Revised Expectations

Ok, it's HOT. I mean, it's beyond hot. It's the hottest day of the year and the humidity and smog are unbearable. But I'm tough. Treadmill? Air conditioning? Bah! Just give me my running shoes and the great outdoors.

Things started off just peachy for my planned 6 miles. Sure it was hot, but I'm fine. I can tough it out. It's just mental, right? What's a little sweat in the eyes between friends?

I thought I'd make this one fast. Lots of 8s and 9s. I'm practicing for my upcoming races. First mile goes ok. I post a 9:04. Second mile 9:22. It's ok. Maybe it's a little too hot for 8s. I stop for a drink. Phew. It's hotter here on the concrete sidewalk than the asphalt street. Wonder why that is? Oh, well, onward! Mile 3, I can tell I'm slowing down: 10:09. I could just turn around here and make it a 4 and go home. But no! That's cheating! Mile 4, up a hill, a couple traffic lights... I'll just push the button and wait for the "Walk" signal. I better walk if it says "walk." 12:23. Mile 5 I managed 11:13. I have no idea how. Mile 6 begins with a stop at Subway. They have great cold water there. I'll just fill up my bottle. Can't I just stay here a while in the a/c? No, I must make it home. I'm so hot. What was that I just read about bonking -- it's just mental -- go faster -- ok, I'll go faster: 13:12. I can't believe I'm not home yet. I've miscalculated. I'll just run to the stop sign. Now I'll just run to the end of the service drive. Keep going and make it an even 6.5. Yes! Total time: 1:10:49.

I walk in the house a miserable, soaking, mess. I'm still sweating even though I've taken a shower.

I've got two races coming up. Scott C. asked me to post my goals yesterday. Given the weather, I think those goals require a little revision, or should I say, reality check?

Hyde Park Blast 4 miles: Previous Goal 35:00. New Goal: 38:00.

Conquer the Hill 10k: Previous Goal 54:00. New Goal: Under 60:00. Or, if it's like today, I'll skip the race altogether. I've done this one before. It runs through a neighborhood and residents provide the water at the water stops from their hoses. Nothing worse than warm hose water on a hot day.