And, it’s Summer!

Summer certainly made itself known today. Makes sense since it is the first day of summer and all, but we don’t normally see temps in the 90s here in Rhode Island in June, we typically average mid 70s to 80.

So I threw myself right into heat training with a 4 mile run. Hey, the training schedule speaks to me – I must listen. And I was too lazy after staying up late watching a movie last night to get it in this morning.

Schedule says: 4 miles @ 9:55. My legs said:

I’m honestly surprised. Last time I ran in hot weather was an 8 miler over Memorial Day weekend and I was miserable.

This speaks volumes to me in terms of hydration – I drank 75 oz. of water and 16 oz. of (full strength) Nuun prior to this run.

It also tells me that my planlessness throughout May (and mostly lack of running – 71 miles in May, with my longest run being Cox Half Marathon) really paid off in the sense that my injuries have healed and my legs feel entirely too fresh.

This was Monday’s run, hence the “entirely too fresh”:

Plus, I have a pretty kick ass pacer – I literally looked at Kevin at about 3.5ish miles and said “Who’s pacing this run anyway?” I was doing my damndest to keep up with him! It was then we decided on a strong finish! And strong it was. The best part is after that I’ve had no residual soreness, no dead legs, no problem doing it again today. I hope I can keep this up throughout my training program!

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While we’re on the topic of running, heat, summer, etc… I have a little “first day of summer surprise” for you guys.

ZICO has been kind enough to hook me up with a case of coconut water to give away!

Coconut water is a phenomenal rehydration beverage post-run!

“ZICO contains the five essential electrolytes that gives your body everything it needs to stay hydrated and perform at your best. One ZICO has more potassium than a banana – 15 times more than most sports drinks – to prevent cramping.”

Whenever I have that “super thirsty” feeling – I reach straight for the coconut water, it truly does the trick.

And in the summer, what’s better than a refreshing beverage with a tropical feel?!

I’m going to make this short and sweet, so here’s how to enter:

(Required) Tweet: “@runcupcake wants to help you hydrate this summer with a case of @Zico! Enter here: http://wp.me/p25oLf-Po ”

(Optional) Follow me on Twitter @runcupcake

(Optional) Follow ZICO on Twitter @zico

I’ll pick a winner Monday night at 9 p.m.!

Good luck and I hope you all enjoyed your first day of summer!