Colorado gets around 300 sunny days a year and this summer could be a scorcher. After skipping springtime we have leapt into mid-July weather. Boulder is one mile high in elevation and with the altitude comes thinner and drier air. It can be a very good thing (my hair and humidity hate on each other), until it gets hot and by hot I mean blast furnace heat. I don’t mind working up a sweat, but man, playing tennis in 100 degree blistering heat can be miserable.
I try to ignore the threat of being literally cooked on the courts by looking on the bright side. That is what I do best.
Here is my top ten list of reasons why I love playing tennis under the sizzling summer sun when it hits 100 degrees.
#1. Warming up will be no problem.
#2. My hair won’t fly into my eyes when it is soaked with sweat.
#3. Speaking of hair, I can massage some conditioner into it and can get a hot oil treatment!
#4. If I am low on protein, I can fry an egg courtside.
#5. I won’t get cold.
#6. Being covered in sweat is nature’s air conditioner. When the air hits my wet skin, it cools me down.
#7. I can easily lose 3-4 pounds of water weight.
#8. I can “bring the heat”every time I hit the ball. Really.
#9. I can sweat the toxins out of my body from all of my wild weekends.
#10. When it drops to 90 degrees it will feel like a cold front.
How do you handle the heat?
Susie Lindau's Wild Ride 
The Top 10 reasons why Coloradans are pansies….this is just karma for all the locals that wear shorts when it is 26 degrees and taunt me and my thin blood 🙂
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Pansies??? Excuse me????
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I thought you were the local who could get the humor in sarcasm..come on now? We can bust each others’ chops a bit from time to time 🙂
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That was sarcasm right back atcha! Gotcha!
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i just thought your blood was too hot from tennis and you wanted to go a few rounds…the good news is: no matter the temp you would stomp me in tennis 🙂
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I wouldn’t be too sure. You have that wingspan!
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i need to get back into Tennis for sure 🙂
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I am super impressed with your positive attitude. What a great way to look at the heat. Yeah, girl! Love it! I don’t know how I would handle it. 😐 I’m not a big lover of sweat running into my eyes. I can see that easily happening with tennis in THAT heat. DAMN! 🙂
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It is so dry here that most of the sweat wicks away, but my hair is another story! I bring a towel just in case..
Thanks Debra! I hope it is cooler in your part of the country!
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How do I handle the heat? AC Baby… AC all the way. AC in my car, AC in my office, AC in my home office, and most of all, AC in my bedroom, cause it gets hot enough in there already, as it is…
If I go outside for any length of time at all, it’s only to go swimming. I’m a cold weather model, cause I’m hot blooded, and 99 to 100 degrees like we may hit during the peak of the heat here today, here in steaming Beantown, just ain’t my outdoor scene at all.
Cause I really AM hot blooded, and early in our relationship, my wife told me that she was very attracted to me, because of my warmth. But she didn’t mean my warm personality; no, she meant my hot body heat, cause she gets cold easily, and she liked to snuggle up close to the rising warmth from my high RPM high heat internal combustion engine, and I’m a hard driving 12 cylinder model of a man… with a standard but exceptional transmission and 5 speeds, driven by a smooth handling big stick that will thrust you into overdrive in 3.5 seconds, but keep you there for much longer, and always as long as you need…
When she first told me how attracted she was to my heat, I smiled at her and said, “Well baby, you could save yourself a lot of trouble, by just buying yourself a man sized hot water bottle, and I hear that they have ’em on sale at LL Bean right now… But I can tell that you’re the kinda woman who secretly craves my kind of trouble, so you just stick close to me, and you’re sure to find it…”
Actually, I didn’t really tell her that, at least not that time, cause we weren’t married yet, and I was still doing my best to close the deal. I knew that soon after she said “I do.” and then it was too late, there would be time for that sort of talk, as well as all that would follow… after she put on my ring and the sale was final.
But I do like your very positive spin on playing 100 degree tennis, Susie… It’s kinda charming in a masochistic kinda way, and me and my buddy The Marquis Du Sade would enjoy watching you play… from our plushly upholstered seats in our luxuriously air conditioned sky box, of course.
