Half Ironman FAIL!! (long)

[Tri Girl]

so I'm coming to understand that you just don't really acclimate to crazy heat? Ok, I can be at peace with that. I just have never really had issues with the heat before last summer and this summer, so I was starting to feel kinda wimpy- like I should be able to handle it.
Dogmama- thanks. I grew up in Yuma and never remember the heat being so hard on me. Of course, perhaps my memory has faded and the summers were much worse than I remember. Of course, I was only ever swimming competitively in the summers, not running or riding (with good sense, apparently).

Thanks again, everyone . Will try it again and hopefully the weather will settle down a skosh!
And to think I was griping and complaining about the 2 blizzards (one week apart) that we had in late January when it was 20 below zero. I shall never complain about the winter again... until next year.

[Crankin]

I never complain about winter. I hated the desert heat, and I am glad to know that I am not the only desert rat who did not go outside to exercise in the summer! I always assumed the cycling season in AZ went from October or November through March. Makes more sense to me.

[OakLeaf]

I don't know ... I think you can acclimate, but only if you have consistent exposure. It wasn't an issue for me as recently as last year, though I haven't been able to yet this year.

My first husband served in the Air Force in Thailand, and he talks about coming home to Ohio in August, 85° and 70% humidity, and needing a blanket because he was so cold.

But the bottom line is that you and your friends aren't acclimated, and there's nothing wrong or weak about that. You obviously made the right decision and you should be comfortable with that IMO.

[sgf726]

I can't run in the heat either - I melt. I did an OLY yesterday and it was 90 deg when I started on the run, was already warm from the bike and felt like I was in slow motion on the run (my time proved it too )

I'm not sure if its possible to acclimate to the heat or not, I think if its consistant perhaps you get used to it, but with decreased performance still.

Think its impossible in the NE as its never consistant, we can get 3 days in the 90's then it will be 60 deg :-)

[katluvr]

Not much to add that hasn't been said. As a Floridian...it's tough this time of year. Today I started my run at 6:30 (knew I would be out there 2 1/2 to 3 hours). I felt better today because I started earlier AND I think the humidity was a smidge better. (I know 6:30 is not super early, but it is my day off after working all weekend!) My goal was to be able to do my long runs w/ an 11 min mile avg in this heat. (I can do 10 min miles when cooler). I know the heat slows me terribly and if you don't respect it...it will get you. I must admit I think the heat & humidity started earlier here this year. And I don't think I handle it as well as when I was a few years younger. It has really gotten to me last couple of years.
Occassionally I see someone running at 12 noon or even 2 or 3, it is SO hot and the sun is so strong. I really think those people are crazy or fools for not being smart enough to run at more appropriate times of the day. Then again, maybe it is their only time to run or the heat doesn't kill them.
Did you see the article in Runner's World about drinking an icy beverage before run to cool your core. My problem is I need my coffee in the AM!

K

[OakLeaf]

My problem is I need my coffee in the AM!

K

The only thing I really miss about not drinking coffee is the coffee ices. YUMMMM those are so good!