oppressive heat

[bacarver]

Oh, my gosh. The heat wave here in Southern Indiana is unbelievable. I rode through the summer heat last year but this is too much. The next day I can ride will be Thursday August 9th and it will be 99 degrees F. I feel like I'm being microwaved inside. My body is responding to the extreme weather by gaining weight although I don't know why. I'm not eating more. Guess I'll be back on the trainer in the coolness of my basement. I'm not able to ride early in the day or late in the evening. I'm bummed out because my mileage for the year was really good. I won't be able to get back on the road bike till this heat wave ends. Anyone else out there having to change routines due to this?

Barb

[smilingcat]

????

working out in extreme heat and gaining weight? I hope its muscle mass and not the other stuff. Last time I read about workout, heat & weight, the paper said if you work out in hot weather, you tend to lose the fat. This is the way body copes with heat, to improve the heat transfer from your core to the outside world.

The paper also said that this is the reason why swimming wasn't a good way to lose weight. The water has so much heat capacity that it can remove excess heat from the body while a long distance runner can't so the runners shed the fat. Long distance runner's aren't skinny by the virtue of all the expended Calories. Swimmer can also expend the same amount of Calories and the difference is how the body has to deal with the excess heat build up in their core. Swimming, you are water cooled running, you are air-cooled.

Also if the heat is so stiffling, can you go out and ride at 4 or 5AM or even 6AM.

Smilingcat

[Zen]

Before i say anything about swimming, i have to ask what you're drinking.
is it a sugar-laden sports drink and because it's so hot you're drinking more?

As for swimming, I have this article from my files. I would like to credit the source but unfortunately don't have that information.