Just one more thing… Just want you to know that this ain’t no “Fifty Shades of Grey” flash in the pan, mommy porn, ripped off from fan fiction. No way! This is Chris Sheridan from “Word Play; A Place for Pleasurable Procrastination” and when I say that I don’t fool around, well I don’t mean it!
LOL 😀
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And another thing, Susie… After resorting to that shameless plug there at the end of my comment, I thought that it would be only fair to plug you as well… meaning plugging you on my blog, of course! And now, since I have said it, so it soon shall be done, because just as one hand washes the other, and… Nope! Had a great joke that I was about to put at the end of that sentence, but just for once, I’ll hold back and use some common sense instead – cause I don’t want to try your patience, and end up with me being the one found guilty! Lol 😉
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Oh my! Chris you crack me up! You must be writing for a TV show. I can’t believe you can make this stuff up on the fly! Are you a stand up comic? You should be!
Thank you again for the blog post shout out! You rock harder than our mountains here in Colorado!
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Shhh… (lowers his voice to a whisper) Susie, I’ve had more than a little experience as a working stand up comic, but I seldom mention it in the blogosphere, cause for certain reasons, it’s just not to my advantage, and it would be a long story to explain why…
(Returns his voice to normal volume) I’m glad that you enjoy my sense of humor, and you are one of those people who seems to bring it out in me, and more than usual, which is always a lot of fun for me. So thanks for that, and have a great night, my friend who is always a mile high, and having lots of fun at that altitude! 🙂
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I knew it! You should blog about it! Your readers would love it!
Thanks again Chris! I am a mile high wild rider!
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Are you a “Family Guy?” 🙂
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Oh yeah! That kind of uniquely whacked out, dark and satirical humor is my kind of fun and laughter! You too?
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I thought that maybe you wrote for them!
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Lol – Maybe… or maybe not. 😉
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That is so very cool! WOW!
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After having spent 10 years living in Boulder, I know just what you mean about the heat. As to playing tennis in it though – I bought a condo with a tennis court practically outside my door. I suck at tennis. A tennis-addicted friend of mine swore she could teach me. Anyone can learn to play reasonably well, she said. She gave up on me after one lo-o-o-ng afternoon!
Fortunately, I like heat and tolerate it pretty well. I applaud your optimism on the subject!! Well done.
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Tennis is a frustrating life-long sport like golf. It has many moving parts so it takes a ton of practice!
Thank you so much Mary! Where are you now?
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Re tennis: it’s the many moving parts that get me. Co-ordination is not my strong suit.
I’m in Rhode Island now, which has many charms. Still, I miss Boulder.
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Rhode Island! Wow! I hope you can enjoy those ocean breezes!
I was never that coordinated either; still working on that!
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I’ll take this dry heat over the heat and humidity in the midwest any day….makes for more “good” hair days 🙂
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I can see where Chicago would be a lot more humid! Loved reading about your Colorado connection!
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Ms. Lindau,
Very educational. I have never been to Colorado. I drove through on a Greyhound Bus while on my way to Death Valley, California. If you think it is hot in Colorado in the summertime, you should try Death Valley. I was an electrician in Death Valley National Park. One day it was 131 degrees outside and I was working on a huge electrical distribution panel. I literally felt as if I was outside of myself, watching myself work. At the end of the day, I was seeing double and talking to Elvis. I went directly into the swimming pool at Stovepipe Wells for rehydration and rebirth. Tennis anyone? I think not. Great story though. Thank You,
Wayne Baker
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Thank you Wayne! Hahaha! Talking to Elvis! Been there! Our family drove to Vegas once when it never dropped below 115 degrees even at night. I thought the desert was cool at night. LIARS!!! The difference is, I didn’t have to work for 8 hours in 131 degrees! I didn’t know that thermometers went that high! That’s like 12 on my speakers.115 would have felt like a cold front!
I have never been to Death Valley nor will I make the trip thanks to you Wayne!
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#11 You wont have to spend money on a tanning studio or cream
#12 You can sing “feeling hot hot hot” while playing, or any of the other gazillion fire / sun songs.
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I LOVE it! No tanning studio for me!
I looked for a good rendition of “Hot Hot Hot!” and had to settle for this other “Hot” video! Great minds think alike!
Fantabulous suggestions! Thanks Shantnu!
