Let me tell you a story about the workout I did on Tuesday night. Because I’m not going to lie, it was kind of epic. More due to conditions than workout assignment…but still – on a scale of 1 to 10 of uncomfortableness, it was up around an 8.5/9. And that’s saying something!
After last week’s workout, I knew I needed to mentally prepare for this. A measly 6x400 meter repeats doesn’t sound that hard. But after last Tuesday’s shenanigans, oh my bejeezes those one-lappers had me re-evaluating my life in more ways than I’m willing to publish on the internet.
With that in mind, you will understand that the prospect of doing the exact same workout, but this time in 97 degrees (real feel 99!) and 75 degrees dew point, was not too appealing (to say the very least).
6x6 G-chatted me early in the day:
6x6: Do you think George will cancel? He has to cancel, right?
Me: No. The only time he’s canceled was when there was 3 feet of snow on the track.
6x6: Are we really going to do this???
Me: Yes we are. Don’t think – just do it.
I got myself psyched while sitting at my air-conditioned desk. I can do this - this going to be great! I kept telling myself. I love a challenge! No pain no gain! What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger! When the going gets tough the tough get going! Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up…etc. etc. etc.
And then a little after 6pm I changed in the bathroom at work, took the elevator downstairs, and walked out the door. The air hit me like a ton of bricks. It felt like walking right behind a city bus (you know how that really hot air/exhaust blows on you?) but all around me. And I wondered, Wait, maybe this isn’t a good idea…all the aforemenitioned inspirational sayings aside, this is going to really hurt. Do I really want to do this? Should I do this? Is this even safe???
But I was already on my way. I had published on facebook that I was psyched for the workout, and basically, I will never whimp out. If I can, then I will. Therefore off to the track I went.
And surprisingly, it wasn’t that bad! I questioned our sanity, but pretty much everyone came to the track to participate in that hour of crazy together.
I only warmed up for 10 minutes (haha, “warm up” as if I wasn’t already HOT). Then got ready for my first 400. And by “got ready” I mean did plyos, stretched, and filled my sports bra with ice cubes. There is nothing better than ice water dripping down your stomach mid-400m! (Except for running when the weather is nice. I suppose that would qualify as “better.”)
As the sun set I felt better, and my 400s got faster. I only did 6 because I’m still just getting back into workouts. (My in shape teammates did 12.) Then I actually felt alive enough to do a long cool-down (also, I had some gossip to catch up on!), so I ran 35 minutes.
The general consensus after working out on a day when DC is hotter than the Sudan: We are badasses.
The end.
For tips on running in the heat go here. And the humidity. And running on vacation.