August Heat

After several spells of cooler Canadian air descending to the South, we are finally experiencing August heat.  The temperature this morning, when I chose to go running, was only in the 70s, but now it is 81 degrees.  (And thank God for that little word "chose," for I am a fortunate man these days in not having to run at 4:30 p.m. every day like I did when I worked an 8:00 to 4:30 job, and therefore not choosing to run then.)  The heat index tells me that even the 65% or so humidity (more down in Clear Creek than up in Highlands) makes it feel a little warmer, perhaps 83 or 84 degrees.  So I was edging just a little into the "Caution" zone this morning:

But in Atlanta, it is 92 degrees as I write this, and the heat index is close to 100.  That puts the afternoon runner clearly in the "Extreme Caution" zone in our little chart.  My friend Anthony will be running the aptly-named Hotlanta Half Marathon this weekend, and I hope he exercises extreme caution.  Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate again!  And remember that little word "hyponatremia."

And then be thankful that after your race you can return to Highlands, perhaps next weekend, to run with your friends in these cool, cool mountains we call home.