The reality for me is walking in the summer heat in the city is really no big deal for me because I used to bike, run, and hike up in the San Bernardino Mountains, and during the summer months the barometer can rise on the backside of the mountain. The summer months were always my favorite because I did not have to dress in layers, which I have never enjoyed to be honest. Now that I am older I make sure to wear sunblock more often, shirts that cover my shoulders, a proper hat, and I am ready to go. When I see bikers training throughout the city I know I am fine walking in 90+ degrees, but I do not recommend this for most people. I just wish others would realize some people like to walk and train in the warmer months, and we do not let the high temperature outside keep us from enjoying nature. I live in a city with many palm trees and other trees, and it is almost like being in the woods when I walk along certain arbor laden parts of town. Of course I need to visit the mountains again soon, but living in a city with trees is definitely my cup of tea.
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| Abandoned portion of the Santa Fe Railroad with many trees growing nearby. |
I still think about getting a bike because I spotted a cute one the other day, but I am quite afraid of driving conditions in SoCal. Until there are more bike routes in our cities, and drivers are a bit more cautious of pedestrians, I am going to keep walking. So if you enjoy walking, running, or biking in the summer heat, know you are not alone. Just remember to hydrate!
You are a hardy soul! I like to walk, but I wilt in the heat. Of course, shade can make all the difference.
ReplyDeleteWhen I lived in Tamsui, Taiwan, I walked everywhere. But it was very hard for me when it was hot out. I remember there was this one spot that was shaded by a large and bulky tree, and walking under that spot felt like going into an air-conditioned building!
It must have been interesting seeing all the scenery in Taiwan. I am pretty resilient when it comes to heat. I can take the cold if I have to, but I have always preferred the heat. I understand most people do not like walking outside during the summer months, but I always get tired of how during this time of year people act like I am going to pass out in the heat. I know I will not because I have always been able to handle the heat, and I am tired of people acting like I might or something. Besides, walking in 90's is a lot cooler than when I lived in the desert where it was 115 degrees every day between May and September. Our heat is quite dry in Southern California, and we do not have humidity, so I think walking in it is not so bad if you have a drink with you. I see the bikers training every day, and I think they are pushing themselves a lot harder than me :).
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