Yesterday I ran outside in the hot afternoon sun, and almost threw a party for how great it was. The warmth, all the people, the sweat. Of course, most runners sweat but this is just different. It’s not just sweat caused by my movement; it is outside elements. The elements. And I can’t help but get excited about it, because it feels so good.
A lot of runners don’t like this. Running in the heat is not their idea of fun. But it is mine. While I wouldn’t say I’d like to run in the desert in August (heatstroke = not fun. Dehydration? Also not fun), somewhere around 67 degrees and bright sun is perfect for me. Even hotter, if that’s how it turns out. Which is why I’m so annoyingly happy now. Yesterday was that perfect day. My perfect running weather has arrived, albeit fleeting, and I am once again allowed to be a sweaty, happy mess. It was just five miles, but, man, was it good.
I felt like all the first breaths of summer were packed into those fifty minutes. For the first time this year, I felt reassured that yes, I am a runner, and that, without a doubt, summer is coming. I could smell the barbecue, I could hear the motorcycles hitting the road, I could see a Saturday night at the ballpark, I could watch the kids on their bikes, and I could wave to the others out enjoying it with me. Now, finally, I can see the light at the end of winter’s tunnel. And it is bright and hot, and it tastes like salt.
Nicole says:
Awesome! That is the best feeling. I knew you were always a runner. And, I also love the heat. Running in the 60’s and low 70’s to me is perfect!
Happy Running.
April 16th, 2008 at 7:46 am
backofpack says:
I think 55-60 with sun is perfect. I ran last weekend in Sisters in 81 and it was not perfect. There was a lot of salt present though!
April 16th, 2008 at 8:15 am
A-Ron says:
“Sick of the heat and running blog” in 3.. 2..
April 16th, 2008 at 8:23 am
sizzle says:
Sadly, we’ve got none of that sun. We had one day. Total tease! Soak it up for me.
April 16th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Cat Chaser says:
Amen to the weather, we needed it.
Hopefully it stays below 80
April 16th, 2008 at 9:53 am
The Exception says:
I know this feeling oh so well. The joy of spring!!
April 16th, 2008 at 11:50 am
barbara says:
Aren’t you glad you hung on all miserable winter long? Enjoy those nice hot sweaty runs!
April 16th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Danielle says:
I’m soooo with you on the heat….I’ll take 90 and humidity over 20 and cold any day…although my perfect temps are right in the 70s.
April 16th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
MN Sunshine says:
Oh yes, we are annoyingly delighted too.
April 16th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Essentially Me says:
The past few days, I’ve been working out outside (for the bootcamp) and I have to say … I don’t think I can ever be cooped up in a confined space for physical activity ever again. It felt SO GOOD being outside.
April 16th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
nicole says:
I love running in warm weather, too. Especially sun, even though I then sweat even more than usual! But I also like coming home not chilly and wind-whipped.
Re: your next entry, I have to say that I think you’re amazing — both for helping, and for hoping. Just … wow.
April 17th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Joe says:
You “I want to hope” story just about brought me to tears. I hope that story eventually has a happy ending.
April 17th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Dawn says:
We had two (TWO!!) days over seventy degrees! Yippeee!!
April 17th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Jen says:
I strolled by Central Park this afternoon, it was 80 degrees in NYC today (hot!) and people were jogging as usual. I got the urge, I’ve gotten it before, but somehow can’t seem to jog for more than a few minutes at a time. How did you start? Have you any recommendations?
April 18th, 2008 at 4:31 pm