The truth about swimming and weight loss...
Swimming is often touted as the best form of exercise for weight loss. And when you think about it, it seems to make sense.
After all, swimming uses almost all of your major muscle groups. It places a vigorous demand on your heart and lungs. Swimming is also popular with people who are extremely overweight, pregnant, or suffering from some kind of injury.
When you swim breastroke or backstroke, you're burning about the same number of calories as a fast walk or a slow jog. However, for some reason, swimming appears to be less effective than other forms of exercise at promoting weight loss.
Swimming weight loss
Research published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine shows that in the absence of a controlled diet, swimming has little or no effect on weight loss [1].
Professor Grant Gwinup compared three exercise programs for three months. Each program began with up to 10 minutes of daily exercise. The length of each workout was increased by five minutes every week.
• Test subjects following the walking program lost 17 pounds of weight during the three-month study.
• Those following the cycling program lost 19 pounds of weight.
• However, subjects following the swimming program actually gained 5 pounds.
Assuming that all three groups burned a similar number of calories, the swimmers must have compensated by eating more. "Presumably," speculates Professor Gwinup, "swimming in cold water stimulates the appetite to increase caloric consumption."
Professor Louise Burke, Head of Nutrition at the Australian Institute of Sport, also points out that competitive swimmers typically have body fat levels that are higher than those of runners or cyclists who expend a similar amount of energy when they train.
"Many female swimmers have fought well-publicized battles with their body fat levels," says Burke. "They are generally prescribed 'land training' (running or cycling) in addition to their many laps of the pool in the belief that it is a necessary treatment to produce lower skinfold levels."
Appetite
There are suggestions that swimming doesn't cause the same drop in appetite that accompanies heavy running and cycling training. Many people feel extremely hungry after training in the pool, and may simply replace all the calories they've burned with a large post-exercise meal.
"Many people observe that they feel like 'eating a horse' after they have finished a swim training session, and may overcompensate for the energy they have just burned," says Professor Burke.
"Some research suggests that this is due to the cool temperatures in which swimmers train. By contrast, runners and cyclists usually experience an increase in body temperature during training, which may serve to suppress appetite - at least in the short term."
In one recent study, researchers examined the effect of water temperature on calorie intake after exercise [3].
A group of 11 men exercised for 45 minutes in "neutral" and "cold" water temperatures. After the workout, they were allowed to eat as much food as they wanted.
The men burned a similar number of calories in the cold and neutral water conditions, averaging 505 and 517 calories, respectively. However, calorie intake after exercise in the cold water averaged 877 calories, which was 44% more than for the neutral temperature. The problem here is that the water temperature during the "cold" condition was extremely cold (20 degrees celsius), and isn't really indicative of the water temperature of most pools (which is usually nearer 30 degrees celsius).
Professor Burke also points out that swimmers are less active outside their training sessions. They are so tired from the hours spent training that they sleep, sit or otherwise avoid any real physical activity outside their sessions.
In one study, researchers compared collegiate swimmers and collegiate distance runners [2]. As you can see in the table below, the runners had lower body fat levels than swimmers. However, detailed three-day food records and one-day activity records offered no convincing explanation as to why.
Swimmers Runners
Men 12% 7%
Women 20% 15%
According to Professor Burke, it's almost impossible to measure usual energy intake from diaries.
"Apart from the errors in translating descriptions of food into calorie counts," she says, "it is unlikely that people eat 'normally' while they are recording. It is well-known that those who are conscious of their body fat underreport their food intake."
"In reporting, athletes try to appear as 'good' as possible and thereby cover-up the clues to any energy balance problems. The behavior of individuals may also be masked by the 'averaging' of results."
Burke also speculates that elite swimmers are predisposed to higher body fat levels because it is a help, or at least less of a disadvantage, to their swimming - rounded shoulders and smooth curves may simply be more biomechanically sound than bony angles.
Muscle
One of the reasons a properly designed weight-training program is so effective at burning fat is that just one workout can give your metabolic rate a real boost. In some cases, this rise can last for well over a day [4].
When your metabolic rate goes up, you burn more calories. And more calories burned means faster weight loss.
One of the things that contribute to this rise in metabolic rate is the muscle damage caused during resistance exercise [5]. And it's eccentric muscle actions (pronounced ee-sen-trick) that appear to cause most of this damage.
What's an eccentric muscle action?
Take one hand and let it hang down by your side. Now, bend your arm as if you were curling a weight, bringing your hand towards your shoulder.
The muscle that's working to raise your arm is the biceps (other smaller muscles are also working to assist it). The movement is known as a concentric muscle action (pronounced con-sen-trick).
If you lower your arm under control (rather than just letting it flop down) your biceps are working again. Only this time, the muscle action is called eccentric.
So, what does all of this have to do with swimming? Most of the work your body does in the water involves concentric muscle actions. There's virtually no eccentric work there at all. Because of this, I'm guessing that swimming has only a minor impact on your metabolic rate after exercise.
The bottom line
I prefer to put all forms of exercise into one of three categories - good, better or best.
Any form of exercise, be it swimming, walking or weight-training, is good if the alternative is doing nothing. A mixture of some form of resistance exercise and cardiovascular exercise is better, while combining interval exercise and free weights - in my opinion at least - is the best way to get in shape (see How to fight fat and win in the Members-Only Area for an example of this type of program).
Losing weight is all about burning more calories than you eat. Any form of exercise, swimming included, will get the job done.
If you enjoy swimming, then stick with it. It's more important to be consistent with an exercise program you enjoy than to be inconsistent with one you hate. Just make sure to guard against the urge to eat more after you get out of the pool.

References
1. Gwinup, G. (1987). Weight loss without dietary restriction: Efficacy of different forms of aerobic exercise. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 15, 275-279
2. Jang, K.T., Flynn, M.G., Costill, D.L., Kirwan, J.P., Houmard, J.A., Mitchell, J.B., & D'Acquisto, L.J. (1987). Energy balance in competitive swimmers and runners. Journal of Swimming Research, 3, 19-23
3. White, L.J., Dressendorfer, R.H., Holland, E., McCoy, S.C., & Ferguson, M.A. (2005). Increased caloric intake soon after exercise in cold water. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 15
4. Schuenke, M.D., Mikat, R.P., & McBride, J.M. (2002). Effect of an acute period of resistance exercise on excess post-exercise oxygen consumption: implications for body mass management. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 86, 411-417
5. Dolezal, B.A., Potteiger, J.A., Jacobsen, D.J., & Benedict, S.H. (2000). Muscle damage and resting metabolic rate after acute resistance exercise with an eccentric overload. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 32, 1202-1207

