Remember last February when we cursed that ice and snow? Imagine if we could have a little of that ice to cool our runs now.

Here are a few tricks from runners who survive and thrive during summer's swelter by using ice for something other than post-run lemonade:

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Pre-soak. Remember when you had a fever and Mom stuck you in an icy tub to lower your body temperature? The same works for hot runners. The icy tub can be mighty uncomfortable, but a cold shower lowers body temperature for a cool start to your run.If you can't bear the thought of a cold shower, at least soak your head. This works especially well with long hair, if you don't mind looking like a dripping cocker spaniel on the run.•

Icy hat. Place ice cubes on a soaked or frozen sponge, then place it on your head. Hold the works in place with a white hat. The cold cubes keep your head comfortably cool and the stream of water down your back is as refreshing as spring snow melt.As a bonus, wear a running hat made from breathable, wicking material and with a large bill to keep the sun off your face. Keep your old baseball cap for social occasions.•

The ultra scarf. Line up a row of ice cubes across the longest part of a bandana or handkerchief. Fold the opposite corners together; then roll it up like a burrito to keep the cubes in place. Tie the bandana around your neck. You'll look just like one of those cool adventure runners on TV.•

For women only. I thought this was weird when she first started doing it, but Mom knows best. Fill a couple of zip-lock sandwich bags with ice cubes and stick them in your running bra. You'll feel cooler and, as the ice melts, you'll have a refreshing cold drink on the run.Men can use a high-tech and more expensive version of Mom's home remedy: the ice vest. Some of the Olympic marathoners used these to pre-cool before competing in steamy Athens.•

Water stops. This requires a little planning, but it's worth it for the long run. Stick a few plastic containers of water in the freezer. Distribute the frozen bottles along your intended course for a refreshing drink break. Frozen sports drink tastes good, too, but you don't have the option of dumping it on your head. Don't forget to pick up the empties later.•

Water systems. There are a number of comfortable belts, vests and hand-held fluid replenishment systems on the market if you don't mind hauling the device or the extra weight. Most of the plastic bottles are removable and freezable. Just don't overfill. Also, leave the lid off while freezing to allow for expansion.•

Lazy runner's replenishment system. It's easier to carry money than to haul water. Currency or a debit card fit nicely under your shoe's sock liner for a mid-run stop at a convenience store.One of my favorite bicycle rides includes a trip on the Butler-Freeport Trail with a loop through Freeport in the middle. There's nothing better than a stop for a frozen fruit bar or Popsicle.Bypass the ice cream bars if your stomach is sensitive or you'll have an uncomfortable run home.And remember, while you're enjoying your icy treat, the air conditioning is free.If you've got any more icy suggestions, feel free to pass them my way. Until then, think of February.

Friday, 7 p.m.: Old Home Days 5K, Townville, Crawford County. Starts at Maplewood Elementary School near Titusville, benefits cross country team and volunteer fire company. 814-827-2563Saturday, 6 a.m. to noon: Sammy's Birthday Run, Upper St. Clair. Run 1 lap or 40 laps of 1Z\v-mile Gilfillan Trail, part of Greater Pittsburgh Road Runners series. 412-854-5494 or DHClean@msn.comSaturday, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. 724-898-2525 or shoes@runpa.comSaturday, 9 a.m.: Beth Bonner Memorial 5K Run and 2- Mile Walk, Arthurdale, W.Va. 304-486-3959 or ahi@arthurdaleheritage.orgSaturday, 9 a.m.: Riverside Park Kids Triathlon, Greenville. Youths ages 6 to 10 swim 100 yards, ride a bike 3 miles, run a half mile; ages 11 to 14 swim 200 yards, ride a bike 6 miles, run 1 mile. 724-588-4810 or galas@galsa.orgSaturday, 9 a.m.: Emlenton Festival 5K, Emlenton. Starts at Hughes Park. 724-867-6881 or SheilaM@central.coopSunday, 7:30 a.m.: Presque Isle Half Marathon, Erie. Run from Beach 1 at scenic Presque Isle State Park. www.erie-runnersclub.orgSunday, 8:30 a.m.: Bushy Run 5K, Jeanette. Run through woods and fields of historic Bushy Run Battlefield. 724-744-2171, ext. 202July 18, 7 p.m.: Fredonia 5K, Fredonia. Out and back with downhill finish, part of Mercer County Twilight QUAD. 724-458-4435 or smc@runhigh.comJuly 21, 9 a.m.: Run with the Buffalo 5K Cross Country Race, New Castle. Benefits Laurel High School cross country program. 724-924-9239 or altmantom@yahoo.comJuly 22, 3 p.m.: Gold Medal Camp Alumni Race 5K, California, Pa. Individual and team competition. 412-310-2381July 29, 8 a.m.: Thorn Hill County Line 5K Race, Cranberry Township. Benefits scholarships for student athletes. 724-776-4949Aug. 4, 9 a.m.: St. Barnabas 5K, Gibsonia. Individual and team competition, great post race party. 724-444-5512 or www.stbarnabas5k.com

