baby it's hot out...

Not that I have to worry about this with my current run a minute / walk a minute routine... but it's hot out here .. and even in the Great White North it's been warm out. So I found this from one of my fav runner / authors John Bingham..

Can't Stand the Heat?

Dear John,
I'm training for my first half-marathon, and summer has finally hit Wisconsin. Though I'm grateful for the nice weather, the heat and humidity have been taking a toll.

I've noticed when I run that my pace has slowed by about a minute and I seem to cop out a mile or two sooner than I had been when it was cooler a few weeks back. I try my hardest to hydrate, dress lighter, and take more stops, yet running is much harder in the heat, and for the actual race I know the weather will be worse.

What do you suggest I do to get back on track despite the rising temperatures? - Ali

Hi, Ali. The more I’m around runners, the more I realize that each of us seems to have a unique tolerance for weather. I’ve met runners who can’t run at all if the temperature is below 75 degrees, and others who can’t take a comfortable step if the temperature is above 50. We’re animals as well as athletes. Some of us are just suited for one kind of weather.

So, the first part of the answer is for you to identify the animal in you. If you’re a cold-weather person, well, then that’s just the truth. It doesn’t mean you can’t train and race in the warmer – or hot – weather. It just means that it’s not the ideal weather for you. Long term that means choosing key events at the time of year that’s best suited to your natural preferences.

Like you, I live in a four-season part of the country (Chicago). That means that for about half the year the weather is almost perfect.

The other half, it’s either too hot or too cold. Unlike you, it so happens that I love running in the heat and humidity. But the idea of heading out the door when the temperature is below freezing just doesn’t make sense. I turn up the heat and head for the treadmill.

Two things to remember:

1. The current recommendation on hydration is that you should drink for thirst, and only for thirst. You don’t need to start pounding down the water just because it’s hot.

2. You’ll have to slow your pace in the heat. Your heart is pumping blood to your skin to keep you cool, which increases your heart rate, and the means that your pace must slow down.

Running year-round is fun and satisfying as long as you remember what kind of animal you are.

Waddle on,
John