After two days off (felt my legs could use the rest), I was raring to go today and had an enjoyable easy run. What was surprising to me was that I barely noticed the heat and humidity (80 degrees, 70% humidity). I felt comfortable in these conditions when normally I don't. Must be the Florida roots in me coming out.
Despite going through yet another heat wave, signs of autumn are perhaps making themselves known. I'm seeing more leaves starting to turn their colors, but I wonder how much of it has to do with the drought we're experiencing. A lack of rainfall will generally result in a less colorful display, but it's too early to tell.
I also noticed that despite the heat, the deer flies were 100% absent during today's run. Normally they swarm me when I run down the dirt road on this route, but they simply weren't there. I suspect this is in large part related to the drought. Rain is finally expected later today and over the next several days (along with cooler temperatures). We could definitely use it, so even if it does spawn another hatching of those annoying little devils, I'm willing to deal with it.
I also saw a pileated woodpecker fly overhead as I was running down the dirt road. That was a real treat. Neat birds, and big too.
Ran 5.6 miles @ 7:31/mile pace
AHR/MHR =- 153/167
Paved and dirt roads.
Very hilly.
80 degrees, sunny, humid.
