It’s so hot out that the other day after a particularly brutal CrossFit workout, I sat on the gym floor for a minute to talk to someone and when I got up, I left a pool of sweat so large my friend actually thought I spilled my drink. Even my shoes were squishy.
I am not exactly feeling like a delicate fucking flower.
Still, though, I am passionate about fitness and I appreciate its physical and mental benefits too much to let the swelter stop me. Even if it melts my face off.
As a CrossFitter, I accept the fact that my gym doesn’t use air conditioning — none of them do. As a runner, though, I take measures to avoid the worst of the heat.
Luckily, the Tampa Bay area is full of like-minded individuals who want to get their run on but need some extra motivation — like, say, a free beer at the end of a 5k or the chance to meet cool new people who are also persuaded by booze.
Here are some of my top picks to help you push through that sweat sesh and get through the summer without giving up on your goals. Because if you’re not sweating, you’re probably not having fun:
Running for Brews
Running for Brews is a social running group that started in Dunedin in 2010. With more than 25 chapters around the country now, RFB hosts a meetup at a local bar four nights a week. It’s free to join; all you have to do is show up, sign in and run (or walk) a 5k. A couple of free beers are raffled off after the run and all other drinks are discounted. Running for Brews is a spectacular concept and a great way to make friends who also love running and beer. What more can you ask for?
Weedon Island Preserve run
Weedon Island is a classic St. Pete landmark. I took field trips to explore the island as a kid and enjoy kayaking the waters now as an adult. Weedon Island is quiet and full of bay and bird wildlife on all sides. Each Saturday morning, a group gets together before the sun has risen high enough for the heat to be too brutal and runs a 5k on the island trails around the park. All levels are welcome and runners usually grab a coffee at a nearby cafe afterwards. A great way to beat the heat and start the weekend!
St. Pete Running Company
St. Pete Running Company is hands-down the best running store I’ve ever been to. They sell great products and offer exceptional services; they also host fun group runs multiple times a week. Runners meet at the store in Tyrone on Tuesday and Thursday evenings to run along the Pinellas Trail, and SPRC also hosts regular fun runs like the Slurpy Run and Beer Run. Group runs are free and fun runs are either free or low-cost; free food and drinks are often offered afterwards for extra incentive and a chance to cool down with fellow runners.
Even if you decide to go it alone, if you’re running on a popular route, you're sure to see other runners out there trudging along too. And you’ll probably give each other the familiar runner’s wave along with a bit of a laughing smile, as if to say “Yeah, my friends think I’m crazy for doing this too.”
The heat is fierce but so are you. So lace up, get off the couch and go pound some pavement. Good things await you at the finish line.
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This article appears in Jul 4-11, 2019.