February Runfessions- The Heat is On

After last month’s deep dive into Real Talk Runfessions,, this month is going to be a little lighter.  As a matter of fact, some of these things are more like “things to share” rather than “runfessions.”  Whatever you want to call it, I’m joining Marcia and the gang for February Runfessions. Let’s get started! Yesterday I had an especially grueling long run (details coming on Sunday!) which left me seriously questioning why I live in Florida.  I mean, if I can’t enjoy a nice run in February, when CAN I enjoy it?  I know I’ve grown less tolerant of the heat, but most people agree it’s getting hotter and hotter down here. I’ll put up with a hot summer, but 90s in February?  My daughter has four years of high school ahead of her, but after that I’m thinking it might be time to flee. On the subject of running in Florida, Darlene rallied like a trooper on Sunday.  While we were moping about missing our race, she suggested that we find a different race to run next year.  Great idea!  I’ll runfess that I don’t really love the Ft. Lauderdale half marathon.  Yes, you run next to the ocean but other than that, it’s flat and boring.  Oh, and did I mention it’s super hot? Darlene suggested the Treasure Coast half in Jupiter, or the Melbourne half.  I’m up for either!  Anyone want to join us? The last thing I have is a gym-fession.  I’ve been enjoying my gym days, but there’s one weird thing I’ve noticed- nobody uses a towel to wipe down the equipment.  Every once in a while I’ll see someone- always a woman- wipe down a piece of equipment with some paper towels, but apparently bringing your own towel into the weight room isn’t a thing. Now, I’m not a germaphobe, but last time I was there a huge, beefy guy walked past me, sweating profusely and WIPING HIS NOSE ON HIS SHIRT.  I’ll gym-fess that I was pretty grossed out, and questioned my sanity in being there without a full haz-mat suit.  Well… I guess in addition to strengthening my muscles, I’m also strengthening my immune system at the gym. Has anyone run a half marathon in Florida?  Any ideas for us? If you go to the gym, are people good about wiping down the equipment?  Or do you avoid going to the gym for that very reason?