I’ve run into a new problem since moving to the south: Heat and humidity.

Okay, I guess those are two problems, but down here they go hand in hand like chocolate and peanut butter.

I’m having a tough time adjusting. I hate the heat; always have. I hate it even more, now that I’m older and running.

I should have done 10 miles today  – I did 7.

I couldn’t handle the heat. (Can’t handle the heat? Get out of the . . . well, the Saucony’s, I guess.)

I’m bummed.

I’m wondering if I will acclimate, or if all of my hard work on higher mileage over the past few months is going to tank during this steamy summer. And it is only June. I still have July, August, and brutal September to suffer through.

Did I say I hate the heat?

We knew it would be hotter here, but had no idea this hot. We miss the west coast, with its milder temperatures. I’d even like to see a few snowflakes if possible. Our next move will definnitely be to a cooler climate. For  now, I’ll try to suffer through, potentially using the treadmill more than I first thought to get through these months.

So my question of the week is this:

Do you cut back on mileage when weather heats up, or do you just drink more and keep going?

During today’s run I was incredibly thirsty and I had to stop and walk a few paces a few times. I was angry at myself for this, but knew it was better than dropping from heat stroke.

Did I say I hate the heat?

Along with your answer for today’s question, share your hot weather months running strategies – tell me how to get through this so I don’t end every supposed long run with tears!

In other news, since I only did 7 today, I’m going to swim for a while this afternoon. That is the one good thing about our new house -the pool. So, if I have to trade in a few miles on my sneakers, I’m glad I can do so with my bathing suit on – the next best thing to running, for me, is swimming.

Perhaps that is what will get me past these next several months.

Happy Running!