Is it feeling hotter at 6 am than it did during the long
winter? Some of you following may already know that my chosen time to train as
been in the late mornings. However, I've had to change to running after work
because of new job requirements. Now, I've changed my workout schedule again
because of the oppressive Alabama heat and humidity. Now I wake up at 5:15,
drink water, spend about half an hour reading and thinking, then begin the slow
process of warming up. My warm ups are typically slow stretching and rotation of
joints from my head to my ankles. Then I
go for a walk, do 20 jumping jacks and 10 push ups and hopefully I'll be warmed
up for a run. After drinking more water, I begin my main part of the workout
which usually consists of a minimum 3 mile run and obstacle strength and
endurance training.
My goal is to fulfill my expectations to finish my next
race at 34 minutes or less. I've signed up for the elite heat of the Great
American Obstacle race. Apparently athletes finish with an average 50-55 minute
time and winning time is around 32 minutes. I'm 48 and have raced two obstacle
races; Moonshine Mud Run near Chattanooga TN and St. Claire Obstacle Scramble
near Birmingham, Al. Both races were tough, challenging and had about 300
athletes. I'd finished second overall. Unfortunately the races did not award
individual placement other than the overall winning time. No 1st, 2nd or 3rd.
No age group, no nothin. The Great American Obstacle Race does offer an open
men's and women's 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards.
The next goal after that is Warrior Dash and Spartan
race. Both of which I will have to travel considerable distance to get to.
Needless to say, I am training hard to finish well. However, the heat is taking
its toll and my training times are slower and distances shorter. Hopefully it
is weather related and training will only improve my performance. Is anyone
else experiencing the same symptoms?
