emilycat]

Oh, I feel your pain! I love warm weather, but I can totally relate. Here in the armpit of the South, it can feel like a steam bath at 7:00 a.m. in the dead of summer, and if you're not finished running by 10:00 at the latest, you're likely to melt into a puddle out there.
I've lived in the South all my life, though, so I'm quite used to the heat, and since I get up at 5:30 every weekday to run anyway, getting up early on the weekends to do long runs isn't that hard of an adjustment. Last week, though, I did my long run before work on Friday, and it was so nice to be able to sleep in the next day!
Look at it this way, though. It feels like the greatest accomplishment in the world to have run 15 miles (or 7, or 21) under your belt by 10:00 in the morning, and still have the rest of the day ahead of you. And then when you go out to a fabulous restaurant that night, you know you deserve it http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[SusanMac]

I also love running on summer evenings. Something about a summer night around 7:00, when it's warm but not hot and the sun is still out, is so much fun. And, it makes the ice cold beer at dinner afterwards much more satisfying :-)

I don't mind running during the day when it's hot (I'm in Wisconsin, so it can't compare to Florida), but my dog gets overheated so I can't take him.

Off to a good start this week with a long run on Sunday at a new trail! Yeah (ok...my long runs aren't 15 miles, but they're long for me!)

[Jorgan]

I have a question (my first one on HL Board)! I have been running off and on for a few years (I run about 3-4 miles on average 3-4 times a week). A little over a week ago I was in pain the entire run with a 'side stich'. Ever since then everytime I run I get the same pain. I really watch my breathing and stretch but does anyone have any thoughts on what could be causing it or what I could do to prevent it?

[browneye]

I'm so happy!!! I can run 20 minutes without walking now!!!! Snoopy dance! This is about my 6th week, I think. I also included some hills this past weekend, and felt good! I went a total of 3.5 miles, run 5minutes, walk 2.5, then run 10, walk 2.5.. I felt great!
Thanks to all you runners on this BB for your help. I really learned a lot from you.
I sent in my registration for my first 5K!
http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[SusieO]

Good work, browneye! When's the 5K?

Jorgan, welcome! I wish I had an answer for you. I have that problem every now and then if I don't wait long enough after eating before I exercise. I've gotten better in the last couple of years, but there was a time when I had to "fast" a minimum of three hours before exercising or I would get cramps.

[CindyWeightWatcher]

Hey SusieO, did you check out the
trail in Birmingham that was described
on the BB? Lauren, Cindy and I went
on Saturday ---- it was very nice ---
I guess it was about a 3 mile run.
Since I am in New England it was more
humid than I am used to, but fun.
Then again, I only run here from May
to October since we are so weather
dependant.

[Laura]

Gina, welcome to our beautiful state! I live in Colorado Springs so I know how you feel. I would recommend that you make sure you are drinking extra fluids, the altitude (although I don't know what Ft. Collins is I would venture a guess that it is around 5000-6000) can really dehydrate you.

[Gina O]

Hey all! Finally checking in again from the road... this time in stunningly beautiful Colorado, Ft. Collins to be exact.

I actually really enjoyed running in the heat while I was in the islands... I aimed for mornings, but it was still over 80 at 8 am. I am a hot weather junkie, so I am hoping that my first summer of running will be enjoyable. Ask me again in August, and I may have a different answer! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Seriously bummer of a week for running for me.... last time I ran was a week ago somewhere in the middle of Nebraska, or was it Iowa. Well, either way, I have not been running because I have been struck ill by a seriously nasty cold, one of the worst I have had in a long time. Since I had to give presentations every day, I figured I better save my limited energy and breathing ability for that process.

Yesterday I did feel somewhat better, so I hiked 8 miles in Rocky Mountain National Park, but today I am not feeling as great. I still may try to run, I am having a hard time resisting the urge in such an incredible city. (there are bike/running paths everywhere!)

To continue in the rambling spirit... for those who value absolute beauty beyond what can be described with words, pack a bag and your hiking boots this instant, get in the car and drive to Rocky Mountain National Park. While there, find a trail and hike in a few miles to a lake, waterfall, mountain, or whatever suits your desire. You will experience serenity and beauty of unimaginable proportions. Simply driving the road across the park, reaching heights of over 12,000 feet and crossing the Continental Divide will be memorable.
We also saw tons of elk, a coyote and walked within 10 feet of a deer while hiking. Make the trip, it is well worth it. Gina