For those of you
new to Kansas, August will most likely be just as hot as July so prepare
yourself. Jack Daniels' Running Formula has some very precise info about running
in the heat if you want to read about it. I do have a hard time convincing
runners that they should slow down during periods of heat extremes; but, I think
that we all expect too much out of our bodies. As a concised quide, I would say
that on our typical hot days, your speed should be about 2/3 of normal. If you
feel great midway through the run, increase your speed or if you're feeling
tired, slow it down. If you're a good "sweater" and stop sweating during your
run, you're in trouble, stop and get help immediately. If you're not a good
sweater and your face becomes very hot and flushed, you have the same problem.
Summertime is a great time for running in a group so that you can watch out for
each other.
A couple of local events this weekend, the Colt Stampede 10k and 2
mile in Haysville on Saturday (31st). This is a rare summer 10k that is mostly a
fund raiser for the Carl Hall Family (very worthy cause). I do find it
interesting and perplexing that the 10k starts at 9:00 am on the last day of
July. If you run the race, note the precautions listed above.
The Summer
Biathlon is on Sunday (Aug 1) at Lake Afton. It is a 5k run & shoot event
(the only one like it in our region). If you like running and shooting, don't
miss this one.
The Clearwater Summer Scorcher 5k is on Aug 14, Mulvane Old
Settlers 4 Mile is on Aug 21 and the Oxford Lions Club 4 mile is on Aug. 28.
I
note that a rare 15k will be held at the Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard on
Sept. 12. Looks like a chance for an "extra" miles race in Sept. since the
Wichita Half moved to the spring.
I would
expect a good group at Health Strategies at 7:00 am on Saturday (Note: many of
those doing marathon training start at 6:00 am). All are welcome to join the
group that meets in the parking lot at 551 N. Hillside.
The Sunday Derby Group
meets at 6:30 am at the corner of Madison & Woodlawn for a 10 miler. All are
welcome to join the group, water at the 5 mile mark and a different, interesting
course each week.
The First Gear Racing Team meets at 6:30 pm at the Friends U.
Track for their weekly workout.
The Thu Nite Group meets at 5:45 pm at the
Chisholm Creek Park/Nature Center for a 5 miler on the K-96 Path. All are
welcome, enter the park from the east side of Oliver between K-96 & 29th St
and follow the park road to the big parking lot. 2 water fountains on the course
and plenty of cold water at the finish.
