Unfortunately, it seems like there's not much more you can do.  Perhaps try running at night.  Or you can run on a treadmill inside (although running on a treadmill for so long can be just as brutal as running in the heat!).  But the good news is, just like everything else, your body will get somewhat accustomed to running in the heat.  Good luck.

4KIDSL8R-- Thats a great idea! Great job on the 8 miles. Farthest I've gone so far was 7 but I will be going farther for my next training schedule. I have the hydration belt but I just fill one of the little bottles and bring it with me for the longer runs. I don't know how close you are but a few of us are running 5k in New Port Richey for the RAP house this Saturday. Wooot wooot !! :-)

Keep on Keepin on!!

Peg

When you're running in high heat and humidity, it will affect your pace and how you feel.  Unfortunately there's no way around it.  A few tips to help make it bearable:

• run through as many sprinklers as you can.
• stay in the shade - if possible, run trails
• stop at water fountains or bring a cold bottle with you (it's annoying, I know...)
• wear a light hat to avoid getting too much sun exposure on your head
• avoid cotton clothes - they get soaked with sweat and weight you down
• take a few swigs of ice water before you head out - but don't overdo it or you risk a stitch
• be patient - you'll slowly acclimative to the heat and humidity so it won't be as bad

Keep in mind that the more fit you are, the more efficient you'll be in the heat.  But you may have to slow down or run a little less if you're not good at managing summer's heat.  Good luck, - Fitz.

That sounds like fun. A midnight run. Perfect for this weather. I will definately consider that. The RAP house is a center for runaway teens/ kids.

I haven't worn the hydration belt yet.It was a gift. I feel like a dork wearing it for under an hour run but now that its blazing hot out, I will reconsider that!!

Good luck in your run!!

Peg

Pinkerbell – I just bought one of those Nathan Quickdraw Elites and have used it a couple of times now.  I like it but I have two caveats.  First it makes it a little harder to use your watch/gps/phone, obviously because one of your hands is full.  But it’s not that bad.

Second, there is a hole that is designed for your thumb to go through that I find very snug, and for a guy I have small hands.  If I use that slot for my thumb, I can hold the bottle with my hand completely relaxed and I did not notice it affecting the swing of my arm at all.  But towards the end of an 8 mile run my thumb started to get numb.  Much longer than that and I would probably have to switch hands periodically.  You can adjust the strap around the back of your hand, but not the slot for your thumb, at least not that I can figure out.  You can adjust your hand position so that your thumb is outside that strap, but then your grip on the bottle is not quite as secure and holding the bottle was much more noticeable.  It’s just not as relaxed of a position.

Overall I like it a lot and will continue to use it, but someone with large hands (or just fat thumbs) may not find it comfortable. Not that I’m implying you have big hands.   I just thought you might like some feedback about it.

bob

I live in Houston and the humidity is just about the same as in Florida, I would imagine.  I'm only able to run in the early AM, as well, and most times the humidity, even at 5:45 AM is a killer.  I'm definitely not motivated to run inside on a treadmill, either.

My spinning coach suggested getting one of those neckerchiefs that have some type of granule sewn into it and when wet, swells up into a gel-like substance.  If you put it into the refrigerator and just before running, tie it around your neck, he said that it is amazing how cool it will keep a runner and biker.  I'll have to check out our local sports equipment store to see if I can get a couple of those for myself.  I know that they are sold online, as well but I don't know what they would be called.

I'm in Georgia and ran the last two days with the heat index in the mid-90's.  I run slower, take breaks, and keep hydrated.  I also run on a shady trail which may cut off a few crucial degrees although it does nothing for humidity.

Even so - I was thinking about this after my run today -  I still prefer summer over any other season.  Yes its hot and sticky here in the South and runs are more challenging, but I HATE WINTER!  Hate it with a passion.  Not so much because its cold (it doesn't get much below freezing here) but because the days are short and it is so dark.  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this time of year when it is light until 9:00.  Last night I was running as the sun set at 9:00.  Gotta love that even with the heat.  I am definitely a "Sunshine Girl"!