Living in Arizona, it can sure be tough to get out and pound the pavement when the temps climb into triple digits. Many people recede to the gym, and work out in air conditioned comfort, but I have always hated the gym (variety of reasons). So I lace up my shoes at lunch and go for a run, or I ride my bicycle in to the off (always good for a 106F+ ride home).
People in the office look at me like I am from Mars.
But it can be done safely. There are precautions that you take, and symptoms that you look for while on your outdoor fitness excursions:
- Pre-load with fluids. If you are going to run at lunch, drink 2 – 3 12oz glasses of water in the hour before you head out. Your body will need it.
- Bring fluids with you. I go through about 16 oz for each 3-4 miles I run. If you begin to cramp, drink.
- Put some electrolyte supplements in your water. In the summer I use Accelerade, a protein/carb mix that really does help recovery.
- Don’t “start” cold turkey. The key is to acclimatize yourself. Start in early spring, and keep at it as the temps rise. You will not “shock” your system, and it will become more enjoyable (plus exercising regularly is a great stress reliever)
- If you cramp, become dizzy, disoriented or “dazed” STOP. Call for help. The difference between a comfortable albeit it hot run, and heat stroke can happen quickly. Carry a phone.
It isn’t for everyone, but if you prepare, and ease yourself into it, you can keep your outdoor fitness going, even in the baking Arizona sun. Use common sense, and don’t push too hard.
