One major issue in the way of a great shot at a top 10 finish. Indiana at this time is very hot and humid, which can bring on two conditions that can negatively affect performance: Overheating and Dehydration. Overheating is the result of inadequate cooling; when the body cannot keep up with the demands of evaporation of water from your skin. Dehydration is the process of losing fluid from the body, in this case through sweat. As you sweat you lose water and electrolytes. Oakland California does not have the same weather as Indiana, it may get warm but it certainly is not humid.

In order to prepare for such conditions Juan would need to train in humidity for his body to acclimate, which is why Juan finds himself in Arkansas, a place where humidity goes hand in hand with a beating down scorching sun, for a couple days of humidity training at a very close friend's house before heading to Indiana. In Arkansas Juan has been awaking at race time ( 6:00am) to run anything from 13-16 miles and a evening run of 8-12 miles with each run followed by a cold ice bath for speedy recovery. At the end of each hot and humid run, even in the mornings, Juan gets drenched in sweat as if he jumped in a pool or is hosed down.

Yet, Juan and his coach stay positive and believe this will make a big difference come race day. As the race nears less running and more rest will be put in place, but for now, the name of the game is training in that humidity, if he wants a leg-up or in his case a leg-in-front of the competition.

Best of Luck to you Juan!

Thank You for representing Holy Names University and California.