[sundial]

Bacarver, we are suppose to get temps in the 100's starting Wednesday. I rode this morning at 7:30 a.m. and it was pleasant--even with temps in the low 90's. After working on the hills, I loaded up and headed for a state park that has shaded roads. Do you have access to something like that?

I'm curious as to why you don't feel you are up to cycling in the early a.m.

[sundial]

Zencentury, thanks for posting the article. I've often wondered why I am famished after swimming. :eek:

[SouthernBelle]

I headed out at 5:30 a.m., which was as soon as it was light enough. Still wasn't cool, but wasn't 100 which it is about now. Also very pleasant as there is little traffic.

[VeloVT]

The hottest ride I've done so far this year was 96 degrees (and humid, with no wind & bright sun, of course).

I just wore bike shorts and a sports bra. May have looked funny (& "fred"?)but helped with the heat. I was still soaked when I got back.

But I'm also not terribly affected by the heat. I can run in very hot weather, it slows me down a little but not too much. My bf, on the other hand, really has to run early in the morning because he overheats, gets red and feels sick.

Smilingcat, that's quite interesting about fatburning being sort of a thermoregulatory response. I guess it makes sense...

So anyway, if you want to try riding in the heat, wearing as little as possible helps and drinking LOTS of water also helps. I drink alot anyway on the bike but I'll drink almost twice as much if it's really hot.

Good luck and I hope it cools down for you soon. (I actually crave this kind of heat because it's so cold here the rest of the year).

[sundial]

Liza, I can handle temps up to 98 F, and after that I have to start calling it quits because the heat coming off the road is H O T. Ack!!

I'm really bad about not drinking enough BEFORE the ride. I drink plenty ON the ride but I wonder if my cycling would improve with just a little more pre-ride hydration.:rolleyes:

Just think, before we know it the time change will be here and we'll have to wait for the weekend rides to get our miles in. :(

[Kano]

Top temp I've ridden in here has been about 105. As long as I stay hydrated, I seem to do okay, even though this is mighty hot, and the sun is out, and it's DRY here! (for those of you in more moist climates -- I remember thinking it was absolutely hilarious when people started talking about the weather being "muggy" and the humidity was at 29%!!!)

What has made me adjust my riding has been smoky air in our valley this summer. That bothers me far more than the heat! With no end to that in sight, I'm almost to the point of riding anyway, and taking a daily dose of Claritan to keep my sinuses in business! (or would that be out of mischief?)

Karen in Boise

[VeloVT]

I'm really bad about not drinking enough BEFORE the ride. I drink plenty ON the ride but I wonder if my cycling would improve with just a little more pre-ride hydration.:rolleyes:


I've started carrying a 24oz water bottle around the house with me. If I'm working on something and I finish a glass of whatever I'm drinking, I'll often wait until I'm at a stopping place to get more... but if I have 24 oz to drink instead of 8-12, and still bring it with me to refill each time I get up, I definitely end up drinking more.

I've found that being better hydrated throughout the day really makes a difference for running in the heat -- probably for cycling also, but it's less noticeable for me because I always have water on the bike, but I only bring water on runs if they're pretty long -- over 12 miles or so. I get calf cramps when I'm dehydrated on runs. Blech!

[missymaya]

I have to agree with the early am rides. I started riding at 4 just so I can ride due to my work schedule and the weather and traffic that I don't want to deal with. It's great, granted it's still humid as all heck, but definately a lot cooler and virtually no traffic at all.
Do you drink enough early enough when you ride? I had to train myself to start drinking water about 1-20 minutes into the rides because I was loosing so much just working in the heat. That can be affecting how your body's reacting to the heat later on in your rides or even after your rides. And I double what liza has said about drinking h2o during the day.

