We have had a stretch of very typical July weather this past week. It’s been hot, but temperatures have maxed out in the low 90s. There have been storms most days. And, of course, the one great constant: it’s been humid, especially this weekend. It may sound like I’m complaining, but I’ll take this weather over the alternative: a scorching heat wave with temperatures pushing 100 and no rain. In July, where the weather is concerned, you always take the lesser of the evils. If we survive this, how far behind can cool, crisp autumn days be?

I often get lazy and lethargic in the summer heat, so I was proud of myself for keeping up with my routine this weekend. I ran 10K on Saturday and biked 25 miles today (Sunday). The run was longer than I had planned, and the bike ride was shorter. For the run, I figured I’d go about 4 miles and then finish up with some deep-water running in the pool, but I paced myself pretty well and managed to finish 6.5 miles on land. I stuck to a route that had a lot of shade, and also benefited from some low clouds for the first half of the run. Today, I had planned a 30+ mile ride, but just wasn’t feeling it. In the heat, I usually tolerate biking a little bit better than running, because biking generates a 10-15mph cooling breeze. This morning, though, it was so humid that the air movement wasn’t cooling effectively, and 45 minutes in, my shirt was completely soaked with sweat. I felt fine otherwise, but figured that lacking a source of electrolyte replenishment, it would be best to cut the ride short. Come September and October, there will be plenty of pleasant mornings for 30-40 mile rides, so there’s no sense in overdoing things.