Weather Or Not

Never trust a skinny ice cream man. - Ben Cohen

Without ice cream, there would be darkness and chaos. - Don Kardong

I must admit, this hot weather has made me a little lax in the exercise department.  In my post, Hotness, I talked about how I've been using the swimming pool to help me get in some exercise without worrying about the overwhelming heat.  So far, it's worked well but I'm a wee bit bored with it already.

I've done some yoga and Pilates but for me, nothing can replace being on the trail. That's where I belong but no matter how much I've attempted to acclimate this year, the heat has been unbearable and my body hasn't responded well to it.  As much as I love getting hot and sweaty during workouts, sunburn, headaches and frequent dehydration (no matter HOW much electrolyte replacement drinks I chug) isn't all that appealing.  This summer, the weather has not been my friend.

But...whether the weather cooperates or not, I still need to keep my butt moving.  If I give myself the chance to sit on the sofa and devour ice cream, I'll do it and do it BIG.  We are talking a double or triple scoop dish with whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry on top!  Not using the inferno-like weather as an excuse is hard to do but it has helped me to explore other options and it does make me feel less guilty if I do indulge in a small scoop of ice cream.

This week, I'll be swimming at Barton Springs Pool, doing some canoeing (which I have discovered that I LOVE), and going to a water park.  In between all of that, I hope to get in some walks...and maybe a little ice cream.

Happy Trails!
Valeka

Hotness

What dreadful hot weather we have! It keeps me in a continual state of inelegance - Jane Austen

The Texas sizzle is now in full swing!  The past few weeks have had days with temperatures of 100+ degrees.  The only time it is cool enough to go running is at 2 a.m. and I'm not going to do that!  All of this hotness makes staying indoors with some ice cream and a frosty air conditioner blasting so very appealing.  I've been combating the laziness and the urge to indulge in cold, sweet treats by taking a dip in the the pool on almost a daily basis.

I do my own little version of aqua jogging and water aerobics.  I swim a few laps, run in place, do standing crunches for my tummy, and repeat.  I must say, it's working pretty well.  The beauty of it is that I am getting in a good work out without the stress on my joints from running and I'm staying cool.  Plus, the water resistance is great for strength training!  The downside is that Big Baby can't join me in the pool but I make it up to her with short little walks throughout the day.

The key to staying fit in this hot weather is to improvise!  Sure, it's hot as Hades outside but there are fun alternatives to running on trails.  If you happen to live in a very hot climate like I do, now is a good time to try out some different forms of exercise.  Zumba, kick-boxing, dance classes, and yoga are some good options for indoor workouts that still pack a punch.  Many places will even offer your first class for free just so you can try it out.  

If I am going to do anything outdoors, I try to do it really early in the morning since walking trails alone in the dark of night seems a wee bit dangerous to me from a safety stand-point!  And just because I am going out when it's relatively cooler doesn't mean I don't take water with me.  Staying hydrated is very important no matter how early one goes out.

Sooooo, there ya have it - no excuse to miss work outs during the dog days of summer  After all, we have to maintain our hotness regardless of the temperature!

Happy Trails,

Valeka