I have been having such a hard time getting myself out to go running. Mostly its because my runs have been so miserable lately. Living in a new area with a completely different climate is throwing me all out of whack. Now, I’ve run my fair share in heat. I hate heat, but I’ve found ways of coping with it and made my peace.
Humidity, on the other hand? We are not friends.
Seriously, since I moved here I haven’t been able to complete one run without having to take walking breaks. I feel my body overheating and my heart racing. It’s not fun. So, as I’m sitting in my air conditioned house, I find it very challenging to will myself to go out for a run.
Now, some have suggested that I run earlier. And that does help temperature wise. But I have found that the humidity is always higher in the morning which just makes me feel like I am having to cut my way through the tropical air.
I feel like I might have found a way to make it through the next few weeks though. Today I went running without my garmin. I wanted to see if not “recording” my run would help give me permission to run slow enough so that I wouldn’t have to stop and walk just so that I don’t pass out or throw up. It worked! I just kept telling myself to keep it slow and steady.
With my garmin lately I’ve been super depressed every time I glance down and see in numbers how slowly I’ve been running. Which always makes me speed up. Which always makes me overheat and need to stop to walk. But without that constant feedback, I was freed to run at a sustainable pace and FINALLY finish the 4 mile loop without a walk break.
I’ve been trying to count on both my endurance and speed coming back to me at the same time. Now, its time to accept that I’ve lost both. I’m not where I was and I can’t expect to get there over night. I am going to focus on regaining my endurance–adding on miles. Then I will reintroduce the garmin.
For now, I just need to not dread running. That is the goal.
Seriously, do not fret! You’re still getting used to the conditions and it’s to be expected. My first training cycle over the summer was MISERABLE! I took walk breaks every run, there was just no way to make it through otherwise, but in time it got easier and easier. Give yourself a few weeks to fall in to the routine of the training and before you know it, you’ll be used to it… and the added bonus is that the weather should start getting a little cooler. (A little) Chin up buttercup, the speed will return!
Yep, that’s our summer for ya – KILLER humidity in the morning. Luckily we are getting fall-like temps now. Hang in there and rest assured you WILL adapt! Enjoy the number-free running!
Sounds like you’re doing exactly the right thing. Humidity just plain sucks. We had a summer full of it and are having a relapse now with the beginning of fall. It kills your pace, kills your legs, and definitely kills your motivation. I hope crisper weather comes to you soon, and in the meantime, enjoy the break from the garmin.
it’s SO HARD to transition into super humidity. your heart tries to explode and you feel like crap, i’ve been there. keep ignoring the garmin and just enjoy those runs for a while. you’ll adjust!
well i’ll gladly take over your garmin since mine’s missing haha!! i’m on your plan but not by choice… but really, this is a great plan for you! perceived effort for a pace in the humidity is just as beneficial even though you might not be meeting your goal pace… you just need to go run races somewhere cool and reap the benefits