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Hah. I handle the heat by staying inside… I’m sure those wildfires aren’t doing much to help either… And they say climate change doesn’t exist…
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Seriously. I can’t believe anyone still thinks that!
I seem to be more acclimated this year, probably because the heat came on so early. Normally, I would hide inside as well. As long as I am prepared for it I am good to go. I hate getting hot and sweaty when I am all dressed up. That is so uncomfortable!
Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
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It is steamy over on the east, too!! You wouldn’t believe how we feel with spring just 1 day ago!! 😀 Great post, by the way!! Oh, and since your blog is FABULOUS, would you mind signing up on my blog, ahdorediorofficial.wordpress.com , for July’s Covergirl of the month? Thanks!!!!!!!!!
Kisses!
,Lilith
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The heat is far worse where you live since you get humidity. Ours is hovering around 25%! I know….
Thanks! I will check out your blog!
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300 days of sunshine?!!! Didn’t even know that was possible!!! 😉
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We sure do!
You get the opposite kind of weather, but it is green there all the time. If the heat keeps up, everything will burn up! We all have sprinkler systems which is something I am sure you cannot fathom! I came out from the Midwest almost 25 years ago and couldn’t believe how arid this part of the country is.
If you ever come my direction, let me know!
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Loving your post – anything black is off limits and too hot to touch (i.e. pavement, car interior, etc.)! Have a Hot Day You Sexy Thing!
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I came up with that title right before I blogged. I thought it would be more catchy. Then I realized some people may think I am soooooo egotistical. Yikes! Too late! My true friends like you, know that I am the “Pun Queen!”
Definitely am staying away from black. I grabbed a black water bottle the other day. What a mistake!
Thanks Renee!
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Hi,
Loved the post, and had a laugh when you mentioned your hair, this is just so true in summer heat here as well, it can get uncomfortable, I just couldn’t imagine playing tennis when the temp is so high, good on you. 🙂
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I LOVE that expression, “good on you.” You should blog about all the down-under terminology!
It must be cold there now.
I didn’t have a choice although I guess I could have made up an excuse. I just don’t do that. It would feel like cheeeeting!
Thanks Mags! Stay warm!
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Here’s a thought – take up swimming!
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
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Great idea! Thanks for reading Patricia! Stay cool….
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Shivering in winter here, so am enjoying some vicarious heat from your post. Last year we took a trip to Florida and played mini golf in 100+ heat in the middle of the day. Funnily we were the only ones there, but what can you do when you travel half way around the world to get to the US and your youngest get’s to choose the activity for the day? Anyway, swinging by on Chris’ reccomendation and glad I did. He told me that the secret code word for entry to your blog was “hot stuff” and to knock three times slowly and I would then be admitted. And now following :).
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The door is wide open! Thank you so much! Chris is the BEST!
I have been there with kids choosing activities. We call my daughter “the fish” because no matter where we go or how cold it is, she wants to be in the water. There have been many times when we froze while she frolicked!
You never know what you are in for while on a family vacation!
Thanks for following!
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Chris sent me Susie — it’s great to have a “fan” in this heat.
how do I beat the heat. I go north to Maine. Where the water stays too cold to dip in, but sends lovely breezes my way. It’s perfect in the summer. Less so in the winter!
Great post. I could feel the sweat.
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Thank you Chris!!!!
I am so glad he sent you Elyse! He is an amazing “fan!”
I have always wanted to go to Maine. It sounds perfect for the summer. I always picture “Murder She Wrote,” renting a bike and then tooling around to all the little towns…
Thanks again for stopping by!
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You are a gamer, Colorado. In the truest, boldest, baddest sporting sense. I have to admit, my tennis game gets called on account of the rain coming off my head when we experience these scorchers. Umm . . . does playing Wii tennis count?
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Definitely! It is good to have a built in sprinkler system like yours, unless you have a downpour during a job interview….
You have the horrid humidity which is non-existent here. We have to be careful of heat stroke!
Thanks Cayman! I will be over to read the latest installment of your flash!
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I’ll have you know, you served as my inspiration for getting out there yesterday evening in 90 plus degrees. It’s all about pacing yourself and listening to your body when it says “Slow the hell, down!”. But it’s worth it, definitely.
