by Kerry Taylor

“What’s your problem?” I heard this question along with a few others this past week. Those other statements were, “Are you crazy?” “Why don’t you wait until later?” “You trying to prove something?” “Your nuts!”, and more. These were all in reference to me running outside during the recent heatwave we had.

Just recently, I started my journey with running again and I was on a roll, then boom! The heatwave hit. I had a few choices to make if I wanted to stay on track.

Run first thing in the morning? No, that wouldn’t work being that my day at the gym starts at 5am. That wouldn’t align with how the rest of the days usually fall.

Run at the end of the day? Hmmmm…that seems like it would work, but it would be too inconsistent because who knows how the day is going to end? Between running a business, kids and life, there’s a constant moving target.

So run during the middle of the day on my break time it was. That window gives me the most opportune time to get it all done. Rain or shine, cool or uncomfortably hot, that’s when it would have to happen. So even though we had a heatwave I had to get it done.

The heatwave brought an added bonus. The mental challenge that comes with working out. It comes in many varieties, mine those few days was overcoming the heat. I’m proud of myself that I was able to do so mentally. Overcoming that challenge will only help when other challenges arise in life.

I’m in no way telling you to go run in the blazing heat and sun. That’s just what I chose for myself. But, what I am saying is that conditions won’t always be perfect for you. Sometimes we have to push through the least desirables conditions to progress ourselves physically and mentally. When you have the opportunity, attack it head on and you may surprise yourself. Always remember to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Until next time, continue to live life 1 degree above the rest!!