[bacarver]

Thanks for all the replies! It's great to be connected to such a smart group. I'm 47 and my metabolism/weight is an ongoing mystery to me. I'm 5'5" and holding at 116 lbs. most of the time. I'm a nurse and am familiar with sensible nutrition and dietary guidelines. But, for some reason there is a connection between this stifling weather and the fact that I'm suddenly up 2 lbs. I keep food and exercise logs and everything else is the same. I'm thinking that the heat is changing the way my body processes fluid. I don't drink sugared drinks. No way. I cannot ride early morning because of my night shift job. Can't ride late evening because of family routines. I had a bike wreck 2 years ago and now I always wear an undershirt beneath my jersey in case I crash again. The extra layers will protect my skin. I prefer warm weather but this is beyond my limit. I cannot handle drinking enough to hydrate myself. The water just sloshes around in my stomach and makes me sick. I get migraines if I get too hot. I really respect Tour riders because they have to have so many skills. Eating and drinking on the bike is just one of them. I sure hope we get relief soon!

[smilingcat]

Hi Zen,

Really ineresting read. So the reason why swimmers can't lose weight is, they are compensating by eating more food (naturally) and it may have to do with lack of heat causes supression of food intake. Is there a relationship to why the suppression of hunger when one's core temperature goes up? Is it related to wanting to lose the fat for heat regulation of the core body temp? Interesting thoughts with your paper. I wish I could find mine but its been 25 years...

I know from personal experience from running 5k and 10k's during the heat wave in NYC and at other times. I was much lighter during the heat wave of '82? in NYC then at any other time. I was at 106lb during the heat wave compared to normal of 110-114lb in cooler times. I think I still ate like a horse in either periods.

smilingcat

[Jolt]

Liza, I can handle temps up to 98 F, and after that I have to start calling it quits because the heat coming off the road is H O T. Ack!!


Wow, you're a lot better with the heat than I am!!! I start feeling it when it gets into the low 80's, although I have found that I can tolerate the heat better on the bike than running (maybe it has to do with going faster and having that breeze). And yes, the hot blacktop is the pits!

[Jolt]

Thanks for all the replies! It's great to be connected to such a smart group. I'm 47 and my metabolism/weight is an ongoing mystery to me. I'm 5'5" and holding at 116 lbs. most of the time. I'm a nurse and am familiar with sensible nutrition and dietary guidelines. But, for some reason there is a connection between this stifling weather and the fact that I'm suddenly up 2 lbs. I keep food and exercise logs and everything else is the same. I'm thinking that the heat is changing the way my body processes fluid.

Sounds like maybe you're just retaining fluid?

[Jolt]

So anyway, if you want to try riding in the heat, wearing as little as possible helps and drinking LOTS of water also helps. I drink alot anyway on the bike but I'll drink almost twice as much if it's really hot.


Another thing that can help is getting wet (like from the hose or the nearest body of water) before you ride in the heat. That's what I did the other day when I had to ride 12.5 miles home from teaching swim lessons and it was in the 90's and humid. It definitely made a difference as far as making the heat more bearable, especially for me being someone who doesn't like the heat much at all!!!

[coyote]

I had a bike wreck 2 years ago and now I always wear an undershirt beneath my jersey in case I crash again. The extra layers will protect my skin.


Perhaps the extra undershirt is contributing to the heat? Is it one of the moisture wicking ones or is it cotton? Nylon is also really hot and may not wick moisture. It gets really hot here, I normally ride in 105-110 weather in the summer. The first week the temps are like that I want to cry but I get used to it. If you are getting migraines then you are probably dehydrated. I usually try to hydrate the night before but I imagine that would not be comfortable for you at work?

Hang in there and I Hope the heat passes soon for you.

