Let’s be real about summers out on the east coast. They are so much fun, but if you go about it wrong you will end up in a little dehydrated, bug-swarmed, sunburned, humid puddle in the middle of the woods. If you do it right, you get to survive swim after every workout, the humidity only makes you cry stronger, and those epic thunderstorms make you say bad words appreciate the sunny days!
This past week we’ve had some ups and downs, and I decided a little guidebook to getting the most out of summer would be nice. No, not for you, silly. This is for me! This blog is where I get to process my thoughts and then immediately publish them on the world wide web. It’s a trademark of my generation, ok? So let’s begin.
Step 1: don’t let it get to you. If it’s wicked hot out, just be glad it’s not raining. If it’s raining, just be happy it’s not crazy hot out. See what I did there? Optimism in it’s finest and most logical form.
2. If you look out the window in the morning and it’s sunny, GET YOSELF SOME SUNSCREEN! Let’s all be sun-safe. This is easier said than done, but I’ve started toting around a bottle of SPF’s in my backpack.
3. Starting from the time you get up, start drinking water. You’re going to need it. Or, you know, start with coffee, because it’s awesome. Then switch to water.
The cutest little coffee cup you’ve ever seen…and it really packs a punch!
3. Dress right for the humidity! If you’re wearing a cotton t-shirt, it’s not going to be pretty. Find yourself some moisture-wicking fabric and have a change of dry clothes ready for after training.
Too humid to breathe!
4. If you’re out on the roads roller skiing, it’s a great idea to get going early on so you don’t get fried in the sun. Otherwise, it’s all about that shade.
The boys speed train working on V1 (photo by Coach Pat)
Me, getting my speed on! (photo by coach Pat)
5. If you happen to be doing a workout in the gym, have your coach spot you in case you get too sweaty and hot and lose your grip on the bar. Annie, however, inspires so much confidence that we don’t really need to watch when she squats. 🙂
Annie gets her squat on, while Pat shows absolute confidence in her.
6. When you’re done working out, start cooling down immediately. Read: don’t overdo it.
Happy, tired pile of humans (photo by Mackenzie Rizzio)
5. A great way to cool down? Find a large body of water.
Annie P and I going for a swim in Little Rock Pond (photo by Annie)
6. After your workout, fuel back up again! Cabin grill and bonfire parties are a wonderful way to accomplish this (thanks Andy for letting us crash your cabin space)!
Soph, Anne and Erika hanging out at the cabin
7. Last but certainly not least, training with friends just makes everything that much better. We had our first Summit Sisters hike of the year last Monday, and it was a beautiful day to hike out to Little Rock Pond for some swimming and jumping. If you haven’t heard, Summit Sisters is Erika’s brainchild: an open hiking group for women of all ages and abilities in the community. Each month we tackle a different peak and it’s a great way to get active and meet other people in the area. If you live out near Stratton, join us for our next hike! More info can be found here: https://smst2.wordpress.com/summit-sisters-3/
Part of the Summit Sisters group taking a rest at the pond.
Me jumping in to join Annie! (photo from Sophie)
And now for a fun announcement! I’ve had so many people back home in Minnesota ask me when we are going to have a Fast and Female event in the Twin Cities. IT’S FINALLY HAPPENING! Unlike our April Fools Day joke about the life-size statues at the Mall of America, this one is for real. I promise.
Here’s all the details, and a link to the signup page. The event is FREE, but if you want a t-shirt, please register online ahead of time! Hope to see you there!
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/fast-and-female-power-hour-tickets-17451390579
One cool element we are adding onto the end of the event is a free, open clinic for BOTH guys and girls. Presented by Salomon and myself, the talk is about taking the next step – in being professional with your gear, in taking the next step racing Junior Nationals and going international, and taking the next step in your race day strategy. Parents are also welcome, and a Salomon rep will be around to answer any equipment questions you have (for any brand, not just Salomon!).
First ever event in the Mall of America!
