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| Even our sun-loving Daisy sought out the shade once it got into the 20s |
....but I don't! Once the afternoon temperature soars above 23C I begin to stay put in the shade, often inside with curtains and windows closed but ideally under the canopy of a leafy tree where I can find a bit of a breeze. However, my treatment room at the 919 Clinic remains lovely and cool due to its underground location, so work continues as normal. Many a client exclaims with delight at they walk into the refreshing temperature, such a relief after the scorching pavement temperature!
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| Daisy chose this shady spot under an oak tree to relax in on a walk in last week's cooler temps. |
Do remember that if you have a training schedule you are following, it is standard practice and wise to adapt it to the conditions and to how you are feeling. Bad night's sleep? Not eating well? Struggling to stay hydrated? Outdoor temperature much higher than you normally experience? Your body will struggle so be kind to it - and do remember the risk of sun damage to the skin at this time of year. If it's not possible to go out earlier or later in the day, then maybe look for something different to do such as a Pilates or yoga routine - or maybe just take a complete break for a few days. The Running Physio, Tom Goom, recommends taking a break of up to a week every couple of months to give the body a complete rest, and a heatwave is just the time when your body will thank you. There are many tips to be found elsewhere on how to keep cool, but my other half is currently favouring soaking a cloth in icy cold water and then draping it around his neck; repeat as it dries.
My reading has included the following articles that may be of interest:
An interesting article on how to look after your joints as you age, through exercise: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/jun/24/exercise-miracle-cure-expert-tips-protect-your-joints
A rather lovely read on an unexpected (to me) aspect of trail running: https://ultrarunning.com/featured/unofficial-rules-of-the-trail/
On a sober note, do remember to go for any health checks even if you feel you need to reschedule them. About four years ago I went on a wonderful day walk in the lake district with three good friends; 'we must do more of this,' I thought. The three other people, all fit, active and healthy at the time, were all diagnosed with cancer over the following few years. Heart breakingly, two died - aged 50 and 49 from very aggressive cancers (sarcoma and ovarian) that were picked up only after symptoms became evident, by which time the cancer was unfortunately already quite far on as is often the case. The third person's cancer was picked up on a routine mammogram long before any other symptoms became evident, and thus has a much better prognosis (although still involves anxiety, surgery and lots of recovery time and further treatment). No one likes the screening process, but it can save your life. Likewise, don't feel embarrassed about seeing your GP about something you have noticed; it is much better to be checked out than to worry and wait.
Take good care of yourselves, and enjoy the more seasonal temperatures that are due to return next week!
