NatNews

As anyone who has recently stepped outside in the Dallas area has noticed, the weather is not exactly ideal for comfort—especially for individuals with active lifestyles.

Many runners opt to conquer fall marathons, which requires that their training ramps up in the summer. For those who live in Texas, this means that their long runs often take place in conditions of excessive heat indexes and high humidity levels.

“Training during the summer is hands down the most mentally tough thing I have ever done running-wise,” White Rock Running Co-op member Paige Ryder said. “The heat is by far the biggest challenge.”

To try to avoid melting in the summer sun, runners often must begin their runs earlier than usual. WRRC member Elizabeth Cruz, who is training for the Berlin Marathon in late September, knows the early alarm clock settings all too well.

“I don’t really have an option to sleep in unless I want to run in 120 degrees,” Cruz said.

Starting before the sun rises isn’t the only strategy important to those in training, though. Ryder, who will run the Chicago Marathon in early October, has been focusing on cross-training and hydration to ensure that she is able to endure the heat and stay healthy throughout her marathon training. Along with these factors, she said that running with others—particularly WRRC member Becca Finke, who will run the Berlin Marathon in the fall—has also proven to be beneficial.

“Having a training buddy has really kept me accountable,” she said. “Becca and I wake up three times a week and run at 5 a.m. We are joined by a few people, and it really helps.”

In the long run (obvious pun intended), the ultimate goal is for the grueling months of summer training to pay off on the day of the marathon—and hopefully in other areas of life, as well.

“I think I will come out of this cycle mentally tougher and more disciplined than anything,” Ryder said. “I think that will extend far beyond my marathon or running.”

Combining a variety of elements from tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, pickleball has been growing in popularity in recent years. In fact, according to data from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, it was the fastest-growing sport in the nation from 2019–2021.

Originally invented in 1965 on the West Coast, pickleball was an idea sparked by two families who were simply trying to cure boredom. They then put to use a badminton court and net, a perforated ball, and ping-pong paddles they already owned. One of the families had a beloved dog named Pickles, and the name of the game was decided.

Tamra Roberts, who was introduced to pickleball two months ago and now loves playing on a regular basis, said that she’s grateful for a game that allows her to connect with others while also getting in quality workouts.

“I started because I was looking for an outdoor activity for exercise and to socialize,” she said. “I’ve met so many new fun people because of pickleball. I’ve played with older and younger people and really enjoyed the games.”

White Rock Running Co-op admin Kevin Roberts said he began playing pickleball this year and that it has become an enjoyable way for him to spend time with friends while exercising in a way that isn’t too hard on his body.

“I’ve always enjoyed all racquet sports—from tennis to ping-pong to racquetball,” he said. “Tennis got too tough on my knees. The smaller court for pickleball still allows for a good workout but has not hurt my knees (yet). It also allows me to reconnect with old tennis pals.”

While pickleball has been a sport commonly associated with older individuals, it is actually more popular among younger generations—while 17% of pickleball players are 65 years and older, more than 33% are younger than 25. The number of courts throughout the nation is also increasing, with many country clubs transforming some of their tennis courts into those reserved solely for pickleball.

“I think the reason people enjoy pickleball so much is the social yet active aspect,” Tamra said. “You can make it as hard of a workout as you want. And maybe just because it’s fun.”

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