The Blog

Summer is finally here in Southern California.  Until this past week it has been a fairly mild summer for us.   Not anymore.  The past few days have been over 90 degrees.  Ouch!

A few  things to remember before you head out the door in the sweltering heat:

DRESS FOR THE CONDITIONS -  Think light-weight, breathable clothing!   My personal summer-time shirt is our RaceReady V-Neck shirt – it offers some sun protection for the shoulders, yet it is very light-weight, cool and comfortable.

DRINK UP –    Make sure you are properly hydrated.    This means you should have plenty of water to drink before, during and after your run.  An electrolyte drink is also a good idea, especially if you are running for more than an hour.

SHADE /SHADES -   Try to pick a running route with some natural shade, such as a canopy of trees.   And, don’t forget to wear your own “shades” or sunglasses.    I also like to wear a light-weight cap in the summertime.  

TAKE IT EASY  – Don’t overdo it!    When the temperature soars, it is good to ease up on your running pace.   Your body is already being taxed by the heat so slow your pace and take it easy!        Save the harder faster workouts for the cooler weather!

Along the Inca Trail - Saturday evening June 19th at camp.

We spent some time in Cusco,  5 days along the Inca Trail (camping 4 nights) and some time in Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.   WOW!  What a trip!      All you runners out there,  people DO run a marathon along the Inca Trail.  Howver, I think it preferable to do a  4-day hike.  Why rush through the Inca Trail in ONE Day, when you can take your time, linger and Enjoy it for FOUR Days?       Gerry took a bunch of pictures which you can see here.     As may be obvious in some of the photos, we wore RaceReady shorts and RaceReady shirts on the trail.  RaceReady apparel is great on the trails….it’s not just for running anymore.

RaceReady is having a SPECIAL this Holiday Weekend!   For all orders of $50 or more, enter coupon code FOURTH and receive 20 percent off on your order…..Hurry, Special ends July 5th, 2010.    New Clearance Items have also been added.  

HAPPY FOURTH!!!

Now that summer is unofficially here, many of us are planning summer vacations.   As long as you try to maintain a flexible attitude, most likely you can maintain your running while on your vacation.

In fact, some of my favorite running memories are of running adventures taken while on vacation.  

Enjoying the Channel Islands

On foot, one can have a grand sight-seeing tour.   It’s nice to be able to relax and run without being concerned about pace!   

Here are a few tips for vacation running:

—Do it early!   Especially if other family members & friends are involved, it is a good idea to get your run in so it doesn’t interfere with the communal plans for the day.

—Drink more water than usual.  Let’s face it, traveling can put your systems out of whack & often causes dehydration.   Be conscientious of drinking plenty of fluids.

—Carry a cell phone.   (RaceReady Long Distance Shorts are ideal for this.)   You don’t want to get lost, but when you are in an unfamiliar place the likelihood of getting lost certainly exists!    Carry the phone number of where you are staying, so you can “phone home” if necessary.

—Enjoy your surroundings!  Take in the scenery – the sights, sounds, atmosphere, terrain, weather -  soak it all up! 

Happy Running & Happy Vacation!

Question:  Hi Mary,