My wife and kids have been down the shore for the last 2 days with her parents. I stayed home and decided I was working hard regardless of the temperature. I stayed away from alcohol, ate lots of fruit and veggies with a little cheese and some cashews and almonds for protein. Yesterday I put in a 13 hour day cutting wood, doing a small landscaping job which required 1 ton of stone to be moved, followed by some mowing on the tractor, and finished out the last hour of light cutting again. Today has been another long one cutting, mowing around the electric fence with a push mower and some tractor time as well. Just took about an hour to feed the dogs and grab a little bite myself and now going back out to run the saw some more. All of this with temps in the mid 90's with real feel up to 105. I'm not writing this to pound my chest and tell you all how tough I am. A few years ago, I didn't think I could handle the heat like I did when I was younger (42 now). What I've realized is lose a few pounds (more like 30), eat right, avoid alcohol, and stay ahead of the dehydration and it's really just mind over matter. Not working tomorrow so I may just enjoy a few adult beverages when I get done and cleaned up.
I'd like to agree with you but have to say that it is not all mind over matter. Yes, the mind, if it is right, can help you do many things but doing things is more than mind over matter. The mind over matter thing is simply motivation. Some have it and some do not. In addition, some physical things just can not be overcome with mind over matter. All in all, I think you are mostly right and from what you are saying, you are very highly motivated to do what you are doing. My hat is off to you sir.
True it's not just mind over matter. You have to be fortunate enough for good health to start with. I think my main point was diet plays a huge role in being able to power through uncomfortable temperatures.
On those types of days I always bring cold watermelon slices in my cooler. I don't know why it works, but there's something in it that gives me my strength back when I'm running low on energy.
Yeaaahhh buddy! Get some! I took a week off from work in June. The family and I were going to go camping but we decided that I would finish our brick patio instead. 1300 bricks, 5 at a time in 90 degree heat . I have to remember that alcohol part.
The no beer part isn't much fun but it really helps. If I have a beer or 2 with dinner I swear it makes a difference the next day in the heat.
Just take care in the heat. I've lived in Ga all my life, heat and humidity aplenty. I was diagnosed diabetic a couple years ago, I now find I get dehydrated very easy. Have to be extra careful.
We work regardless of temperature as well......I'm 45, and every year I feel it more and more, but I'll say the big thing is getting lots of water. Not ice cold water, but just slightly cold or room temp water.......and LOTS OF IT. A Gatorade or other energy drink here and there is also something that really helps, you lose a lot of sodium and potassium when working hard in high temps. STAY HYDRATED, and make sure you take breaks in the shade from time to time!!
I will literally pour sweat just standing outside in this kind of heat and humidity. 195lbs, 295lbs, it made no difference. Heat and I dont get along. I almost went man down on the side of the highway one 100 degree day on a service call fixing a fifth wheel camper once. I took multiple water and ac breaks while doing this too. Total heat exhaustion, I had to sit in the truck for 10 minutes before I could even push in the clutch.
Give it a handful of years. I was superman until I hit 45 . Last 4 years have seen noticeable changes . My business runs 7 days a week about 8-9 months out of the year and my body really takes a hit. I eat a high protein/fibre diet and enough greens to kill a cow. I learned to pay attention to my body. I still get drained no matter what I do. The heat is a killer no matter how fit you are. It raises BP and sugar levels just from body stresses due to heat.
Working in that heat sucks. I feel it more than I used to but I'm doing pretty well for 50. Nonetheless, I get a hell of a lot more accomplished when it isn't horrendously hot out. I do what I have to outside in the summer but try to be smart and use summer for inside jobs as much as possible and get more done in less time outside when it is cooler.
And if you think you slow down at 45, just try to imagine what it is at 75!!! Things really slow down; you have no choice in the matter.
Ah yes, the heat and humidity... But days like today are a winner! Predicted high is 70. Presently at 11:23 am it is 63. Beautiful!!!
Yes, stay hydrated in the heat and gatorade or something with extra electrolytes in it every now and then instead of plain water. I can tell if I've overheated a bit if while taking a break I try to read something and it makes no sense. !! Time to take a longer break.
Great job! We’ve had to deal with those temps and even hotter ones all this month. I haven’t done much except work on a welping house for our Danes. I’m itching to crank up the saw but it’s gonna have to wait until fall
