Hot Dang its Hot!! But I am okay with that. I have spent the past few months shaking in my Crocs while trying to get use to spring in New England. Summer weather is here and I am ready for it to stay.
With the first heat wave hitting the Connecticut shoreline this past weekend, it has caused me to rethink my training strategies. In the past, I would generally start my training runs earlier in the morning so that I would finish before the heat poured on. With VT100 coming up I have to face the fact that if it hot outside, which I assume it will be, then I will need to get use to the sun beating on my back. So with my long on Sunday, I decided to head out at 9am. I completed close to 4.25 hours of mixed roads and trails in temperatures close to if not above 90*F. It was certainly a tough run and I didn’t have nearly enough water to stay as hydrated as i would have liked to be, but I was fortunate to have a few water crossings where I could dunk my head in and cool my body down a bit.
Successfully running in the warmer months only proves that there are many other factors in ultra running that can make or break the ability to finish. The first and foremost need is to be physically ready to endure a challenge like running 100 miles straight. Proper training, rest and recovery are essential in allowing this to happen.
For me, my biggest worry may be hydration. I have always consumed less liquids than I should be and usually feel completely toasted at the end of a long run or race. In temps over 85*F, I think I will need to consume close to if not more than a half gallon of water every hour. With aid stations every 3 miles in VT, I will be able to have access to water without needing to carry so much. I am sure, friends, family and volunteers will help me to keep up with my water intake while on the course.
June 10, 2008 at 1:45 am
yea, the northeast heat & humidity can really drain one. I live PA & always seem to slow down at first until I get used to the H&H. Have you decided on an electrolyte strategy for VT100? Sea salt, celery, ??
I have been adding a pinch of sea and a light squeeze of orange to my handheld bottle lately…not too bad.
again healthy training & happy trails
peace
June 10, 2008 at 10:35 pm
I hear you with the hydration challenge. I put in 5 1/2 hrs. on the nipmuck and N. nipmuck on Sunday and maintaing enough fluids was tough. The heat slowed me down tremendously! I agree the VT aid stations will allow for plenty of supply it’ll just be a matter of discipline to keep drinking…
June 19, 2008 at 1:01 am
Hey Frank! Just watched your video on the Renegade Health show, nice soup! When you said you were a raw ultrarunner I had to come by and visit your site. I’ve run a few 100 milers, and have just started experimenting with a mostly raw food and 100% whole foods diet. How are you planning to handle the aid station situation for VT100? are you going to have drop bags with your own food? carry a pack? what are you going to use for electrolyte replacement? Good luck on your first 100! It’s so important to stay fueled up and hydrated early on, once you run a deficit of that stuff it’s very difficult to get back on track.