[bacarver]

Thanks for the really good idea regarding buying a moisture-wicking undershirt. I'll look for one soon. I bet that will be much more comfortable than the cotton athletic undershirts I've been using. I'll also search for a light-weight summer jersey. OOOOHHHH. Buying more cycling clothes!!!
One problem that exists with me is that I drink diet mountain dew during my night shifts so I can stay awake. I know the caffeine is contributing to my fluid challenges. But I have to stay awake for 14 hours straight 3 nights a week. Not sure how else to do it. No coffee for me. Thanks for the ideas.

Barb

[northstar]

Target's C9 stuff is pretty decent, and affordable as far as wicking shirts go. Might want to check there!

When I think it's too hot to ride, I think of all the ladies riding in the south, where it's dreadfully hot! That gets me off the couch!

[makbike]

Barb I feel your pain. It is really hot here in Kentucky. I am not bothered by the heat but it felt just a tad bit warm when I left school for my ride. It must have been hot for I went through 24 oz of Gatorade in a 12 mile ride. The forecast is for even higher temps towards the end of the week. Summer as we know it has returned to the Ohio Valley!

[sundial]

Bacarver, maybe you should consider using an indoor trainer during this hot month. That way you can train in the comfort of a/c and it's more accessible and easier to fit into your schedule. :)

[indysteel]

Thanks for the really good idea regarding buying a moisture-wicking undershirt. I'll look for one soon. I bet that will be much more comfortable than the cotton athletic undershirts I've been using. I'll also search for a light-weight summer jersey. OOOOHHHH. Buying more cycling clothes!!!
One problem that exists with me is that I drink diet mountain dew during my night shifts so I can stay awake. I know the caffeine is contributing to my fluid challenges. But I have to stay awake for 14 hours straight 3 nights a week. Not sure how else to do it. No coffee for me. Thanks for the ideas.

Barb

Hi Barb. As someone also suffering through Indiana's heatwave, I feel your pain. I rode last night beginning around 6:15. The heat index was close to 100 if not above. I definitely went through more water than normal and was drenched in sweat but it really wasn't that horrible. Okay, it was, but I survived! My post-ride shower was heaven, let me tell you!

I would second the recommendation that you use a moisture wicking base layer of some kind, along with a well-ventilated summer jersey. Also, I found this from one nutrition expert on Velonews.com

Java jive
Monique,
Regarding your latest web article on eating before training: What effect does caffeine have on the morning workout especially with regards to hydration. Not that I am a huge coffee drinker, but my morning training ritual does include the old cup of java.
Darryl

Hi, Darryl,
You should definitely focus on hydrating in what time is available before training in the morning. However, many nutritionists and readers would understand and sympathize with the need for a morning cup of coffee when starting your day. While I would not advise that you pre-hydrate with only coffee, the belief that caffeine actually accelerates fluid loss beyond the actual volume that you consume is no longer considered valid. Caffeine is not highly dehydrating, and can be consumed in moderate amounts before training. However, you can also hydrate with a nice homemade smoothie, juice, or just good old water. With limited time to fuel and hydrate before morning training, make sure that you consume a sports drink to provide fuel, sodium, and fluid during training. And keep in mind that the most important time to avoid caffeine because of its potential adverse effects on hydration is after training. So no caffeinated fluids after your morning training; save any subsequent java fixes for later in the day.
Monique

If I understand her correctly, then, you can probably counteract whatever effect your Mountain Dew is having by making sure you drink something in addition to it, especially before any given ride. I, too, like coffee in the moring, but I start off with a bottle of water when I first get up. Granted, it requires multiple potty breaks, but it's better than the alternative.

K-

[silver]

Ditto on the Ohio Valley/Indiana heatwave. I can usually train through heat, but with my Triathlon coming up on 8/18, I've been really watching it. Even though I can train in the heat, I do feel that it wears me out more and I don't want the extra fatigue to wear me down for my triathlon. I've been training pretty hard.

