Running in the heat is a challenge for anyone at anytime. This past weekend, we had a hot & humid scorcher.

We are always careful and respectful of the weather. Maybe you can benefit from my experience, so I’m sharing.

Usually we try to do long runs now on Saturday. This past weekend, the morning was consumed with an ACA Kayaking course and a short 3 mi run before it. This week the long run was 7.5 miles(8.5 for Porter) and on Sunday.

We decided to start at 7:00 to beat the heat. Before starting, I drove out two bottles of water at 4 & 6 miles (& picked them up after). Trying to think ahead and be careful.

We both had good, hot runs. Thankfully, uneventful. After cooling down, finished feeling great. Expecting to be wiped out, I was surprised to have a great energy. Did the usual rehydrate routine and went about my day. We had planned on a low key day anticipating the effect of the early, long run.

The next day, Monday, we were both off and had paddling on the calendar.

Without thinking about it, we headed to Beaver Island for some kayaking. Working on tipping and recovering, we brought next to nothing… including water.

After a late lunch, hot tubing and a margarita, it was time for a late afternoon nap.

That’s when it hit. The headache, the hot and cold, the nausea & tummy troubles, the inability to comprehend the words my book. The trouble reading was my tipping point. Knew that wasn’t quite right. Porter jumped to help out – water, gatorade, orange juice. Not sure if it was from the sun, heat, off blood sugar. Who knew? Added a few salty nuts just to be safe when I could.

After a couple hours, the roaring headache tamed. It’s been since my old migraine days that my head has pounded like that. Finally drifted off for a couple hours of sleep. Woke feeling better and took it easy.

Hindsight is 20/20. Best guess is that after three days in the sun & heat, even paying attention to hydrating, my body was tired (not to mention not used to it).

Next time, I’ll drink more gatorade, wear a hat and give myself more time to get used to it. We were careful, I wasn’t alone and if it hadn’t cleared or got worst we would have headed to the ER.

Definitely not fun, and a little disruptive. I’ll be more careful next time.