Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Stupifying Heat

I usually don't mind the summer heat, too much. I am reminiscent of a female body part when it comes to cold, but the heat, meh. Usually. But this heat wave has got me beat. Exiting the air conditioned office is like a sucker punch to the face. The heat is attention grabbing to say the least.

HEAT STRESS, EFFECTS, TREATMENT, AND MANAGEMENT INFO
I was contemplating doing the 12-mile trail time-trial that is part of the Hotter'n Hell 100. Then I realized that my friend Kristi is getting married that weekend. And I've got a date, so I guess I better show up. While perusing the website I ran across some great information about heat. Here is a direct link to a slideshow about heat and it's effects. There is also some good information about heat stress treatment protocols HERE. There is some important and useful information there. Worth the few minutes it takes to read through it.

ALL THIS TALK ABOUT HEAT...
...makes getting motivated a monumental task. The training plan called for a pyramid of zone 5 intervals. I took a look a that protocol and just laughed. NFW. The thought of doing a 6-minute zone 5 interval in triple-digit heat just bewildered me without even getting on the saddle.

What I did do was a race-start pace 6-miler, just before sunset. Then I met some folks at Onion Creek for some refreshing beers! After the refreshments, and some cooling off, I rode home doing some 3-on, 1-off intervals. Not as intense as I would have liked, but better than nothing.

SWEET HEAT RELIEF ON THE WAY
With a tropical disturbance moving in it looks like the remainder of the week is going to be spent in the gym or on the trainer. Cameron Park in Waco is also a possibility for the weekend if it’s going to be dry up there.

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