It does seem particularly steamy this week. And this is from a gal who has survived Memphis summers. Uggghh!

Hey Barb! good to hear from you! Hope that all else (besides the weather) is well!

[sundial]

It does seem particularly steamy this week. And this is from a gal who has survived Memphis summers. Uggghh!

Ooooh, those steamy Memphis summers. :eek: Pant, pant! Thank goodness for a/c. Honestly, I don't know how people made it without a/c in the *good ol' days*.

I'm not far from Memphis and Sunday we reportedly had a heat index of 105! My body was definitely worn out from my heatwave adventure on Saturday. I dumped a bottle of water on me during the last 11 miles. Shower felt pretty good too.

[Geonz]

Panting here, too... did 50 miles this a.m. and it was in the 90's. Let me tell you, ramen noodles are really really delicious afterwards!!!
THanks for all the neat articles and info. Fascinating stuff... and encIouraging 'cause I dream of dropping another four or five pounds before the cool weather hits (I generally have a 10 pound swing... but I've dropped 15 this year).
I'm going to hit the store for ice and bananas and yogurt and see what kind of bicycle smoothies I can whip up in honor of the steam :)

[emily_in_nc]

The high temps are to be 99-101 with heat indices in the 105-110+ range today through Thursday in central NC. I had a run on the treadmill (in 68 degrees in the gym - ah!!!) today instead of riding. No riding for me til the weekend, when the high is "only" going to be 92! I don't have time to ride before work, and it's unsafe (code orange ozone alert day) and unpleasant to ride after, so the gym is my friend right now. There will plenty of nice days to ride when this passes.

Emily

[Velobambina]

Heat index today, while I was riding, was 104. When I got home, my face was beet red! Have to admit that the last 6 miles or so were pretty tough, particularly the last killer hill. I was literally in the red zone---red face, heart beat at my max, panting like one of my golden retrievers, etc. Still sweating after I got out of the shower. LOL

Yesterday was more of the same except it rained for the first six miles or so of my ride -- kind of rain where the sun was shining. When it stopped, the steam starting rising off the hot pavement. It was like an outdoor sauna. Within an hour, the water had evaporated from the trail.

We've been pretty lucky this year, however. Usually, this stuff hits in late June or early July and sticks around til September. I don't mind it once I acclimate.

[Mr. Bloom]

Ditto on the Ohio Valley/Indiana heatwave.

Darlin', aren't you forgetting those Memphis summers? This is nothing!

[silver]

Darlin', aren't you forgetting those Memphis summers? This is nothing!

I'm not forgetting,.... remember I went through one of them PREGNANT!!

This is not as bad as Memphis Summers.


Sundial......take care not to overheat!!

[Zen]

I'm not forgetting,.... remember I went through one of them PREGNANT!!


OOOOOOH!
ZING!

[bacarver]

Yes, Sundial . . . I'll use my trainer on Thursday. I have it set up in my basement where it is cool. My Lab/Rottie and Golden will lie on the cool concrete floor while I do my 45 minute workout. I have a kayak and I also do a lot of forest trail hiking. I may do two things that day in an attempt to get my "bikie high". Adapting to the situation is required here. The heat is so unbelievably dangerous that keeping the same routines can lead to getting sick. I look forward to cooler weather and getting back on my trek 1500.
Barb

[emily_in_nc]

It's 103 (record high for this date) with a heat index of 115 here in central NC as I write this from work. I am NOT looking forward to walking in the parking lot today on my way to my car. Riding is simply out of the question.

Longing for fall,

Emily

[IFjane]

We cancelled our regular group ride yesterday & rescheduled it for tomorrow - when the temperature is forecast to be a "chilly" 95....

100 degrees here right now - not sure if it is a record or not. Leaving the office in 5 minutes.....:eek: :eek: :eek:

[rachelroo]

I'm in Indiana too, and I just picked up a new bike, but I can't fathom getting out there in this heat. The gym is my friend too, and I'll enjoy my new bike when I can actually enjoy it.

