My August plan certainly includes keeping that cool rag handy! The eighth month of the year is often one of the hottest here; and having my neck cool helps a great deal. In fact, it’s quite spoiled me!

The rest of my August plan is to reduce mileage; but work on greater intensity. My Garmin will help with that, because I can get a direct reading of my heart rate. Perceived exertion, in my humble opinion, isn’t necessarily the same. On a day when I feel tired at the start of a ride, my perceived effort level might be higher than it was the previous day, when I was better rested — even if my actual heart rate is the same or lower.

Part of working on short, fast, hard bursts is easing up a LOT in between efforts. That lets your body recover for the next effort; and it’s something I’ve never been very good at doing. I think I’m too hung up on my overall average speed.

I hope that my August plan won’t have to include dodging hurricanes. At present, the tropics are quiet; but that isn’t necessarily good news. There are four months left of official hurricane season; and the busiest part of the season is approaching.