Code red

Having first started running in the freezing cold streets of London town over six months ago, I’ve definitely fallen in love with running, but was hoping that my newfound hobby would finally come into its own once the sun started to shine. Although at times a tad nippy, running around the park in winter was not without its benefits. But there really is nothing like having a good excuse to get down the park in the height of summer, when the sun is shining, the flowers are all in bloom, and all the world seems tinted with a rosy glow. But then, largely because I live in a country which rains for nine months of the year, I conveniently forgot about being a bit ginger.

Dog days

There’s not much I can do about having red hair and skin the colour of milk. Even if I plaster myself in factor 30 and don an enormous hat, the sun somehow seems to get under my skin and leech my energy reserves, leaving me grumpy and lolling on the ground like an old dog. I just wasn’t built for this weather. I usually run at lunchtimes as our offices are based near the river, which makes for the perfect running route. But when I enthusiastically threw on my running gear and dashed out the door at the first sight of sunshine, I quickly came down from the high of my new hobby with a thud.

Freckles

Quite apart from sunburn, heat stroke and having to continually lather myself with sticky cream every time I step out of the shade, I also come out in a strange rash, otherwise known as freckles. And I don’t care how much time and money new-fangled scientists have spent on fantastically speedy temperature controlled running gear. When it’s this hot, tight-fitting synthetic fabric is not my garment of choice. And don’t even get me started on the trauma of returning to the stuffy office dizzy and drenched in sweat. I’d much rather be lounging in the shade in a loose cotton dress, with a good book and a jug of Pimms at hand.

Rain dance

So what’s a girl supposed to do when her running routine is thrown off balance? I suppose I’ll have to get up extra early to beat the midday heat, or - God forbid - join a gym. If anyone has any good summer running tips, I’d love to hear from you. You’ll find me under the nearest tree, looking grumpy and secretly hoping for rain.