<B>Darlington Derby 5K, June 2: </B>Emmett Santillo, 1st Overall M, 18:13; Jenn Shanahan, 1st Overall W, 21:38; Becki Lodovico, 1st 25-29 W, 26:03; Steve Lodovico, 1st 25-29 M, 26:04; Julie Jumet, 2nd 40-44 W, 28:15; Susan Householder, 2nd 45-49 W, 46:32; Lisa Telego, 3rd 45-49 W, 46:34; Jan Jumet, 28:16; Kim Jacob, 51:20; Melissa Giles, 51:24<B>Peters Township 4K, June 7: </B>Marco Dozzi, 1st Overall M, 13:20; Michelle Corkum, 1st Overall W, 15:47; Mark Courtney, 1st Masters M, 14:46; Mitch Radella, 2nd 40-49 M, 16:24; Joe Zboran, 26:40; Wayne Toy, 27:08; Sami Jo Boroski, 29:27; Julie Thomas, 29:35; Pam Eckert, 29:36; Rachel Thomas, 30:15;<B>Riverview Park 5K, June 8: </B>Carl Hubel, 1st Overall M, 18:12; Michelle Choo, 1st Overall W, 22:18; Mitch Radella, 1st 40-44 M, 20:40; Sara Keisel, 2nd 25-29 W, 26:25; Nicole Khoury, 1st 35-39 W, 27:14; Larry Brubach, 27:31; Ron Nyman, 27:42; Patrick C. Mencer, 34:50<B>Daily American 5K, June 9: </B>Michel Mitchell, 1st Overall M, 16:34; Lauren Lehman, 1st Overall W, 21:08; Mark Courtney, 4th Overall M, 17:51<B>Father's Day 5K, June 17: </B>Luke Ryan, 1st Overall M, 15:40; Ann Mazur, 1st Overall W, 17:53; Roger Murray, 21:34; Dorothy Moxie, 3rd 40-44 W, 22:19; Carrie Snell, 2nd 35-39 W, 23:23; Clint Altman, 22:19; Joe Pohl, 24:18; Christy Gregori, 27:23; Thomas Altman, 27:33; Carl Monsour, 27:40; Whitney Amoroso, 29:30; Kolby Ripper, 30:09; Amy Pohl, 30:53; Jeffrey Schueler, 31:19; Richard Gregori, 32:25; Richard Ray, 33:43; Jamie Guentner, 34:56; Lara Essey, 40:15<B>New Ken YMCA 5K, June 9: </B>Herb Cratty, 1st Overall M, 17:46; Jake Montag, 3rd Overall, 18:17; Alyssa Kunkel, 1st Overall W, 20:00; John McCullough, 1st Masters M, 18:23; Matt Getsay, 1st 35-39 M, 21:10; Jody Mulvihill, 1st 50-54 W, 22:58; Kayla Zboran, 1st 16 and under W, 23:55; Greg Reed, 2nd 40-44 M, 24:12; Joe Zboran, 3rd 50-54 M, 25:28; Brittany McShane, 2nd 16 and under W, 25:20; Christine Kunkel, 1st 40-44 W, 30:27; Barbara Volek, 2nd 45-49 W, 31:03; Kyle Zboran, 1st 16 & Under M, 31:56; Beth Zboran, 3rd 40-44 W, 32:07; Michael Volek, 2nd 16 and under M, 35:13<B>Kalajainen Klassic 5K, June 9: </B>Phil Thompson, 1st Overall M, 16:55; Andrew Razanauskas, 2nd Overall M, 18:44; Emmett Santillo, 3rd Overall M, 18:58; Cindy Grimm, 1st Overall W, 22:24; Chrissy Valentine, 2nd Overall W, 22:33; Mitch Radella, 1st 40-44 M, 20:00; Curt Grimm, 1st 55-59 M, 20:35; David Crowl, 3rd 50-54 M, 22:28; Don McCarty, 1st 12-15 M, 23:28; Lori Thomas, 2nd 35-39 W, 23:30; Kristen Kelosky, 1st 40-44 W, 23:56; Tara Gibson, 2nd 25-29 W, 26:38; Seth Wimer, 3rd 20-24 M, 28:12; Cindy Suber, 1st 45-49 W, 28:46; Matt Reed, 2nd 12-15 M, 29:47; Jared Thomas2nd 11 and under M, 32:22; Dale Wimer, 1st 60-64 M, 32:28; Rebecca Rouda, 3rd 30-34 W, 33:59; David McConahy, 2nd 60-64 M, 36:54; Karen Wimer, 3rd 55-59 W, 38:34; Kathy Brown, 2nd 60-64 W, 45:03; Roxanna Altman, 2nd 50-54 W, 48:01; David Suber, 23:17; Ed Leymarie, 24:11; Len Yensull, 28:29; Eric Grimm, 29:22; Tom Altman, 29:33; Crystal Lasko, 41:54Send comments and suggestions to: 435 Cherry Valley Road, Saxonburg, PA. 16056. Phone or fax 724-352-4395. Email bigp16@connecttime.net