To all of my runner friends...the heat in KC has been kicking my butt. Over 100 (or close to it) for about a month. Has anyone been able to quantify the impact of high heat on training? I'm running about a minute per mile slower than I did in the fall/winter/spring and my long runs seem to wear me out more than they once did. I know that "your mileage may vary" but what has been your experience?
I am hydrating before and during the runs. I try to run at different times of the day, although I often don't. I have read all of the "how to run in the heat" literature that I find but thus far, I can't seem to find anyone who can objectively quantify the impact of heat.
If you read this and have half a mind to do so, please pass this request along to any running buddies who also may have either interest or insight.
And no age jokes, please.
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Mike,
ReplyDeleteIn my experience, and I hate to say this, I was never really bothered by the heat/humidity here in Georgia for a lot of years, but in the last few, as I pulled into the mid-50s, I started to notice. It started to kick my butt.
I typically run during my lunch hour -- down by the Chattahoochee River. Two or three years ago, I started to notice a marked deterioration in my afternoon productivity in the office during the heat/humidity of the summer (and I was pretty useless in the evening as well!).
Hydration is essential, but I automatically get some coffee (I know, diuretic) for the afternoons now too, after a run. Water in the park pre- and post-run; gatorade at the office, followed by coffee!
Keep up the great work. I've not gone past a 10K race (though I've done longer runs). Maybe some time I'll do a half, but I don't see a marathon in my future.
Cheers,
Robbie