Was It Too Hot To Handle?

I can't think of a more appropriate name for the Too Hot To Handle 15K, in fact, it might have been the hottest one yet! I'm not sure that I have ever been to a race where I am sweating...BEFORE the race even starts. All that being said, it is still one of my favorite races because I see so many runner friends. I understand that there were over 3,000 registered for the 5K and 15K races.

I woke up at 5:00 am and groaned when I checked the weather report: 80 degrees and 75% humidity--and this was before the sun even came out. North Texas summers are pretty brutal, but this one is exceptional. It is like we have suddenly inherited the humidity of Houston. Ugh.

Erik and I made our way to the race and spent some time milling about before the start. We saw so many of our friends and fellow runners and had a great time talking to everyone while we waited for the race to begin. Erik was signed up to run this race, but was unable to due to an emergency appendectomy last Thursday. He was a real trooper to come out and endure the heat in support of all of us.


Erik received a get well gift from
one of the race sponsors.

After a slight delay we were off and running. I knew going in that there wouldn't be any personal records (PRs) today, and I was just hoping to finish with a decent time somewhere in the 1:25 area. Summer running is a whole 'nother animal and I know that I am not going to run at top speeds. I have learned that summer is about enduring the temperatures while maintaining my miles and overall fitness level. The payoff comes on those cool fall days. My strategy was to settle into a pace that I felt I could maintain all day and then push it a little bit towards the end. I gave myself full permission to take my time a little bit more than usual at water stations. Thank goodness they were plentiful and fully stocked with water and sports drinks.

Spectators can make a huge difference in a race and Libby and her cheering squad was just what we needed during a hot summer race. Since this was an out and back course, we saw her around mile 3 and again around mile 6. It is amazing how seeing a familiar face can really lift my spirits during a tough run. Thanks, Libby, for coming out there and cheering us on! I know that it made a difference to me.


Thanks for the picture Libby!

I checked my watch around mile 9 (the race is 9.3 miles) and saw that I might not make 1:25, but wouldn't be too far over it if I pushed a bit at the end. It always amazes me that no matter how tired I am, there is always just a little bit more to give at the end. I picked out a couple of runners who were in front of me and tried to pass them on the home stretch. That last little bit is so much fun!

I finished the race in 1:26:04, nothing to shout about but within my goal for the day. It is 4+ minutes faster than I ran this same race a year ago and I am pleased with that progress. An interesting look at what heat does to this runner: my 15K PR was at the Too Cold To Hold in January. The Too Cold is the sister to this race and follows approximately the same course. In January my time was 1:19:30--almost 7 minutes faster than today...on the same course! The heat is no joke! Survive the summer and fly in the fall, that is my plan.

One more hot weather race to go, The Hottest Half is next on the calendar. I am betting that it lives up to its name too.