Ice Baths and the Middle East!

So one of my favorite things to do after a long run is the ICE BATH. Believe me, its not easy but it does the trick for those tired legs that you know are going to be sore in the upcoming days. A good ice bath, and you can be back running strong in no time.
My process is as follows:

Fill up tub, a little less than 1/2 way, cold water.
Get in tub, shorts on, long sleeve shirt on, and a towel around my shoulders and neck.
If its winter and I am already cold, then I turn up the heat and put on a fleece beanie.
Next step, get in tub, dump in a bag or two of ice and start the clock.
Oh, can't forget big hot cup of coffee (the caffeine helps the recovery too)
10 to 15 minutes is all I can take...usually I try to read the paper or do something to distract myself.

After that, all done and almost as good as new!!!

We have often called the ice bath the poor man's massage...it works wonders and can prevent long term injury. Let's all get behind the global cooling movement!



So this brings me to my next point...GLOBAL WARMING! I don't know how it all ties together but this week we have had 101, 107, 105, and tomorrow will be a cool 104. Temps right now for us should be in the upper 80's with low 60s at night. This heat just makes everyone miserable. You want my real opinion? I think heat is the cause to all of the world's problems. I mean look at it...Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel. These people live in god forsaken places where it is hot all of the time. And I do mean ALL of the time. No AC, deodorant, beer, etc and the end result is you want to freaking kill someone. On top of all that they don't shave and their women are wrapped from head to toe. I would hate my neighbor too if that were the case. Mix in some Old Spice, Pabst Blue Ribbon, a Hooters, and some Gillette product and you have paradise. Add some freon as a bonus and you would have peace in an instant!

It all must really be getting to my head! Its tough to do any quality running these days.

Hot Days Ahead...

Well here in Northern Cal it looks like the heat of summer will be with us for quite awhile...bringing back bad memories of Summer 2006 when July was just a scorcher! Forecasters all calling for another week of high 90's to low 100s, which just results in 2 things:

1.) Higher energy bills.

2) Having to wake up early in the morning to get those runs in.

Typically I am okay with running when the temps are at the most, 90 or so. On days like this, I just try to go slow and plot my route where I can find plenty of water. Sometimes you have to improvise.

GET READY FOR A SCORCHER:



So, what's one to do when heat wave hits in the middle of training season? Here are a few tips:

1.) As mentioned above, run early in the morning or later in the evening. If you are running in the day try to find a shaded route.
2.) Drink plenty of water ALL day long and frequently during a run. Also throw in some electrolyte replacements like Cytomax.
3.) Run indoors if the weather is above 90.
4.) Run slower.
5.) Keep an eye on your heart rate. If you are faster than normal, then either slow down or stop.
6.) Get extra rest during the day...also don't be afraid to take an extra day off during the week if its really hot. A day of rest is better than heat stroke.
7.) Did I mention drinking plenty of water??? At least half your weight in ounces a day....Oh, did I also talk about electrolytes?
8.) Watch your sweat levels...if you stop sweating, this is not a good sign. Get fluids in you immediately.
9.) Cut back on the mileage and cross train.
10.) Recruit a friend or two to run with you. You don't want to get stuck somewhere in need.

After its all said and done, you can relax and drink a cold one! Fortunately, here in Northern California we only have brief periods of intense heat then the cooler 75 degree days and 60 degree nights will return. Anayone around the Bay Area can also migrate west to get closer to the water. Last summer was just perfect from a training standpoint...should I blame that on global warming too?

Stay coooool! Train smart!