This is the time of year when I enjoy posting my 'pro-running in the heat' posts, and having read some where runners complained about the heat, here I go again. I returned from my holiday in Croatia yesterday and at times the heat was a bit too much, especially when hitting 37C with high humidity and no breeze. The day temperature didn't drop below 30C once during my 2 week stay. I had to swim more often than I ran (I know, I know....)
A few hours after I landed here I was running in sarf Landan in (comparatively) Arctic conditions of 21C (well, it was 16C cooler than in Croatia), and for some reason I again did my 5K almost 4 minutes slower than in the baking heat along the Adriatic. Cleaner air over there? Flatter ground? Better beer? I may never find out.
Anyway. Why do some people dislike running in the heat? And by heat I mean The Heat, not our slightly warmer weather that would send no southern European anywhere near any beaches, let alone prevent them from running (people in Croatia run in The Heat. Been there, seen that).
Is it discomfort, with tight clothes glued onto skin? Warm air pressure issue? The feeling of sweat dripping from all pores? Is it the brightness of the sun? Is inappropriate hydration the culprit and creator of all woes? Could it be the that some run when the sun is at its peak (11am-5pm-ish)? Or maybe the fact that as a nation of Northerners we simply prefer cool/cold/overcast/windy conditions?
I read and write blogs about all things running and it never fails to intrigue me to read that people dislike running in warmer weather (I pay to travel and run in such conditions but, then again, there is no reason to model yourself after me ;).
Let me know why you can't/won't/dislike to run in the heat, I am genuinely keen to find out.
Written by
mrrun
Ultramarathon
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Running with Mr Squiggy the spaniel means an early start to avoid the heat (heat and humidity definitely not good for doggies!). I also do not like feeling too hot (never have) it makes me feel flustered, uncomfortable and lethargic. I find running in warm weather such hard work - breathing laboured, legs feel ‘heavy’ and I don’t like feeling sweaty. I love a cool breeze and even a nice drizzle, lovely 😊.
Humidity is higher in the early morning than in the afternoon when of course the temperature is higher, I have never run in a temperature of above 20C/68F, certainly a temperature of 32C/90 F or above would be for most runners out of the question to run in, however, some do run in such high temperatures for training purposes.
Of course, we need to be aware of those conditions and be sensible. If suffering from underlying conditions it would be foolish to join a 24 year old fitness freak and keep up the tempo in blistering heat. A few days ago I felt a sudden sensation of light-headeness when walking through the local town around lunch. The heat was oppressive, it felt close to 40C and the narrow street simply radiated heat. I don't attempt to run in such conditions, I choose when and where to run.
However, I did something stupid and I sat down to relax with a cold beer. That only made me more drowsy as alcohol increased my body temperature. The locals sipped their espressos with icy water on the side. Oh well....
Southern Europe is having a record breaking heatwave which they are calling Lucifer, temperatures have regularly topped +40C/, 104F, the highest temperatures in Europe ever was 48C/118F in Sicily, those are the kind of temperatures you could expect in Saudi Arabia, not Europe, Global Warming is definitely with us now.
That may be the case but the local folks that I met assured me that 'it has always been like that and it's not even as hot as it was back in (insert a few years). It's different for the people who live in such climates, as it is different for the guys who experience harsh winters. The body has time to adjust and you just get on with it. When I got off that plane I felt as if there was no air to breathe. Three days later I was running.
Some refer to running in the heat as 'poor man's altitude training' and that does make sense. Yes, it can be very uncomfortable but so can running in near freezing conditions. I simply see it as one of the factors associated with outdoor exercising where I don't question the conditions and where I just follow the structure of my exercise regime. Time of day, avoiding the sun, eating and hydrating properly are the factors that will make the distinction between fun and unbearable. Also, should you exercise in 'poor man's altitude zone', your running in cooler conditions will improve as your cardio will work better, amongst other factors. Sometimes the end target is what outweighs the journey. 😉
That's basically how a vast majority of us feel. If I ruled the world the runners would run in the eternal spring with ideal temperatures the whole year round. Ultra marathon training programs and the reality of life make the whole picture a bit different, hence we need to venture out in not so nice weather quite often. It's interesting that all the factors that you mentioned (laboured breathing, heavy legs and sweating) can improve during hot weather running. Your body is the most sophisticated 'machine' there is and if in full health it will adapt to nearly everything. That's why some train in adverse conditions - after that, running in cooler weather with a breeze will become just that, a breeze! 😀
A bit like hills - running hills makes the flat routes seem easy/easier! I agree, running in warm temperatures is good for training. I just need to get used to feeling uncomfortable and convince myself that it is doing me good! 😂
I'm not keen on the heat either! It's not just the humidity because I've ran elsewhere in dry heat too. It's partly all the sweating, partly how hot and swollen my feet feel, but mostly because I associate that feeling of heat with over exertion, tiredness and THE END I think!!! When I'm too hot I feel the pressure of the blood in my veins more and my perceived heart rate and effort are much higher. Add suncream and sweat in the eyes ... well why wouldn't I hate it?Flipping the question, why do you think you love it and how do you think the temp could the temp be contributing to a PB?
