California Sun is EVIL.

I've been sick for the last four days with a sinus infection. Today is the first day that I've felt good. I've been stuck in the house with the windows shut and AC on for three of those days, so I decided I wanted to get out and get some sun and start walking. Problem: It's 98°F/35°C outside.

I am an idiot.

Well, really what I am is stubborn and desperate. I need to take some weight back off AND am feeling sun-starved. I don't make enough Vitamin D normally, so the only place I use sunblock is on my face. Well, I forgot to put sunblock on my ears and the back of my neck. I ALSO forgot to bring my water bottle. I realized both of these things when I was at the half mile mark, so I just upped my pace.

Thankfully, the route I took was very shady in parts and gave me a regular break from the sun. Also, in Sacramento, the hottest part of the day is between 3:00pm and 5:00pm (we're a valley, yo), so I wasn't out when it was boiling. I did start feeling a little nauseated by the time I was almost home, though. When I got in, I drank plenty of water, walked around my house until my heart rate lowered, and used a cold pack on the back of my neck. Crisis averted!

I did discover a downside. I bought some Sketchers Shape Ups because my friend said they were super comfortable. They are, they really are! The problem is that every pair of tennis shoes I've EVER owned are too big for my heels and rub the skin raw if I'm not careful. That's exactly what happened with my right heel. BIG blister. Boo.

There are lessons to learn from my idiocy:

1. Always bring enough cool water. Thermal containers are your friends.
2. Wear a hat! (I did, thankfully.)
3. Sunblock sensitive skin!
4. Moleskin the heels!

These are things I knew ahead of time and just didn't do. Walking and jogging are both great forms of exercise, are FREE, and easy to do, but make sure to do it the smart way!

J