Suzy-Q: The Tropics Come to the Great White North

When K-Dubs, Kate, and Betty all got the great idea for forming the Marathoning Mamas, there was a little voice inside my head whispering, "No need to attempt blowing out you knees. Its a big time commitment. This summer will probably be the hottest its been in years."

And wouldn't you know. This summer has been the hottest in years. My electric bill indicates the temperatures this year for the same billing cycle as last year have been seven degrees warmer. Its also been plenty rainy. Those two factors combined (not to mention juggling family stuff) have made getting runs in pretty interesting.

The other day, I got up before 6am to put in a quick 3 miles in an effort to avoid running tonight in 90 degree temps. Wouldn't you know I ended up running by a co-worker I don't know very well. He was headed to the bus stop. All red-faced and panting, I managed to eek out, "How come I knew I'd see you this morning?" Truth be told, I still looked pretty good. I had only run about a mile. My hair wasn't too frizzy and how red could I have been?

By the time I made it the full three miles I could feel moisture running down from my eyes. I initially attributed the sensation to crying, but it couldn't be tears. I was barely awake enough to register emotions. Then I realized my eyelashes were sweating! As I cooled down and downed a bunch of water I figured out my chin and insides of my elbows were dripping, too.

The up side: I no longer need to fantasize about travel to the tropics, I can just step outside to experience the same sensations they do in the rain forest...and I get to run while doing it. : )