In terms of running faster in the heat, I've found some interesting articles online, easy to google/long to copy & paste here. They make sense, at least in my case.
Why do I enjoy it so much? I love running in any weather conditions apart from gale force winds and my favourite and guaranteed to lift my spirit is heavily overcast skies, with dark pre storm clouds. Running in the heat I love simply because I get so little of it. No tropical forests in south London, no deserts in Hyde Park. I associate it with childhood holidays and total freedom that it used to bring. There is an element of quick joy when I realise the mercury will rise and the fact that my lean slender body reacts well to the temperature change makes it much easier to cope with.
My wife and son are the same, as was my father, so it's the gene factor as well. But, in fairness, I could not run the way some of the guys I saw did. They ran hard, fast, topless and in midday conditions. I'd faint if I tried.
Now I'm off for a spin in my local area. Windy, cloudy, 20C. Usual services resumed.
My genes start screaming to run for shade once the mercury starts to rise. But then I'm ginger, pale skinned and heavily freckled so it's no great surprise! Running isn't the only thing I struggle with once the temps increase!!! Sunshine though? Light? That's what I crave 😊
Hehe... In terms of freckles, my shoulders come from a tortoise family and my skin is as pale white as yoghurt. I don't suntan, I sunburn to a crisp if not careful. My wife and son get that lovely suntan that's advertised by the sunscreen companies. And yet, I'm the one that goes into the furnace. But I won't run in direct sunlight when really hot, and even then I will apply the sunscreen.
The locals will probably compose folk songs about that funny mistah who runs even when the lizards shy away.
I’m the same Linda. On sunshine holidays with friends, I’m always the one sitting underneath a huge umbrella in the darkest shade while everyone else is spread out in the sun 😎
Spread out in the sun? They sound like tourists. I always sit under the richest pine tree around, often with a hat on. Local guys do NOT spread out in the sun and will avoid swimming when the sun is at its peak. Most sunburns are 'earned' when swimming, and most tourists have no idea about that. 'Always copy the locals' is the trick that I learned through some errors when I got such bad sunburns that I couldn't lay in bed (don't ask...)
I don’t like running on hot days because it triggers Mrs BC’s “ you are never going out running in this heat are you?”!!I try to pick the coolest part of the day, but we rarely reach really high temperatures here oop north. I make sure that my hydration is ok and take a drink with me if I am going further than 10k, but that’s about it. My runs finish about 10 minutes cool down walk from home, so I am soon in the shower if I get too uncomfortable… otherwise coffee and brownie first. Most of us run for enjoyment I guess, and if heat makes people feel uncomfortable it takes some the joy out of it. A subjective thing; each to their own.
That is so true. We will get similar posts in the winter when people will react badly to freezing cold and rain. Yes, enjoyment is the key and on our level it should remain so. I have always followed a program where the structure was imperative (marathon training, for example) so I had to go out, no matter what. As a result, I remember some remarkable runs when I got home on a high - but I also remember some wretched evenings when I'd get home with frozen fingers, bashed by the wind and being miserable to the point of anger. Indeed, it's the journey we choose hence we accept all that mother nature can throw at us. Or we can simply stay at home, pick the weather that suits us and work around that. Every option is the right option.
I am of “it’s run day so I am running “ brigade. Only the time of day is negotiable!! I feel that if I let the weather stop me it might be the beginning of a slippery slope which ends on the couch !!🙂
Hmm, I distinguish between not running because of temporary discomfort and not running because of genuine risk. 10km in the rain or temperatures into the mid-20s? Fine. 20 miles in a thunderstorm or temps in the mid-30s or more? No thanks.
Living in the chilly north east of England, I have never experienced those temperature extremes, ( who knows what the future holds) and yes I would definitely wait for a thunder storm to pass (I run through woodland). I have run in snow, wind and driving rain; once you are out there it doesn’t seem anywhere near as bad as it appears to be through the window. Modern weatherproof clothing helps of course.
Personally I find it claustrophobic and airless, especially when it’s humid too. I’ve become more accustomed to it though, and have now run two 10k races in 28 degree temperatures, both starting way later than I’d normally go out. They didn’t beat me, but both were way slower than my usual pace.
