humidity highway

I spent this week feeling like I was swimming instead of running. The humidity (and dew points) are off the charts. While it's not been too terribly hot on my runs (with the exception of Sunday) at only about 80 degrees (I got out before the triple digit heat indexes hit), the humidity has been 100% (or close to 100) and the dew points consistently at 78 or 79. That makes for some pretty gross running conditions.

Before I get into more details, here's what you missed on the blog - I'm turning 39 soon and I posted a 40 Before 40 list, which you can check out here: 40 Before 40

Workout Summary

In spite of the raging humidity and dew points, most of my runs this week weren't half bad. I struggled a little on Saturday because I was dehydrated from the prior night's activities, which included a wine tasting and an apricot-ginger mule. So yeah, about 2 drinks was enough to dehydrate me in this weather. 

And Sunday was just a slogfest since the heat index was well into the 90s during my run and the humidity was out of control. 

But, I still hit some solid paces and runs last week, especially considering the weather, and I've definitely got a better gauge of progress at this point. When I have slower or harder runs (like Sunday), I can safely say it's not me, it's the weather.

I also think it's my (lack of) fueling strategy. I'm just not getting enough electrolytes to keep my energy up when it's super humid, so I'm looking at some options. Right now I use Skratch (powder in water) and Kramp Crushers, but I just don't think those are enough. I think I can continue with Skratch but I'm also pretty sure I need a huge salt lick or something. 

So anyway, speaking of salt - post-run on Sunday I had the most delicious plate of salty, briny oysters at Nico, a raw bar and seafood restaurant, with some friends. Oysters are seriously my favorite. I could eat them by the buckets (and I do during oyster roast season). Are these acceptable running fuel?

How do you handle the heat? Any suggestions for salt-type electrolyte replacements?

As always, I'm linking up with HoHoRuns and Taking the Long Way Home for the Weekly Wrap series.