Closer To My 160 Summer Workout Index

I know I fall contrary to much of the running community with my love of running in the hot, muggy, sweat-drenched Midwest.  The majority of my running and triathlete friends would much rather train when the temps are in the 40's & 50's.  Granted, I would definitely prefer to race in those temps, but for good, hard, everyday training, I would much rather have it as hot and steamy as possible.

Starting line at the 2014 Rock The Parkway Half-Marathon

I've found that running is toughest in the summer months when the conditions reach what I refer to as my "160 Summer Workout Index" (there might be an actual meteorological name for it, but I don't know it).  That's when a combination of the actual temperature and relative humidity reach a total of 160.  For example, if it's 82 degrees, with a relative humidity of 85%, my "160 Summer Workout Index" would be 167.  When the combination is 160+, it gets real up here!  It's tough to breath.  I'm dripping with sweat from head to toe.  And a simple 10 mile run at my "Easy Pace" becomes an all-out workout.  But it seems that if I can grind through these conditions, race day in the Fall becomes much easier when the weather is much more ideal for running.

Today only totaled 152 (66 degrees, 86% humidity), which is getting close to the magical 160.  But it won't be long before every single morning is a veritable sauna.  And hopefully maintaining my paces through the tough Summer months will make for fast Fall races.  Hope your training is going well!
... be great today!