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Haha! I love the picture of the sweaty hair. This really resonates with me as I bike to work daily and am constantly dealing with helmet head. I have the following conversation with myself on a daily basis: “Sophie, do you want to look extra cute today? Or do you want to have helmet head? If you ride the metro, you will be unhappy, but have great hair. If you bike, you will be happy, but have flat hair. What should I do?” I’m sure you can guess, now that you have gotten to know me. I bike and I smile my way through the day with flat hair. 🙂 Play tennis, Susie. Sweat. Look ridiculous. And smile your way through life. Happy Summer Solstice!
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Thanks Sophie you marathoner triathalon girl! Of course you bike, but that DC heat and humidity is too much! I just about passed out the last time I was there and I was just walking from one building to another!
We can start a new trend of slicked back hair!
Happy summer solstice to you too!
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I hate the heat! It gets 108 or so here in Central California. You will never hear me complain at any point during the winter because I know 100 degrees is around the corner. I’m keeping my mouth closed right now because it is far too early to complain about how hot it is. My youngest was complaining recently and I told him I had one word for him: Halloween. I let him stare, dumbfounded, for a few moments before I explained. I told him, “Dude, it’s gonna’ be hot until about Halloween. Pace yourself!”
-Jimmy
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Jimmy you are so funny! I just read your comment to my daughter and husband and they loved it! I can just see the look on your son’s face. Priceless! That is hot! Be cool my friend!
Thanks for stopping by to read!
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Oh no, 100 degrees is way too hot for this northern-climate gal. Hope you drink lots of water, Susie, and find the occasional shady tree to hide behind!
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A shady tree is the way to go! I am drinking a lot of water too! We are getting a respite tomorrow then back to the high 90’s Friday through the weekend! To the mountains I say!
Thanks Sheila!
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Wow…tennis in 100 degree weather. I’m impressed. I’m also glad I’m sitting in my air conditioned office…and that our mid-90s are leaving for several days. I don’t mind anything up to low-80’s but wilt when it’s hotter than that.
By the way, did you know you can bake cookies in your car when it’s that hot? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0lgg_qKaqw 🙂
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Oh my gosh that video was hilarious! So 1950’s and such an energy saver!
I have gotten somewhat acclimated, but Colorado doesn’t get the humidity. That makes it a lot more tolerable!
Thanks Kristy!
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I have heard that dry air is more tolerable than humid air (when it’s hot), but I have to say, I’ve been in both the sauna and Arizona room at the spa, and I just flat out don’t like anything too warm.
Unless it’s homemade cookies fresh out of the car. 🙂
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Hot it hot! I am playing at 9 AM today and it is 66 degrees outside. YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love the cookie idea!
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This summer is going to be brutal. As I write this it’s nearly 9 in the p.m. and it’s still 101 in Las Vegas. Try and stay cool in the heat Susie and don’t step in any fried eggs while you’re on the court.
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I think you are right!
If you check out the comments, we visited Vegas when it was 115 degrees at night!~ whoosh!
Stay cool and hydrated this summer Brian. Thanks for stopping by!
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Redheads and heat are not natural bedfellows Susie. At the first hint of hot weather I head for a damp mouldy corner, sprecially retained in the house for such purposes and cower for a few hours.
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We high tailed it to the basement! I am not sure how we endured when I was young and didn’t have air conditioning while living in humid Wisconsin. I remember many sleepless nights…
Thanks Jim!
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When I was a kid, we lived in bathing suits from the first day of summer vacation to the last.
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I remember that and bare feet. My mom used to make us wash them in the tub before bed! They would be sooooooo black with dirt. “Good clean dirt,” my dad always said!
Thanks for reading SJ!
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Oh man, tennis in 100 degree heat sounds like torture! Leave it to you to see the sunny side! I have a handy dandy little spray bottle that comes in quite handy when I get hot, and a little shelf fan next to the bed helps, too!
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I should bring one of those spray bottles to my next match! Great idea!
Thanks Lynn!
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Great attitude! I’m going to remember some of these points when I’m working out in my non A/C’d gym and I’m going to point out your fabulous points to my clients as well. They’ll LOVE that! haha
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Thanks Ginger! It never hurts to try to be positive about the sweltering heat!
Stay cool my friend!
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