Hot in the 'Loo

Hot day here in Waterloo. I waited until about 6:50 PM to run, but it was still almost 90 with really ridiculous humidity. I stayed in the shade (I have what I consider to be a "shady" route) so it was do-able.I wanted to bring Murphy, but I thought it was too hot, so he stayed home. I did about 5 1/2 miles.

I did a little research online to see how much water I should be drinking. Now, I know that internet sources can be hit or miss, of course. I usually use my 20 ounce water bottle throughout the day. Since plain water doesn't appeal to me, I put Crystal Light packets in water. (I could review all the flavors and tell you my favorites, but I will save that for another day.) Most sources recommend that a woman at my weight drink about 60-80 ounces of water per day, but that doesn't take into account running or hot weather. Therefore, my goal is to go through 5 water bottles, or 100 ounces, per day. Of course, I drink other stuff that contributes to hydration and also eat foods that contribute to hydration. I am hoping that all of that will suffice.

I realized about 2 years ago that I was living my life in a state of moderate hydration because I relied on Coke Cherry Zero as my primary beverage. I remember once drinking it on the way to run a half marathon. I just didn't drink anything else. My main side effects were headaches and fatigue, but I didn't recognize they were symptoms of dehydration. I do feel better now that I drink more water (enhanced with Crystal Light, of course). It's ironic that I got kidney stones after I made the change.The other advantage of staying hydrated that I've realized is that I am less hungry. I used to misinterpret thirst as hunger. I think a lot of people do that. (I read that somewhere.)

So...goal one is to drink more fluids. Goal two is to walk the dogs more. And I mean primarily Gus-Gus and Murphy when I say the dogs. Karl would croak in the heat. I know that the dogs are significantly better behaved when they get more exercise. I just need to focus on getting them out for walks, even if they are short walks. Honestly, it's not that I don't have time in the summer. It's just that I don't even think about it. In the winter, it is excusable when I don't walk them. In the summer, I really have no excuse.

On a side note, the doggie daycare picnic is Saturday. It's always a riot. I am hoping our boys will get in the kiddie pool this year. After that, we are going over to my friend Pat's house to hang out with her and her family. Her three sons and their families are in town, and another friend from work and her family will be there as well. That's a pretty full Saturday for us! Sunday morning is the Sturgis Falls race. Bill still isn't sure if he's running, but I am registered. Last year at this point I wasn't even thinking about races, so I am really grateful just to be about to run without pain this summer. I'm not going to set a goal time. I just want to have fun.