[Blueberry]

It was NASTY here today - Emily is right!! The worst part is the air quality, though. We've been under an air stagnation warning for most of the week. Not good for the lungs to exercise. YUCK!!!

[SouthernBelle]

I headed out for a ride at 5:30 this morning. It was a 'cool' 80. I can't ride as long as I normally would, but at least it's a ride.

[sundial]

I rode yesterday for a 45 miler and it was 97 when I finished. I didn't feel as exhausted because I headed out before I baked from the heat of the road. That, and my CamelBak kept me hydrated. I am really bad about not drinking enough. I've always joked to my hubby that if we ever crash in a desert to let me go and find help. I can go a long time without water. :p

Today it's 101 now with 52% humidity, which makes the heat index 112. I'm meeeeeeeeeeellllting.

[sundial]

We've been under an air stagnation warning for most of the week. Not good for the lungs to exercise. YUCK!!!

What is air stagnation?

[Trekhawk]

What is air stagnation?

I think this might help
http://www.teachmefinance.com/Scientific_Terms/Air_Stagnation.html


After travelling to the East coast this summer I have decided you girls are very tough. The humidity would kill me. I felt drained just walking around doing the tourist thing nevermind riding my bike.

[sundial]

Oh. Ewwwwww! Gas masks anyone?

[batsheva]

hmm.. only mad dogs and englishmen....

maybe it wasnt so advisable to go for a ride at noon today---
although i am pleased to report that due to the heat, i have now mastered the 'in motion chunder' whilst cycling without getting any on myself :eek:

[Blueberry]

Our heat index was only 119 today. Ick.

Glad to see someone beat me to the air stagnation explanation. We had high levels of particulates and ground level ozone. Makes me want to move back to the beach where it may be hot and sticky, but the air quality is good!

CA

[Trekhawk]

Our heat index was only 119 today. Ick.

Glad to see someone beat me to the air stagnation explanation. We had high levels of particulates and ground level ozone. Makes me want to move back to the beach where it may be hot and sticky, but the air quality is good!

CA

That has got to suck. I hope the air clears and the temps drop for you soon.

[crazycanuck]

Hey Trekhawk,

How did the heat in the Eastern US compare to the heat we endure in Australia??

Can you compare Perth heat to it?

C

[bmccasland]

It's HOT and muggy down here in the southern swamps too. Heat index put it at 113F. But we went riding after work yesterday anyway. Fool. Didn't ride as far or as fast as usual - 9.5 miles out on the levee, then back. On the way back we stopped under the shade of the Huey P (a Mississippi River Bridge) to rest so we could make it the final 4 miles back to the office. Once I stuffed my bike in the car, I went to our small gym, took off my shoes and stepped into a tepid shower, cooled my body back to "normal", then slowly turned the water to cold (still not very cold). Drank fluids, electrolyte replacement, and tried to rehydrate. Must not have done very well because I woke up at 4 with a migraine - so I crawled out of bed to take a pill.

Still not happy to be at my desk. Maybe the coffee should kick in, soon I hope. Or it's home.

If this heat wave doesn't break I'm seriously reconsidering the sunday morning MS training ride. I need the miles, but it's too bloody hot!

One guy on the team suggested that since we had a mild July, we're just not used to the heat. Maybe.

[Trekhawk]

Hey Trekhawk,

How did the heat in the Eastern US compare to the heat we endure in Australia??

Can you compare Perth heat to it?

C

I think Perth weather is like California. Hot but not humid.

I was shocked by the humidity on the East Coast it reminded me of the tropics. Im use to hot and dry not hot and humid, however my DH is from Far North Queensland so he felt quite at home.

[bmccasland]

24 hours after yesterday's ride, I finally feel human again. But the heat wave is still here. How do I convince my dog that her elderly body needs to stay in the house and NOT go for a walk. As soon as I get up from this here computer, she's going to start her "WE'RE GOING FOR A WALK!!!!" happy dance.
(we need a sweating smilie)