My Journey With Health And Fitness – Dealing With The Heat

I need to vent a bit. I have mentioned that there are lots of dogs in our complex in Mexico. Most of the owners are awesome, they keep the dogs on a leash when walking them and pick up the dogs’ poop which is what all responsible dog owners will do. This morning I saw the man out walking his 2 dogs, one was a beagle who was on a leash the other was a larger chocolate lab who was not on a leash. To make things worse, the guy watched that lab take a big poop on a grassy area and then kept walking. My husband asked me if I said anything and I explained it was 6am and very dark out with no one else around so starting a confrontation would not have been safe. However, if I see that fellow in daylight when someone else is around I will absolutely call him out because that behaviour is not acceptable.

So it is hot here (truly not trying to brag to the people at home dealing with the cold). Last year when we were here this time of year it was reasonable. And yes, I did complain when we first got here that the mornings were a bit chilly. Now, however, when I get up at 5am it is already 27-28 degrees. You add humidity it is around 32 degrees. Still, I have managed to get out for a good walk every day starting Jan 2nd. I acknowledge I just can’t find it in me to do even a short run because quite frankly even walking has me covered in sweat.

While I am here I make sure I am really cognizant of the heat. Normally at home during the summer my idea of hydration is to stop at available water fountains along the beach and that is enough for me. Here, no way would that cut it. Instead I have my hydration belt with 2 frozen bottles of water. Trust me those bottles are empty every day when I get back from my walk. As well, I wear heat appropriate clothing (of course along with my LED vest) and always carry a cloth to wipe away the sweat. I also ensure to drink even more water when I am back in the condo. I can also assure you that after that 2 hour walk in the morning where I am just getting back at dawn, I do not go outdoors without a good coating of sunscreen.

Just on a side note, it is not just sunscreen that is required down here. The other important thing is bug spray. You would not believe the size of the chunks of skin that no-see-ums here can take. You add that to the sand flies and the massive amount of mosquitos and you can understand why bug spray and calamine lotion are always well stocked.

The bottom line is I do whatever I can to keep myself safe in the heat. I won’t let it be my excuse for not working out (when I do my online fitness class I have a large fan pointed directly at me) rather I look for the solutions to keep me at least one foot into being comfortable.