What a beautiful day today.  As I sat working all day, I kept looking out the window, and hoping that the sun would stay out for my run this evening. It did.

It was so nice outside, that I was able to run in a singlet for the first time this year.  I don’t know why, but I love running in singlets.  I think it’s because I associate them with warm weather, and also with running fast.

It was actually quite hot this evening, at least for this time of the year.  When the weather gets hotter, especially when it’s 15-20’F warmer than it has been, you have to realize that it will affect your run pace.  For the same ‘effort’, you will run a little slower in warmer weather.  This is because the heat puts additional stress on your body, and it takes energy to keep your body cool.

Sure enough, my pace this evening was about ten seconds per mile slower than most of my recent runs.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with this.  My body is getting the same physiological adaptation benefit, as it did in my other recent runs, because my effort level was the same.  There was no need for me to up my effort, to try and hit a faster pace, just because I did that pace two days ago.

Now all I have to hope for, is more great weather.  Then after a few more runs, I won’t look quite as pale, as I do in that photo !!