The route I took followed a busy highway with gradual transitions from sidewalks to uneven gravel shoulders. The hills, heat, and wind were major factors nagging at my will to turn around before the half way point. The cars and scenery were not providing adequate distraction from the beating unshaded 102 degree late day sun. I found myself cursing at my IPOD for not getting to my "half way" song fast enough. I knew that if I could push myself to the halfway point, I would have no other choice but to run back, this is a common technique I use to complete long distances. I decided to change my course slightly and head down a non occupied country-esque road for the final one mile before the turn around.
It took 1:45 and some cursing to complete the 10 mile run. Ninety Five degrees was the cool day of my trip, 102 being the high. Thankfully, one of my clients was kind enough to recommend a great trail that ran along a creek. That made the other days much more tolerable. I have listed a few of the things that made the other runs during that trip comfortable:
- Finding a pool with a low fence at a Motel 6
- Taking off my shirt, soaking it and tying it around my head.
- Focusing on things other than being uncomfortable (trees, cars, bicyclists, etc.)
- If it gets really bad... Stop at a convience store, get ice from the soda machine and put it on your head, shoulders and chest.
