Written July 29, 2024
Hello Dear Readers,
Since my brain stroke, I’ve found that my skin has become highly sensitive to changes in external temperature, making my comfort zone much narrower than it used to be. It’s not unusual for me to start the day feeling chilly, only to overheat a few hours later. The unpredictable weather in Nashville certainly doesn’t make things easier. Here, the temperature can swing wildly within a short span of time, sometimes fluctuating from 68°F (20°C) to 95°F (35°C) in just a half day.
Nashville’s summer weather can be particularly challenging due to the humidity. High humidity can make it feel up to 10°F (5.5°C) warmer than it actually is, which can be pretty uncomfortable. I typically associate humidity with heat, so it confuses my body when the weather is cool but still humid. The sensation of moisture, when it’s not actually hot, leaves me feeling disoriented and uncomfortable, and I often blame the humidity for how off I think. It’s an odd experience when the air feels thick and damp, yet the temperature is relatively mild.
According to USA.com, the average humidity in Nashville is 70.16%. Having grown up in Indiana, where the moisture is quite similar, I should be accustomed to it. However, I’ve been spoiled by the drier climate of the western U.S., where we’ve lived for several years. Summers out west are usually dry, with far less humidity, so my body has adapted to that weather. Now, I struggle to adjust back to a more humid environment.
I’ve never been particularly fond of humidity; this sensitivity has only heightened since my stroke. On days like today, the moisture still makes it uncomfortable despite the cool weather. However, I’m learning to cope with it. This morning, I woke up a little earlier than my alarm, feeling surprisingly clear-headed and more energized than usual. Despite the humidity, I felt good about my day and decided to go for a run.
I was pleased to find that my pace was better than expected, even beating my target time. Moments like these give me hope and motivate me to keep pushing forward. My goal is to improve my speed steadily and achieve a running pace faster than 10 minutes per kilometer by the end of the year. On days when I can overcome the discomfort of the weather and still perform well, I am confident that I can reach that goal.