Summer Sun
by Caroline Hellman

It's that time of year again--summer--and it's a wonderful time to run. I don't know about our readers, who are perhaps fellow asthma sufferers, but spring and summer are easier on my asthma than is fall, and of course winter.

I've been increasing my mileage recently, and though I ran in the heat this week during mid-day, was sweating bullets, and starting to feel lightheaded by the end of my run, um...it was still great to get out there. In all seriousness, the run was a good one. I ran farther than I had in a long time, and I didn't need to use my inhaler at all--not once.

The most important thing I learned from my last run is to hydrate. Now, I'm 25 years old, and basically I've known for years that the appropriate thing to do before, during, and after running is to make sure the body has enough water to stay afloat. However, in the case of my last run, though I had drunk ample water that morning, I hadn't had much to drink the day and night before. You might think that that doesn't matter, but that can actually help you feel a whole lot better when you venture out for your jog, especially in the heat. Note: being thirsty means you're already dehydrated. Don't let yourself get to that point.

If it's not one thing it's another sometimes, but it doesn't have to be. Get out there for a good walk or run and just make sure that you're hydrated! Most importantly, have fun.