© 2010 Serina J. McEntire, Ph.D.; all rights reserved; content may not be copied, rewritten, or republished without written permission.
If there's one thing runners in Texas understand, it's heat. Some seem to tolerate it more than others, but too much of it can be deadly. Have you ever wondered exactly how and why it affects you like it does?
I mean the real nuts and bolts explanation? Dr. McEntire has condensed a huge body of knowledge into this concise bulleted presentation. In order to keep improving your running performance, you need to pay attention to conditions, and dial back your effort accordingly.
Read on; you'll learn how to cope with hot weather running and perform better on race day.
What areas of body are most important for heat dissipation?
No fluids if unconscious/severely disoriented/seizing, etc.
A good rule of thumb is to run when your shadow is taller than you are!
8 oz. cotton t-shirt can soak up 4x its wt. in sweat making it weigh 2 lbs-yikes!
The bottom line is not to approach hot weather running full-out if you are not prepared for it. And make sure that you warm up properly. If you live and train in an area that gets very hot in the summer acclimation will be a natural progression as you transition from spring to summer.
However, if you live in a cooler area and travel to a hotter destination for vacation or work, approach your running there carefully. Do you have any tips on this topic? Scroll down and share them with other readers!
About the author: Serina McEntire, PhD, is an Exercise Physiologist in the Dept of Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. She has more than 10 years experience in the health and fitness industry working with a wide range of clients. She also coaches a half marathon training group.
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Stress Fracture or Shin Splints?