Saturday, September 8, 2007

Learn not to be discouraged

I talk to all sorts of beginner runners this time of year here in Houston who have just started training for their first half-marathon or marathon coming up in January. Many get discouraged because they can only go "so far" (whatever that might be for their current fitness level) because of the weather. Case in point... As I type this, here is what the Weather Channel has online for my current weather:

9:00 a.m.
Temperature: 86
Humidity: 100%
Heat Index: 112
Winds: Calm

Don't be discouraged. Nobody can run well under those conditions (and note again that it is ONLY 9:00 a.m.). I always tell them that during the summer months, which here can last into October, that the length of my average run is probably 20% less than what it would be in the winter or spring (our winters here are around 50-60 with many days still up into the high 70's and low 80's). I have also created my own little formula where I have figured out that my level of exertion for something like a 10 mile run in these conditions is equivalent to at least a 15-18 mile run if the temperatures were in the 50's or 60's. So hang in there and learn to live with your weather conditions, no matter where you live.

4 comments:

Jess said...

Oh man those are some warm temps. We've been peaking at a high in the mid 90's around these parts with lots of humidity, but at least it's only in the high 70's in the mornings.

The Stretch Doc said...

totally Agree..Well said.

rockon`

Born To Endure said...

Happy new years to you!

CapCity said...

Wishing U a great, 2008 Faithful Soles! I could REALLY use some inspiration/help, now! This is my third year STARTING to run. I'll do really well in the beginning of winter then fall off mostly when the days get longer & lots more runners (faster, slimmer, etc.) come out and I can actually be seen among them. My question - do u know of any running sites or blogs for beginner runners who are also heavier than the average avid runner? I'm a female who's been fluctuating btwn. 160 & 180 lbs. (don't tell anyone;-). Most of the time I don't feel so bad about my figure - but it would be nice to connect with other runners who know what it's like to lift the weight that I do;-). Thanx for any help u can offer connecting me to others in similar "pants" (i mean that in EVERY sense of the word;-). LOL!

check me out at:
http://cap4health.blogspot.com/