Run 47. Here comes the Sun. 23/10/2019.
My last couple of runs have been done in my ideal temperature zone of 8-12 degrees, just right. So when the early summer heat hit at short notice, the 20 degree jump (to 28) certainly packed a punch. The next few months will clearly test the impact of heat, but the early suggestion is that heat doesn’t help.
The temperature required a move to plan B, so I headed for the beach because I knew there would be plenty of water fountains. I found an Ap called “Choose Tap” which will come in handy in the coming months when planning runs on hot days. But whilst the fountains were there, what was missing along the beach path was shade. So time to move to plan C and head slightly inland to the streets that had shade on at least one side.
This set up the dilemma of water vs shade. In the end I tried to balance both, but ended up light on the water and paid the price late in the run. I do have a hydration belt but I left it at home. Hydration belts don’t work properly if they are hanging on the door of the laundry and not actually with you.
Finished in the very familiar time of 1:53:30 which is quickly becoming my standard time, but as with the Melbourne half marathon, my heart rate was consistently high and I was just happy to finish.
My Three Learnings
The hotter the better – not.
Concrete in direct sun radiates extra heat, making it better – not.
Not hydrating in higher temperatures is a delight – not.