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HEAT TRAINING ADVICE
Temperatures are rising and, rather than to avoid snow, sleet or cold rain, our excuses for not running will shift, sometimes quickly, to those involving the avoidance of hot and humid weather conditions. Although it’s tough to run outdoors when it’s hot and/or humid, the increased physical demands on the body represent circumstances in which you are training harder and can come out of the summer “heat” season as a stronger autumn racer. Matt Fitzgerald has some good advice on how to successfully train in this weather in a Competitor.com article, "7 Hot Weather Training Tips". To understand the science behind his advice some of you may wish to first read Tawnee Prazak’s article, “5 Reasons Heat Affects Performance”, also in Competitor.com. Generally Fitzgerald’s advice includes how to cool before and stay cool during runs, adjust your running to allow for the physical effects of heat, and above all be alert to danger signs the body sends when heat becomes a problem. MY summer strategies complement what Matt Fitzgerald recommends. Just as there are ways to deal with harsh winter weather there are a few similar tricks to summer running that can keep you safe and allow you to persevere with your training plan. ROUTE LOOPS Map out a running route that incorporates “loops”, maximizes shade and cool breezes, and minimizes exposure to direct sunlight. If you rise early or wait until late to run, the low-light times of the day can be safety risks. Create a “loop” on streets of a neighborhood or park where you can readily seek help or reach your car if needed, the traffic is low, and your line of sight is clear to detect potential danger. A shorter loop, about a half mile distance or so, will be easier to find than a longer loop of a mile or more. If you cannot run before the sun rises or after it sets (you get a late weekend start or take a weekday lunch break to exercise), especially if it’s a long distance workout, running multiple short loops in shaded or breezy areas can be a more comfortable option. A running ”loop” doesn’t need to be circular. It can be an out-and back linear route. I will start at a central point, run “out” in one direction, turn around and run “back” to the start point, then “out-and-back” in the opposite direction, and repeat as many times as needed for the miles I plan to run. I am a fan of parking structures because they often have open walls and are well ventilated. In a big city, air movements through “street canyons” can result in gusting winds that whip up breezes in these buildings, depending on their location and orientation. Possibly the parking building you avoided in the winter for this very reason is the one to seek out in summer? Those in which cars are parked for the entire day will have the least traffic. The image above is a view of a fountain I can see from the second floor of a parking structure I have used! More benefits of loops: you can easily cut short your run should the heat cause more stress than anticipated, and you can stash fluids in one spot and hydrate liberally as needed during each circuit. APPAREL Running as uncovered as possible may not be the best strategy. Wearing light-colored, loose-fitting tops with sleeves that at least shield the shoulders can decrease the heat generated from direct sun exposure on the skin, especially in less humid conditions. A light-colored vented hat with a visor will keep direct sun off the head and face, and help lessen vision strain, even if you wear sunglasses; one with a neck flap offers more protection. Light-colored loose–fitting shorts may not always be figure flattering but will be cooler than black spandex. Tie a white or light colored long-sleeved 100% cotton shirt around your waist. You can use it to wipe sweat from your face during your run. Afterward, in the cool-down walk or jog, you may feel uncomfortably cool when you stop generating heat. If you pass through or stop to get a snack/meal in air-conditioned buildings or drive in an air-conditioned car to get to your “loop” course, you’ll feel cooler on the return trip. If the sun is too much for you on a run, you can use the shirt in the middle of it as cover. HYDRATION If you partially fill a bottle/container (about halfway) and put it in the freezer well before your run, at home or at work, you can top off the ice with fluid before you start out, and it will thaw gradually and provide you with a cooling drink for the duration of a mid-day run. The ice in a completely filled container may not thaw fast enough for you to drink while you run; the added fluid hastens the thawing process. Drink cool, iced fluids about 15-20 minutes before you start out; this allows time for a restroom visit, and for gastric emptying and absorption to occur (it’s delayed with very cold fluids). If you replace electrolytes or fuel with a gel or gummies during longer runs rather than with a drink, take them with you too. SUNSCREEN Liberally apply a barrier sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide based, advertised for babies or for sensitive skin) to your entire face and neck at home each morning. You are likely to achieve better coverage if you do it before dressing. Re-apply before you start out on a run; although this application may leave you with a not-so-attractive facial sheen as you leave work or school, you’ll come back sweaty anyway. So protect yourself from harmful rays that speed aging. Runners spend so much time outdoors we receive more facial exposure than indoor types. MONEY Make sure you have sufficient cash for unexpected needs and emergencies (to buy a drink or food, take a cab). RAIN PHONE PROTECTION AND IDENTITY Although you may have a phone with you, it’s best to have other accessible evidence of your identity and emergency contact information. From experience I know my summer running clothes can’t shield my phone from water when surprised by sprinklers or rain. I put it in a quart-sized freezer bag along with cash and identity information (business card with written info) and carry it in my hand. This may not be how you carry your phone, however. I dislike belts and arm bands. What do you like to do? PACING There’s nothing wrong with taking regular walk breaks during very hot weather runs. If you mentally make this allowance a rule for summer running, it may result in fewer skipped sessions! Also, you are likely to realize the walk breaks are progressively less necessary as acclimatization occurs. Enjoy the good weather and…. RUN HAPPY! http://running.competitor.com/2014/06/training/5-reasons-heat-affects-performance_11671 http://running.competitor.com/2014/07/training/seven-hot-weather-training-tips_4347 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Street_canyon
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BRIDGE TO PHYSICAL SELF
Running, walking, and fitness activities enable us to experience our physical selves in a world mostly accessed through use of fingers on a mobile device. AuthorEARNED RUNS is edited and authored by me, runner and founder. In 1978 I began participating in 10K road races before 5Ks were common. I've been a dietitian, practiced and taught clinical pathology, and been involved with research that utilized pathology. I am fascinated with understanding the origins of disease as well as health and longevity. Archives
November 2023
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