Are you running in the heat?

[Sezza2u]

I'm just wondering what everyone is doing regarding running and this heat wave? Is everyone still getting out and about and if so how are you dealing with it, what are you doing to combat the heat or does it not bother you?

I struggle in the heat. I went out yesterday in the evening and it was 24 degrees. I managed it but I was crazy slow, found it really hard going and started feeling funny (light headed) on the cool down walk. It's looking like this week is going to be mega hot even in the mornings and evenings.

Should we still run in this or should we use the time to rest and if we do that how will it impact fitness?

Anyone got any ideas/suggestions etc.

Thanks in advance.

[nowster Graduate]

At the moment the only option for me is to run in the mornings, preferably before 8am. The temperature starts to climb rapidly after then.

Light-headedness could be a sign of heat stress, which is the precursor to heat stroke.

[mrrun Graduate in reply to nowster]

Light-headedness is often the sign of electrolyte loss through sweating and poor hydration prior to running. Both can be avoided.

[Ballesta Graduate]

I made a bad decision going for running yesterday at midday and could not end the run.

Learning from my mistake. I think we should try to run avoiding the hottest times and be very hydrated, but if you try that out and you still feel unwell, I believe it is better to stop than risking a heat stroke or something similar.

I am going to keep on running, but way earlier and hope that it will work.

[mrrun Graduate in reply to Ballesta]

You simply cannot run in high temperatures at noon. That's recipe for bad things. You must hydrate properly and drink two-three litres of water daily (heat or no heat) and avoid running when the sun is at its most powerful, between 11ish and 6-7pm (depending where you are and how hot it is). I run in hot climates, and enjoy temperatures of 30c plus. For my body that works, for some other guys it simply doesn't. Heat can cause sudden damage and should never be underestimated. Noon? Not even a pro would go for that.

[Roxdog Graduate in reply to mrrun]

Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun! Don't know where that's from, but it's famous!

[mrrun Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

Nothing wrong with midday sun unless we are talking mid summer freak heat wave. Sane people stay in. 😉

[mrrun Graduate]

Hydration, proper diet and paying attention to the weather is the key. Nobody is fully relaxed when running in high temperatures (not even the best athletes) but there are ways to making it easier. Outdoor running has many factors to be considered.

[AlysP Graduate]

This heat is horrible!! I did a run yesterday but left the house at 6.30am and it was just about ok. My husband is on c25k and did the 20 minute run the day before and I think he got heatstroke. I would suggest not running after 7.30am. Unless you strap several ice packs on your head perhaps? 😂

[Roxdog Graduate in reply to AlysP]

I love the heat and don't suffer, but wouldn't run in the heat of the day!

[Roxdog Graduate]

It's still around 30 degrees here at 7pm and only gets cooler in the middle of the night. I'm an early morning runner anyway, so I go out before 7. It was around 24 this morning I think, but that temperature doesn't bother me!

So early mornings are the answer I think.

I saw someone running along the main road at midday today and wondered how she was managing that!

[RunningChocoholic Graduate]

Hi, I absolutely struggle with anything over 16 degrees. I completed C25k in June 18 and realise that come the intense heat of the summer months, I just back off. Even running at 6.30, which I usually love, is too much for me. So I cycle instead, at least that generates a bit of a breeze. Or I do evening walks and/or yoga for my core. I know now when the temperature drops I’ll be out there again and it will be fine. Good luck

[nowster Graduate]

There's a very good reason why the track running component of major athletic events (Olympics, Commonwealth Games, etc.) is usually held after sunset.

[Blackberrypie Graduate]

I did W9R2 this evening - it would have been a nice temperature for sitting still with a cold drink but far too hot for running. I finished the run ok but only by taking it extra slowly. I'm wondering about postponing my graduation run to Thursday or Friday in the hope that the weather will break and I'll be able to enjoy it properly! I'm sure my legs will appreciate the extra rest too.

[nowster Graduate in reply to Blackberrypie]

That sounds like a good plan. 🌡🌞