Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Hello Summer In Las Vegas



It's that time of year again. We are now officially in the hot season here in Las Vegas. It seemed like we had one or two pleasant weeks of temp's in the 70's before the ever present sun is now upon us.

 
Last year was a fairly mild summer. We only saw two days hit 110 degrees. For the majority of the peak hot summer days the temps topped out only at 102-104. Usually we don't see 100 degrees until May.  I have lived in the desert going on 10 + years.   Believe it or not 102 is a big difference than 112 degrees.

I honestly believe that the Summer temps are what will make or break a runner out here. This is going to become my treadmill season....

I'm bummed because my days of running outside at lunch time are over.  Even my habitual weekend stroller running will need some improvising over the next few months. Last Saturday I took my son out for our "run" we did 4 miles and we left the house at 8am. He was very warm when we got home, and I felt like a bad mommy. On Sunday we went out again, but we left earlier, and  I put a huge netting over the stroller so it looked like a bee keeper was riding along with me.. I also stopped to drink water and splash water on his little legs and forehead.

Tips for surviving the hot temps:

  • Leave early in the morning (I don't have the option to run outside at night, it's too dangerous)
  • Bring water with you, or stash water along the course you will be running
  • Wear light colored clothing, dark clothing attracts heat
  • Wear sunscreen
  • Wear a hat or sun visor. (I am a habitual hat wearer) I worry about skin cancer, also another fun trick to try is to dunk your hat in water, then put it in the freezer for a few minutes. Crunchy hat, but it is really nice on a hot day.
  • Energy gels or electrolytes are really essential this time of year.   I also wear a "fanny pack" in the hot months (mine is a Nathan so it's not quite as dorky). I carry a gel, money for water, and my phone just in case).

I honestly believe that these brutal summers have made me a stronger runner. Happy Training!

10 comments:

  1. If I lived in the desert, I probably wouldn't be a runner, or maybe I'd become a morning person. I find that on warm days, I'd rather run in the morning. Even if it's dark, it's still warm.

    Summer's have been pretty mild in LA recently. I live nearer to the beach, so we get the nice morning marine layer. I love that marine layer.

    Stay cool!

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    1. I miss "June gloom". I actually like when it is overcast. So Cal weather is tricky. I go home to visit in December and I bring sweaters and boots and the temps are in the 70's. I go home in April with shorts and sandals and it was in the 50's.

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  2. Thanks for the tips! I will definitely try the crunchy but cool hat trick. The weather is still in the 60s and 70s here but I've heard summer can get hot in Reno so I will be prepared. The sun pictured in your post brings back memories of being in Vegas though. :)

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    1. Hey Daly! Good luck running your first half! I am so excited for you.

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  3. This blog is... not even a joke... not even sad... just basically... nothing? Before you attack me in the future, I suggest that you have something constructive as your defensive. Otherwise, you indefinitely lose. "Dolly." ;)

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  4. Hello Nicole. Thank you for looking at my miniscule "blog" unlike you this is where you can find all of my things "running" I don't choose for this to be my online "diary" I have a husband that takes good care of those things. Feel free to snark or jude away.

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    1. Oh! That sounds just lovely! Please be certain to wear your fashionable running visor. ;) Oh, and does your husband also care for your published "sentences"? If not, he absolutely should. Or rather, someone who speaks English should. :)

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    2. Right back at you. Spell check yourself, before you wreck yourself.. I'm so glad I got under your skin.

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    3. Oh NO!! you called me FAT!!! Oh no, What am I going to do?!
      FAT is the Achilles heel of most women. So especially funny "YOU" went there.

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    4. I'm bored now. Just felt it considerate to divulge that information. I won't be commenting here again unless it's compelling. You are my achilles heel... well, one of them. Weirdo! :)

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