Cycling During a Heat Advisory

Temperatures in the high 90s, with heat index of 108, is NOT the most conducive environment to exercise in. The meteorologists say so; the doctors say so; even the mainstream media says so.

When have I ever been one to do (or not do) something just because someone suggests it?

Exactly.

I've been 4 days without exercise ~ for reasons including back problems, work, and heat~ so I am ripe to make a rash decision. After all, after 3 days my body, and my mind, go into exercise withdrawal: I get sore (er), crazy (-ier), and cranky (-ier)!

Today's decision to cycle at the end of the day, despite the heat advisory, was one of those rash decisions. Not one of my best ones.

Here are my top reasons why you should heed the heat advisories, no matter what sport you enjoy. These are too late to save me....but there might be hope for you.

Reason # 10: Your sunscreen melts off within 10 minutes.

Reason # 9: You run out of your 24 ounces of fluid halfway through your ride.

Reason # 8: The tips of your fresh, French manicure get mushy.

Reason # 7: The hot breeze feels cool.

Reason # 6: You don't know whether to curse or applaud the traffic light change {depends on whether or not shade is available in the vicinity and whether you have fluids left. Ooops, you finished your fluids off in Reason #9}.

Reason # 5: The shadows are short, or non-existant.

Reason # 4: Your skin breaks out in goosebumps.

Reason # 3: Your face feels like the underside of an egg frying in a pan.

Reason # 2: (almost forgot this one!) The people in the passing vehicles are slowing down to look at your sorry self standing on the side of the road. All the time, they are wondering whether you are truly in distress, possibly needing assistance, or just stupid enough (or arrogant?) to not heed the heat advisory.

But....the Number 1 reason ~ by far ~ you should have heeded the heat advisory:

You have to call your 16-year-old daughter (and her friend, makes for better humiliation!) to come pick you up (you are only 10 minutes away) because you just can't fathom going that extra mile when your heart is working harder to cool you down than it is to power your legs.