Heat + Humidity = Hell

             Living in Baltimore, when Lucy was a baby, I used to walk with her six to eight miles a day. We would wake up, eat breakfast, and then head out for a walk to Starbucks and the playground. We returned just in time for lunch and a nap. After waking up from our nap, we would head out again. This time walking to Jody’s work to visit with him for an hour or so before heading home for dinner. Only sickness or rain would keep us from this routine. However, our well days generally out numbered our sick days and the weather in Baltimore was usually tolerable year round (though I admit that a handful of summer days were intolerably hot).

            Vermont, though cold in the winter, still allowed me my daily walks and began my long distance running career. When cold, I would bundle myself in layers, snuggly wrap Lucy or Lily in the stroller, and head out the door. Spring, though often wet and rainy, was mild enough to walk and run. Summer was ideal, and fall was breathtakingly beautiful for both walking and running.

            I now live in Florida where heat and humidity combine for 6 months of the year, making any type of exercise unbearably tiring and wholly unenjoyable. As I walked this morning, I found myself dragging along at a snail’s pace. My legs felt like lead, throwing my back out and making it difficult to stand up straight. The heat and humidity zapped my strength. Before even setting out, sweat was pooling on my brow and dripping down my back. My lungs felt constricted, fighting hard to breathe in the moisture naturally inherent in the air. I returned home drenched, drained, and depressed.

            Walking and running have always been stress relievers and outlets for my anxiety and depression.  A good walk or run has, in the past, never failed to make me feel better when down. They have always been instruments of joy. However, as I walked this morning all I could think of was how much I hated it. How much I would rather be lounging in the air conditioning. How much I despise this time of year in Florida.

            To be fair, Florida does have several bearable months, where the humidity disappears and the air dries out. However, you cannot depend on the heat to disappear completely. Last year we were in the 80’s for most of the winter. For now, I must power through the thick moist air and pray that this winter we see milder temperatures and more amicable walking weather. Both my mental and physical health depend upon it.