Thanks for grabbing a cup of coffee with me and Coco today. I do love our monthly Ultimate Coffee Date meet-ups. Can’t believe I am saying this but maybe, just maybe summer running is not so bad after all! Grab your coffee mug and let’s catch up!
Summer Running is not so bad after all
If we were having coffee, I would tell you…
I have been on a mission to make summer running less sucky this year. Ha! Seriously, I have been getting up early on my run days and getting out there at 8 for my runs. Since I do eat breakfast first, I am up at 6:15. I have to admit, it’s not as bad as I expected and I am even enjoying having the extra time in the day.
While summer will always be my 4th favorite season to run in, I do admit summer running is not as bad as I remember. Granted, the hottest and most humid days are still to come in July and August. I must be under some temporary heat exhaustion because I am thinking of signing up for a 20K in mid August. Please tell me I am not crazy!
If we were having coffee, I would tell you…
I also credit my adaptation to summer running to run intervals. Continuing to use them gives me a built-in walk break that I use to take a few sips of water. I have also been religious about using my hydration tablets. When I have a built-in walk break interval, I don’t feel discouraged walking. I am going to keep them for the summer then reassess what to do for my fall races. Did I mention that these intervals have also helped me drop about a minute off of my run pace in the last year?
If we were having coffee, I would tell you…
I am still sipping on my hot coffee this morning. No matter how warm it is outside, there is something about a warm mug of coffee in my hands that just feels good. I don’t get the same feeling from iced coffee. It also does not taste the same to me. So hot coffee it is!
Have a happy and safe 4th of July! If we were having coffee, what would you tell me?
I feel like you are embracing summer running this year and I am complaining about it more! 🙂 I still enjoy it, but its been a rough summer already. That’s great that the walk intervals have helped you so much! I always have a hot cup of coffee when I wake up but I like having an iced decaf later in the day when its hot out.
I really am trying to embrace it more but it will never be my favorite season
I am sipping hot coffee as well. I enjoy iced coffee later in the day but the first cup needs to steam. Good for you for beating the heat and I’m glad the walk intervals are working for you!
The first cup definitely needs to be hot!
Yay!! Glad to hear that summer running is feeling better ! I love running early, too (though I have to be at work by 8:00, so my runs usually have to happen a couple hours earlier). That sunrise totally captivates me, and I also love having the extra “wake time” to enjoy the day.
well I am not quite as excited about it as you are! I am determined to get it done and keep up my base
Agreed on everything you wrote about intervals. Why runners think they can’t walk is beyond me.
But I’d melt if I got out to run that late! And even though we’ve been stupid hot & humid a lot already this summer, I know you guys are way hotter. Good job embracing the earlier mornings!
Yes I am happy with the run intervals right now and see no reason why not to do them. I am not an early morning runner so I am doing my best to get out there
You know I love my walk intervals, especially in the heat. There’s no shame in that game. Once Marcia told me that Pam from Two Runners Travel uses them, I was all good. After all, she qualifies for Boston every year. Who’s to question that?
Good luck on the 20k! You don’t see that distance very often–have you done one before! Last spring was my first 20k-instant PR, lol
NO I have never done a 20K although they might as well make it a half at that point right? Yes instant PR. I have not signed up yet, but I will unless we have a heatwave that week. I have no shame in the walk intervals and they are great for summer
I can’t believe what I’m reading…embracing summer running?! 😉 Kidding aside, good for you for trying to make the most of it. And I agree, intervals have been my saving grace too.
Enjoy your 4th!
Well, I don’t like summer running but I feel like it will be easier to get through if I embrace it. I am just hoping to power through until September
Yay! Glad to hear your summer running is going well. It’s funny to me that you consider it your 4th favorite season of running- I don’t know how you northerners are out there running in the winter!
Yes, I’m sitting outside right now (in Florida) and drinking a hot tea. Morning beverages must be hot!
running in the winter gives me such a sense of accomplishment. You can always put on more layers to stay warm but can’t take enough off to stay cool! My favorite running temps would be 45-55
Hot coffee this morning too, but I do go back and forth depending on my mood and whether I’m melting post run. Amazing on taking a minute off your pace.
I’m like you on summer running – forever my fourth favorite, but if I can acclimate I can manage. I’m not sure I could motivate to train for a 20K, but I know you can if you want to.
Summer running will always be my 4th favorite. I am trying to just power through. I know I can do the 20K just not sure how much fun it will be!
8:00 is too late for beating the heat here. That’s our winter start time. 6 – 6:30 is Chicago beat the heat time.
I’ve been doing intervals on the treadmill to work on speed. I’m curious about the duration of your run/break. I normally just keep going at a jog/slower run.
My morning coffee is always hot, too! Even on the hottest days.
Happy 4th!
right now, I am doing 5: 1 intervals. The walk break goes by so fast but it does remind me to hydrate. I need to eat before I run so 8 is just about as early as I can do!
Totally agree about run/walk intervals. I feel like that’s the smartest way to tackle running in the heat. I always look forward to the walk breaks, lol.
intervals are the way to go in the summertime
Hah! Look at you getting up early! It is addictive. I’m also a hot coffee drinker no matter the weather. Even at the beach!
I can do it in the summertime but the wintertime will be another story!
I am a huge supporter of walk/run intervals. Especially in the summer. I don’t know that I would have been able to come back from my injury without them.
Happy 4th!
they are really helpful for sure
It’s been a while since I’ve run — I think intervals would do the trick though! Awesome to hear that it’s helped you a lot! :]
P.S. If you do end up signing up for that 20k…sending you cool thoughts!
Intervals have been a huge help for me