I simply try to avoid it, but if I can’t I’ll press on regardless. I much prefer 10-12 degrees, grey, drizzly with a cool (not too much) breeze. 😀
Yes, it can be a bit unpleasant but, credit to you, you've managed 28C runs and lived to tell the tale. The more the body gets accustomed to that novelty, the better you feel during the run and the shorter the recovery will be. Our bodies are there to surprise us!
For me, running in the heat means dealing with atopic eczema that's exacerbated by heat, sweat rash that's itchy to the point of scratching until it bleeds, assorted pollen and other allergies, and adverse reactions to insect bites and stings.
It hasn't actually stopped me yet. However, pushing myself in these conditions triggers every negative response I have to running, and makes me thoroughly miserable and bad-tempered.
Context: I live in mid-mountain France, and as I type this at 13.00hrs it's 30° in the shade, 36° in the sun, and rising.
Thanks Irishprincess . There was a thunderstorm this afternoon, thankfully minus the violent winds and hail other areas have experienced, so it's now around 22°. Forecast is for heatwave again over the weekend, then cooler early next week.
That must be very unpleasant. There are also other factors that can make a hot weather run a very hot bother and, I admit, it can only be good if you genuinely enjoy such weather and are in full health. Although at times we can push ourselves and the body will respond in kind, if there is no fun and if there are bad reactions then I'd say, better leave it. Likewise, if you try to convince me that skiing and ice are good things, you're wasting your time talking to the wrong guy. 😀
Thanks mrrun . I'm fortunate that my allergies etc aren't life-threatening, they just need to be managed, and pushing myself inappropriately is just not worth it.
If I was a flower I’d be a primrose. Looks delicate, wilts and sulks at the first sign of heat but will perk up instantly when the temperatures drop, is really as tough as old boots and will survive the harshest winters 😁
Seriously though, running in high temperatures puts extra pressure on the heart and cardiovascular system and there are health risks like heat stroke and heat exhaustion to consider.
Yes, we can get used to running in higher temperatures but for most people in the UK we don’t get a chance to do that, hence so many of us struggle in the heat.
Generally I don’t like the feeling of my heart going ten to the dozen before I even start to run but these are the other reasons. You did ask!!!
1. Sunscreen
2. Insect repellent
3. More chafing than colder runs
4. Runs are much harder work
5. More “faff” in preparation before every run - see above
6. Have to get up really early to miss the heat. I’m not a morning person 😡
7. Hate that “dragging” feeling my legs have
8. Like cheekychipmunks I find it quite claustrophobic and much prefer a cooler, crispier air to breathe 🙂
9. Late addition - Heat rash - Cmoi reminded me of this one 😫
Having said all of this I must admit that in the recent hot spell here I was sort of getting used to running in those temperatures. I’m on a HM plan and was determined not to miss out on my runs so I got up extra early and took the usual precautions. Towards the end of the hot spell I didn’t mind it so much.
But my preference will always be for crisp autumn or winter days ❄️ Bliss 😍
Ah-ha, the elaborate reply from IP and, in fairness, I wouldn't expect anything less. BUT, and you mention it, you didn't mind your warm weather training that much in the end. That's what's phenomenal about our bodies. The mind disagrees but the rest of the engine simply quietly gets on with it and helps us cross the line, whether we enjoy it or not. In the end you'll become a bona fide warm weather running aficionado, eh? 😉
I must say I'm kinda missing my very hot runs in France, this is the first summer I've run in England. Here I feel the need to take water, and protect my skin, there I never did either of those...there I found the sun to be at a different angle and nearly always in my eyes (My eyes are very sensitive to light)
It's not better here, or worse, just different...I'd love to know why...
I like to run with the warmth of the sun on my body. A gentle breeze would be gorgeous. I think my warmest run ever was in the evening at 29 degrees, here oop t’north. This summer - the other day in fact - I ran and dripped sweat all over my arms. I thought it was raining! ☺️
We British 😁 like to get our hot runs in while we can as we know it’s never going to last, and all too soon it will be all over and it’ll be back to business as usual ❄️💨🌊💦🌧⛄️☔️
Til then I’m running in the 🌞😎. I don’t think I could tolerate seriously hot weather though like you’ve had in Croatia, or running in the Sahara like some 😳
I made it to the Sahara once. Mixed results. Overcast and very cool weather for several days of my stay, even quite cold in the tent overnight. Then I realised I couldn't run across a single dune. Bumpy ride on a camel, nearly falling off. Otherwise, a very successful trip. 🤣
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