Blog

Running in the Heat!

Good morning,

Thanks to a coffee incident with my laptop I was on a forced hiatus with Coffee & Chat. Thankfully my computer is now back fully functional, and I am back operational.

Yesterday’s sub-eighty’s temperature was certainly a welcome opportunity for runners across the Northeast. With the average temps just over 90 degrees, running can be nearly impossible. Traditionally in early summer I chat about the challenges of running in such conditions and a few times I have even been a contributor to news outlets on the subject. Without repeating the same chat in great detail, here are a few bullets to think about:

  • Early morning temperatures are lower, but humidity is much higher. Humidity reduces convection (evaporation of our sweat), so heat remains on our bodies surface. Do not be fooled
  • Expectations of a run should factor in the demand of our bodies need for blood to both fuel our running muscles AND cool our bodies. These competing demands are what has us feeling like we have lost our conditioning. In fact, we have not, and instead our conditioning enables us to endure challenging temperatures if we run wisely.
  • Both hydration and nutrition play important roles in running during the warmer temperatures. It is all about fuel! Electrolytes are huge, so drink those sports drinks during and after. Replenish!
  • Sunblock is a must! The exposure of sun rays is a real danger to a runner’s long-term health and need to be taken seriously. Vitamin D is important, but at the expense of the future possibility of skin cancer. Also, do not think cloud cover has you covered, it is just as dangerous. I need to do be better in this area!

Well, I went into a little more detail than I said I would, but this subject is one that all of us runners must deal with. I really find that if we keep our expectations reasonable, and we do not give up, we can run throughout the summer. It takes about 2 to 2 ½ weeks of regular running for our bodies to adjust to summer running. Some give up before the adjustment and that is too bad. Summer is not the time for personal records (PR’s), but it can be a great time to run! Pay attention to the weather details (humidity levels, temperature and air quality), and then go enjoy an quality run!

Have a great week!

God Bless!

Mike

Alert: Wednesday I am starting a series on our biomechanics and how they relate to our running. Be sure to come check it out. I will be starting with a small but significant part of our body.