Tips for running in the heat: Hi everyone I’m... - Bridge to 10K

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Tips for running in the heat

Sssara profile image
21 Replies

Hi everyone

I’m a relatively new runner, did couch to 5k on the treadmill but then discovered the joy of park run and outdoor running. I’ve been regularly running 5k and have started following the 10k plan here to increase my mileage

But the minute it’s sunny and the temperature hits 18 degrees I struggle to even manage 5k.

Does anyone have any tips for getting better at running in the heat? Or is it just a case of doing it more and getting use to it eventually?

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Sssara profile image
Sssara
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21 Replies
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate

Run early or late...try to find shady routes...hydrate well all the time and especially now...carry water for pouring over wrists.. and rubbing on the back of the neck...😉

Sssara profile image
Sssara in reply to Oldfloss

I haven’t been carrying water (I guess because I’m not running far it didn’t cross my mind) so will definitely try rubbing it over the wrists and neck. Thanks!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Sssara

I don't carry water normally unless running over 10K..but this humidity can catch you out... x

MuddledGardener profile image
MuddledGardenerGraduate10 in reply to Oldfloss

Why on the wrists?

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to MuddledGardener

Really great way to cool you down quickly and safely..pulse points😉

MuddledGardener profile image
MuddledGardenerGraduate10 in reply to Oldfloss

Ooh! I didn’t know that!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to MuddledGardener

It does actually work...I get very hot in the night..(no laughing)..and running the cold tap over the wrists for about 30 seconds, works wonders...

MuddledGardener profile image
MuddledGardenerGraduate10 in reply to Oldfloss

🤣🤣🤣 Sorry! Reflex action!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to MuddledGardener

I always was hot stuff!:)xx

MuddledGardener profile image
MuddledGardenerGraduate10 in reply to Oldfloss

Bahahaha!!!

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate10 in reply to MuddledGardener

I always remember someone telling me to hold my wrists under the cold tap to cool down and it works 😊

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate10

Buy a lightweight running cap. Direct sunlight is the worst. I hate summer heat for running! Winter is much better!

Sssara profile image
Sssara

Thanks! Next run is Tuesday (when it’s supposed to be hotter 😬) so going to try these tips and see how I go

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate10

1.Run early morning or late evening.

2.Run near trees as it’s cooler.

3.Make sure you’re well hydrated before you start.

4. Wear as few clothes as decently possible 😉

5. Wear a hat and sunglasses.

6. Put a small towel soaked in water in the freezer. This will be explained later *

7. Dunk your whole head in water before your run. This cools the body’s temperature albeit temporarily but it really feels lovely and keeps you cool for a time.

8. Run very slowly.

9. When you get home drink water and put the frozen towel * around your neck/face. Bliss 🥵😘

10. Fantasise about winter running 🙂

in reply to Irishprincess

I'm liking the towel thing , sound like a plan 😉👌✌

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate10 in reply to

My husband first did this for me after a race on a hot day and it was just such a relief! I walked around for a while looking like a boxer 😂😂

in reply to Irishprincess

😂😂👌✌

Slinkymalinki profile image
SlinkymalinkiGraduate10

I prefer to wear a buff (a tip gleaned from this forum). I soak it in water then fold it into a sort of thick hairband. During the run you can tip a bit of water on it & pop it back on or give your face a quick wipe. There is an official 'buff' company but I got a cheaper version from Mountain Warehouse which works fine for me.

Sybilw profile image
SybilwGraduate10

I completed the 9 weeks in the heat of last year (it was hot but not over 30 like this week!) and had to pick my times and routes carefully. However look on the bright side because you’ll be an experienced runner when to cooler weather comes. Just be careful then not to overdress - dress for 5 degrees warmer than it actually is. You’ll soon get the balance right. Good luck and don’t be afraid to just wait till the weather is suitable.

Flyingred profile image
FlyingredGraduate10

Run early or skip a day if it's too hot. Otherwise run slow and steady and avoid sprints/intervals/speed work until the weather changes again.

Sssara profile image
Sssara

Thanks everyone. I ran at 7am this morning and in Reading it was cool and overcast 😂 But I’m sure I’ll need the tips later this week!

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