Hot summer streets and the pavements are burning as I sit run around
Trying to smile but the air is so heavy and dry humid
Strange voices are saying (AHHH what did they say?)
Things I can’t am too hot to understand
It’s too close for comfort, this heat has got right out of hand. – Ace of Base, Cruel Summer
I survived another week of cruel summer training in record-breaking heat. The calendar may say October, but it feels more like August in Charleston. It’s way too hot for pumpkin spice or Halloween movies, and running feels like a struggle shuffle.
It’s supposed to cool down this week, and we will have a day when temperatures are in the 70s. That’s basically like the first snow of the season in other parts of the US, and I expect people to be decked out in hoodies, boots, and scarves.
| Monday | 5.5 miles + ITBS Rehab Routine |
| Tuesday | 8.4 miles (including 45 min. at mid-tempo pace) |
| Wednesday | 6.4 miles + ITBS Rehab Routine |
| Thursday | 6.2 miles + 60 min. yoga |
| Friday | No workout |
| Saturday | 6.9 miles including Avondale 5K (21:44) |
| Sunday | 11.4 miles |
| Total | 45 miles |
On Monday, I ran with the group and all of us agreed that we needed a “sightseeing run”- aka, EASY DAY. Downtown Charleston is on the water, so we had a little breeze and some shade, and that made it tolerable. I was still recovering from Saturday’s Isle of Palms 10K and Sunday’s long run, and being sick post-run (the worst part of post-run stomach issues is that when all was said and done, I was still well above racing weight). My legs were heavy, but we enjoyed the sights and lack of crowds since tourist season is winding down.
On Tuesday I did a tempo run on the treadmill because it’s way too hot to attempt that outside and because I like trash TV.
Our track has been taken over by middle school football on Wednesday nights, so we’ve started running a slightly hilly neighborhood instead, where we have 4 and 6 mile routes. We had a good crowd this week, and Erin had everyone over post-run for a cookout. Her husband grilled burgers and hot dogs and everyone brought side items and drinks.
It was great hanging out and refueling after the hot run. You know you’re at a cookout full of runners and triathletes when you foam roll and stretch while the burgers are grilling.
I did an easy run on Thursday, in the hottest temperatures I could to hopefully regain some heat acclamation, then did a Vin-to-Yin yoga class that night. Soul Yoga of Charleston sent me a coupon for a free yoga class during my birthday week, and it was an nice way to stretch out and de-stress before Saturday’s race.
Friday was a much-needed day off of working out, but I spent the afternoon volunteering at the SheTris Aquathon, a swim and run event for young girls. A good crowd of Summerville Tri Clubbers volunteered. All the girls were great athletes and demonstrated positive sportsmanship, and the whole afternoon was wonderful. Angie’s done a great job organizing women’s events and bringing them to the Lowcountry, especially for preteen girls who need the encouragement and positivity.
Saturday was the Avondale 5K, and for the first time in a long time, I ran a race time I am proud of. The weather was warm but less humid, and that helped big time. I didn’t let negative thoughts creep in, left everything on the course, supported the Charles Webb Center for Special Needs kids, and shared some great memories with Charleston Beer Runners.
We had some new PRs, a couple of age group placements, and we shut down the after party in true CBR style. I’ll write more about the race this week (Thanks Brian from CBR for this great pic!).
The week wouldn’t be complete without a long run, so I logged some miles on Sunday morning, then met up with OnShore Recreation for the last 8 miles. We had record-breaking high temperatures on Sunday, so I was scared that Church of the Sunday Long Run would be a “Fire and Brimstone service”. Thankfully, it wasn’t as bad as last Sunday, and you can’t beat a long run in downtown Charleston.
After the run, I came home to a Sunday of brunch, farmer’s markets, and football with Clay- good times. I hope everyone has a great week!
I’m linking up with Holly at Hohoruns and Tricia at MississippiPiddlin‘ for their weekly wrap link.
