Surviving the heat
Posted on 18. Jul, 2009 by Tony Arranaga in Featured, Lo-cal, News
FIVE TIPS TO HELP YOU BEAT THE EXTREME HEAT WHILE RIDING MASS TRANSIT
I survived our first test week of extreme temperatures in Phoenix.
I’ll admit, there were days when I was dripping in sweat when I returned home from a day full of meetings. I know, SO not attractive, but this past week I proved you can live without a car in the Valley of the Sun. Are my sweaty efforts worth saving close to $700 a month in car payments and insurance this month? Heck ya!! That’s more money to spend on clothes and trips!
My carfree adventure this past week also made for some interesting stories to tell. Like the day I got kicked out of a cab. How did I get kicked out of a cab? I explain in my Facebook status update…
I got kicked out of a taxi today. Apparently I waisted drivers time only going a mile. Excuse me?? I am not walking a mile in dress shoes in 113 degree heat.
Dress shoes aside, If you want to go carfree, but are apprehensive about the scorching temperatures in the desert, here are some tips to help make it through the day.
1) Plan your errands early to avoid the hottest part of the day Especially if you have alot to carry. You’ll find by running errands in the morning, you’ll have more time to relax in the afternoon and spend time with family, friends and loved ones.
2) Keep moving! I’ve noticed during my own carfree commute that when you stand still waiting for the train or a cab, you feel the heat more so than when you do when you’re moving around. This is especially true when there’s no shade for cover.
3) Wear light colored and loose fitting clothing. Nothing attracts heat more than a dark colored shirt, so be sure you’re ready to greet your grueling carfree commute in the desert with light colored and loose fitting clothing. Loose fitting clothing helps your skin breathe and release heat from your body.
4) Stay hydrated! I recently did a post about the importance of not only staying hydrated, but also the kind of fluids you consume. If you’re out and about all day, try mixing up straight water with a sports drink. And don’t rely on the water at the light rail stations. Every fountain I’ve used has been warm. You can read my post on staying hydrated during your carfree commute here.
5) Eat properly. Besides staying hydrated, you’ll want to make sure you have a nutritious meal, especially in the morning before you head out the door. While there has been an emphasis in recent years on a high protein, low carb diet – that may not work for the carfree commuter who needs a personal tank with the fuel necessary to keep going through the day. That means plenty of carbohydrates, like fruit, vegetables, and nuts. Read more here.
Hopefully these tips should get y’all by in Phoenix for the weekend. I’m jettin’ off to Seattle to help fellow transit geeks celebrate the opening of their new light rail system, the next city to have light rail since the Phoenix system made a debut late last year. I’ll be sure to take plenty of pictures and show you all the fun!
Ellen
19. Jul, 2009
Great tips! I have found that riding my bike to do a quick errand is cooler than driving my car because I don’t have to get back into a 150 degree sauna after I’m done.
Tony
24. Jul, 2009
I think you forgot a zero?
Ahh…the car sauna. How I don’t miss those days. I totally agree with you, when you keep moving on a bike it’s not even that hot AND you’re getting the extra benefit of exercise. The only thing I really need for my bike is a rack or basket of some kind for when I’m out running errands.
David SB
23. Jul, 2009
Regarding the water fountains at the light rail stations, the trick is to let the water run for a few seconds before taking a drink. The water nearest the spout is warm, but the water stored deeper in the fountain has been pleasantly cold every time I’ve tried it. I regularly use the water fountains to refill my canteen bottle every time I wait for a train. By the way, metal containers like Klean Kanteen keep water cold much longer than plastic water bottles.
Riding light rail during the summer has made me appreciate how much better rail is than the bus. At bus stops, there is no source of water, and if there’s a delay in service, waiting in 110 temperatures can be uncomfortable or even dangerous. I experienced a recent mishap on the 44 line which resulted in passengers waiting an hour for a bus in severe heat. Thankfully, one resourceful passenger went into his office, which was next to the bus stop, and brought out a bag of ice for everyone to share. The lesson: If a bus transfer is involved, bring even more water than you would for a trip by rail.
Tony
24. Jul, 2009
Great tip on the fountain, David!! And thanks for the kanteen info!!