Its interesting, Regina, how we have both interpreted Kitsune's post differently.
I felt her "buying excuses" was more about riders who say "if I just had a better bike... different wheeels... a new set of cranks... a *brand-name* helmet" then they would be better/faster/stronger riders.
I certainly don't think recognising the weather and its effect on one's performance is "buying excuses". I didn't get that from Kit's post either.
Like you the heat really beggars my performance... and unlike many of the gals here, I don't ride outside in extreme cold because I know my muscles just wont do what I ask of them.