How to deal with the heat?

NoelJ

How does everyone else deal with the heat? I've been trying to run in this heat but a 5k in this heat is like a 15/20k normally. I've been carrying water with me which I usually don't do but it still doesn't do much. I haven't ran for the past 3 days because its been 25 degrees here.

Is there anyway to deal with this? And would people advise running in this if its so difficult?

G-Money

Not sure where you are located but I'm in Dublin and I ran 5 miles this morning in blistering sun but I was finished by 10.15am. My advice would be to go early in the morning before it gets really hot. I think the temperature when I started this morning was around 14 or 15 degrees. I didn't bring any water with me either.

I'm sure there are much wiser heads on here though who may have better advice than me.

actuallylike

I don't run but I rock climb which can build up a bit of heat causing me to sweat (I sweat a lot ). I got myself a Canterbury base layer which cools me me down immensely, so much so that when I normally would feel overheated, I actually feel cool. They're expensive enough in the shops (€60) but you can get them online (ebay) for around €20.

Sandwell

Run early in the morning or late in the evening. Most people are going to suffer in these temperatures. I don't think there's any quick fix.

rom

wear white and a hat. Ran 6 miles in it at about 4 yesterday, was slow but it was fine. Going to go out for an hour in the min.

tunguska

NoelJ wrote: »

How does everyone else deal with the heat? I've been trying to run in this heat but a 5k in this heat is like a 15/20k normally. I've been carrying water with me which I usually don't do but it still doesn't do much. I haven't ran for the past 3 days because its been 25 degrees here.

Is there anyway to deal with this? And would people advise running in this if its so difficult?

First day or two knocked the bejasus out of me but body is acclimatising quickly. Yesterdays run was fine and didnt take such a bite. I dont think avoidance is the answer, if you just keep exposing yourself to the heat(wearing sunscreen of course) your body will adapt.

mloc123

It's not really that warm here. Try running in 35+ with humidity.

If you struggle with 25 degrees get out early. It was a chilly 15ish this morning at 7.

huskerdu

You get used to it. I didn't believe that when I was told that, but it really does happen.

I am pale, even by Irish standards, freckled and get sun burn just looking at holiday brochures, but even I have acclimitised to running in this weather.

Having said that, dont struggle on for the sake of it, if you are suffering.

If you end up running in the middle of the day, then run a bit slower, find some shade, wear sunscreen, stop to sip water if you need to.

RacoonQueen

I was fine running in it on Monday, Thursday and today was a struggle. It's all about adapting to it really. I usually avoid running in this weather and would run earlier/later because of it, despite the fact I always tell people to run in the wind and rain in case it's like that on race day.

Sadly, adapting is hard because it probably won't be like this next week and then we'll be trying to adapt again for a week or two in two months time.

Gringo78

Wear sunscreen. Even if you think you will not be out long enough to get burned, your skin will still be stressed by the sun. A high factor sunblock prevents this. 25deg is not much different to running on a treadmill in a stuffy gym, just slow things down a bit.

I'm running in midday 30deg sun in south of Spain at the moment. Took a few days to acclimatise but almost back to normal pace now after a week. Was around 30sec/mile slower for first few days.

robinph

Have a 10k race tomorrow morning which I'm not really looking forward to now with the weather. Just have to get it finished asap and then hit the pub for a refreshing pint.

If I was going for a training run then I'd be looking for a slow trail through the woods with a camelback on and not be rushing anywhere.

dahat

As i am shaved bald on top i find suncream stops the heat escaping and it all just runs down my face,pure annoying.....

TarfHead

I'm in the process of working up from being able to run 10K comfortably, to a half-marathon in July. Last week (Friday) I ran 8.4 miles and felt I could have kept on running at the end. On Tuesday (8m) and again yesterday (9m), both evening runs, I had absolutely nothing. Am I the only one hoping for a break in the weather ? Some cloud and drop in temperature please !

sideswipe

TarfHead wrote: »

I'm in the process of working up from being able to run 10K comfortably, to a half-marathon in July. Last week (Friday) I ran 8.4 miles and felt I could have kept on running at the end. On Tuesday (8m) and again yesterday (9m), both evening runs, I had absolutely nothing. Am I the only one hoping for a break in the weather ? Some cloud and drop in temperature please !

Boo you:mad:
This is probably our 1 week of summer and it's not that hot........I've never used the following expression on this forum before, but you sir/madam need to HTFU:p

shels4ever

Was on a vey easy week this week, did about 5 miles on the beach yesterady very slow, with a nice swim after. Really love running in this weather jsut slow the pace right down and enjoy...

and

TarfHead

sideswipe wrote: »

.. but you sir/madam need to HTFU:p

Charming, do you kiss your mother with that mouth ?

Seriously, I'm looking for something to blame my loss of mojo for. The weather is a handy target. If the weather breaks, I'll just have to blame something else .

Emer911

dahat wrote: »

As i am shaved bald on top i find suncream stops the heat escaping and it all just runs down my face,pure annoying.....

Try a bonding sunscreen rather than a cream... something like P20 or Soltan? Doesn't sweat off or drip into your eyes.

gpcummins

i was only posting about this on my blog the other day.
Seems to be no difinitive answers - its about finding what suits you and grinding through

cjt156

gpcummins wrote: »

...posting about this on my blog the other day...

Oh, you have a blog? Why didn't you say?

NoelJ

Yeah I guess the running early/late is the only option. The minimum temperature here was 19 degrees which was still quite hot.

It seems weird there's nothing you can do bar try climatise to the weather especially if there is a race or anything happening.

murpho999

I find it quite funny how Irish all panic at a few days sunshine.

It's been nice but by no means hot!

Just slow down if struggling, no need for acclimatisation as the clouds will be back soon.

huskerdu

NoelJ wrote: »

Yeah I guess the running early/late is the only option. The minimum temperature here was 19 degrees which was still quite hot.

It seems weird there's nothing you can do bar try climatise to the weather especially if there is a race or anything happening.

There are lots of things you can do, as already explained in this thread

- Avoid running during the hottest part of the day
- Keep well hydrated
- Wear a hat
- Put on suncream
- Find a route with plenty of shade
- Slow down if you are suffering

And its not that weird. Getting used to it, is the best solution. There is no magic bullet.

As I have said before, I'm pasty, freckled and prone to sunburn and heat stroke, so I do have to take all of the precautions above, but it is only 22/24 degrees out there.

I will be delighted if I get lots of chances to acclimatise to running in 22 degrees this summer.

RJC

Try keeping the back of your neck wet (a buff or some sort of easily soaked neckerchief). The blood flow to your brain will cool down and your preception of the heat will be reduced.

I learned that from a caridac nurse ( during a stress ECG).

Apart from that, any time I run in Italy or in a summer marathon I adopt the rule of half in, half on for water. Your head, neck, wrists and thighs are where the water is most effective.

All the sun cream stuff is just common sense.