Digging Deep
When the heat begins in Texas, you need to go to the pain well every time you run. It’s like touching a hot stove, and you question your love for the outdoors or just seeing the beauty of an early morning sunrise.
If you a Texan runner, you move to an indoor treadmill which has it’s own internal and external challenges. If you choose to stay outdoors, you start to dig deep on what your goals are for this madness.
I’m a triathlete. This means like running, swimming and cycling. My first love will always be running because it’s hard and it rewires your brain and body in ways you never thought possible.
Since I’ve stopped running on concrete, I’ve run on a ridge with gravel. This has been a challenge with slipping and falling because of the gravel slides. Running on grass has similar challenges because the dirt below it isn’t all level.
When you run on uneven and challenging gravel over several years, you should become better at navigating these terrains. My ankles and calves have become stronger because the challenges my legs face to keep me upright.
Recently I changed to a hybrid trail and road shoe by Topo. I’m not one to talk about the abilities of different shoes, but this shoe has given me so much more support and grip.
I have been wearing Hoka Speed Goats for about a year. These really helped because the gravel would eat away at the Hoka road shoe’s thick soles. I really enjoyed the Speed Goats till I tried the hybrid Ultraventure 3 Topo shoes. The trail store said they are flying of the store.
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I’ve found that I’m not falling with the Topo shoes. I’m able grip and maintain my balance better in these or perhaps I’m stronger. I’m not sure if its the Topo shoes or my legs, but I feel more secure.
The heat is a huge mental and physical challenge. The secure shoes I’ve found have given me peace of mind as the Texas summer is in full swing.
So if you are running outside all years, you really understand the seasons of the area that you run in and how the surfaces impact you. With the increased stress of the heat you will also look for hydration and electrolyte products to maintain fluid levels in your body. Plain water isn’t a great solution.
Many people love one or two electrolyte products. I’m a huge fan of trying many different projects and forming my own opinion.
If you are running outside on natural surfaces in heat this summer, you will face challenges. If you continue to try new products and talk to people about the challenges you face, you will eventually understand how and why these issues impact your body and running.
As you dig deeply this summer, be wise. Look to your long term goals to understand your why. These long term goals, like fall races, will energize you and keep you consistent as you face challenges.
May your summer runs bring you joy and continued growth toward your goals!
Your very truly,
Pamela
