This is kind of a follow up post to the "what have you run through post", but focusing on the Summer months and what kind of challenges they bring. These are my challenges and my solutions to help me through them. 1. Weather! It is hot as hell here, and very humid too. I have always had a difficult time running during the summer months, and many times have taken those months off. That doesm't work with streaking, and with the summer weather lasting almost 5 months down here (Texas), it is a challenge for me. Solution: More treadmill runs, and some morning runs to help with the quality of my runs. 2. Timing issue: My wife is a teacher, so she is off for the summer. We are newly married with no kids, so things like happy hours and other plans just come out of no where sometimes. In addition to that, her day shifts during the summer so she stays up later and sleeps in more. That is taxing on me because I try to keep the same night hours, but still have to get up for work in the morning. Solution: Plan ahead as much as possible. Always keep a bag packed in my truck with running gear, and be sure to pack that bag every night. Run during my lunch breaks at work sometimes (gym is right across the street from my office). 3. Vacations: I am going on a 5 day cruise in June. We all know it is more of a challenge to get in runs when you are away from your comfort zone, especially while you are on vacation. Luckily for me the ship will have a gym with a treadmill in it, and they do have a small track on one of the decks. I just have to make sure I use it! Solution: Set time aside to get those workouts in each day, preferably in the morning before everything starts so I don't get to wrapped up in the days activities and have to "force" it in late at night when I'm buzzing. Also...it helps to have a workout partner, or someone who will run with me. Its harder to sleep in that way. 4. Starting school this summer: Two nights a week from 6-8:30 I will be in class for most of the summer. This will continue into the fall. Solution: The more time I take up in my schedule, the less free time I have to get a run in. Planning, planning, planning, it all comes down to planning! The college I'm going to is a nice area to run around, so running right after class is not out of the question. Also, monring runs could come into play here as well.
Books I Have Read
Last Race: Portland Maine Half Marathon October 5 2014
Oh Mighty Wing
Paul's blog
Paul you will be missed!