I've done some research on hot weather running.  Mostly for my benefit but thought it useful to share!

The forecast for Sunday in Philadelphia keeps getting hotter – up to nearly 90 degrees at the moment.  

Broad Street Run might be Broad Street Collapse for me, I’m getting nervous.  I haven’t ran in hot weather in almost a years time.  I don’t know how my body is going to react.

From my research here are the takeaways:

• Stay hydrated! (most obvious) – you’ll need to drink water before, during and after your run.  Some even recommend a sports drink prior or during a run in the heat to keep electrolytes and sodium levels up.  I heart the Gatorade tables on a race route – after 5 or 6 miles it really helps me more than water, mental or not.
• Avoid the sun if possible – if there is shade on your route, use it.
• Wear light colored, light weight, wicking material – cotton will soak up sweat and build up body heat. Check out my “I just wanna run” tank from Lulu Lemon I’ll be sporting, I love it!
• Slow down – awesome, not what I wanted to hear but it is sensible. If you start too fast off the bat, after 30-40 minutes when you’re truly ‘heated up’ for any run, it will be that much harder to cool down your body.
• "Pour water on yourself" – love this suggestion from Jeff Galloway.
• Gear - sun screen (sweatproof), a hat if you can fathom it (I can't), sunglasses (lightweight)

I think my strategy for Broad Street Collapse will be to run with a water bottle in hand rather than rely on water stops.  I will NOT be wearing one of those belts with water containers on it - those things look DEATHLY UNCOMFORTABLE and would drive me insaneeee.  Not to mention, they're hideous.  

I’ll use the water cups at the stops to pour on myself, haha. I will, however, drink Gatorade when it’s offered.  

I need to work on my outfit – I have the tank but I’m not sure about the bottoms.  I’ve been running in capri running legging things for months, I don’t know that I have a pair of shorts I feel comfortable running 10 miles in.  Hmm, I think I will consult KC and her Lulu knowledge.  I’m liking these at the moment.

Pray for me!!  I think I’m back to hoping that I "finish" rather than striving for a time.  We’ll see.  Maybe I’m just over reacting and I’ll be fine (likely story).

Run run run!

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I am absolutely so touched by everyone that has donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) as part of my competing in the Broad Street Run. Wow! You are all beautiful, generous people!

So far I've raised $250 which is just about half my goal. However, I think I have the opportunity to massively beat this target with the fundraising I'm doing at work. I am so glad I decided to fundraise; even if it is awkward asking people for money, it's going to a much greater good.

Visit my fundraising page to see why I chose to run for the BCRF as well as donate - any small bit helps!

I feel pretty well prepared for the race but I almost feel like I'm jinxing it by saying that. This year, thanks to Kelly the master trainer, I have incorporated interval sprints and hills into my training which has made me a more agile runner. I feel stronger and faster, anyway.

If you're thinking of running a race sometime soon or at any point in the future - I recommend following "Active.com" on Facebook or just regularly visiting their site.  They always have some great articles about training.

A couple of favorites recently: 27 Ways to Run Better Every Day | Training Runs for Building Race Speeds 

Hoping my cousin Mat still runs the race, he is undertrained but in boy terms this just means he'll be fine if he paces with me. Mat Ward get on it.

My super fit aunt (Angela) and a few of her super fit friends are running but I'll most likely be eating their dust.

Must get a good running mix together. Taking all suggestions!!!

Broad Street I'm coming for you. Please don't rain. :)

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