summer/heat question

affacat

So I've been running 6 miles a day (at 6mph) monday through friday for awhile w/o issue. I also do some sprints right before I start just to get the blood pumping. I recently traveled, so lost a week, but got right back into it.

And now... after about 3 miles I just feel absolutely done. Like, done. In the week I was away, summer kicked in, so it's definitely hotter out, but it's not oppressively hot here.

Is this normal? Should I cut back my running to 3 miles? Should I just fight through it and make sure to drink more water, even if my body isn't feeling it (no serious pain or anything, just done). Just wondering what other people do.

Curious how others would proceed.

Hm... I suppose I should add that I've been doing a lot of heavy yard work lately (lots of digging, gravel shoveling, etc) so that is likely also directly responsible for body fatigue. but even so, I really dislike the idea of reducing my normal exercise routine because I know once you break routine it can be hard to get back into it.

BrianSharpe

It may just be fatigue, it may be the heat.

If you look at any training plan you'll notice that distances & paces will vary through out the week and you'll have lower volume weeks every now and again to give you a bit of break - if you're running 6 days a week at pretty much the same distance & pace you're probably not allowing yourself enough recovery.

You didn't mention what time of day you're running.......where I live we go from -40C in winter to 35C in summer (and humid). I tend to run early in the morning (5AM is ideal) as a way of avoiding the heat - it sucks the energy right out of me.

MinnieInMaine

Here's a good article from runner's world about running in the heat.

http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/beat-heat

As long as I've been running (a few years) I noticed that temps above 70 F just about kill me. Thought it was just because I tend to overheat easy but it is actual fact that as the heat rises your speed decreases. I notice that I burn a lot more calories (per Polar HRM) when I run in the heat so you may want to keep that in mind when eating back your exercise calories (to make sure you fuel your workouts well). Also, a friend of my husband's is in the National Guard and he told me about making sure to STAY hydrated. Don't just drink a little water before and sip during but drink water all the time to prepare you for running in the heat. You'll be much less likely to be affected by the mild dehydration symptoms like fatigue and headache.

Best of luck!

JusticeGirl25

Consider running early in the morning when it's not so hot.

Lochlyn_D

I bring a bottle of ice water with me when it gets too hot and drink that, as well as using the ice to cool my shoulders/neck down. Sometimes I end up pouring the water right over my head.

tcraw15

Consider running early in the morning when it's not so hot.

This. Or you could run in the evenings when the sun starts to set. Though its probably cooler in the mornings. I live in Houston so the heat is pretty extreme here. I tend to run in the evenings cause there's no way in hell I'm running in the middle of the day. Lol.

amberlykay1014

What are you wearing to run? This may sound like an odd question, but I work in the outdoor industry and know that lightweight, mosture-wicking tanks/tees/shorts do make a big difference in keeping you cool. Maybe also look for clothes with an SPF sun protection. Also, get a hat to shield the sun from your face and wick the sweat from your brow before it runs into your face. Look for brims that are black on the bottom (cuts the glare). All these things will make you more comfortable in the heat.

Cheers!

Timshel_

So I've been running 6 miles a day (at 6mph) monday through friday for awhile w/o issue. I also do some sprints right before I start just to get the blood pumping. I recently traveled, so lost a week, but got right back into it.

And now... after about 3 miles I just feel absolutely done. Like, done.

I have really noticed it this year. I was on the track for my interval work for 35 minutes and average about 2.5 to 3 miles logged. Since it hit over 100 I am down to 2-2.5 miles. The heat just sucks the energy from me. I just do the best I can and deal with it. I know it does help me condition to exercise in the heat so when I do play day time tennis matches during the summer I don't feel run down as quickly.

jadisfeigns

although I'm not a runner, I have this issue when I rollerblade-I'm in Arizona; it's ridiculously hot out here. I prefer going at night, between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm, because I can't see myself getting up early and the daylight fatigues me. I bring a camelback or a bottle of water, if you can bear the weight. I also try to reduce the amount of clothes i'm wearing; a sports bra and running shorts helps a breeze pass through vs. a tank top and board shorts. Make things applicable for being a male. Rest days are important also, I'm noticing. Good luck!

affacat

i think it was the recent addition of sprint intervals pre-run. i removed that for the last couple days and was able to do six miles no problem.

(i was basically doing 5 or so 45 second on/off sprints... for a week or two i had no problem doing these before and after the run, but the last few days, given the heat/yardwork, i think it was just too much)

JusticeGirl25

What are you wearing to run? This may sound like an odd question, but I work in the outdoor industry and know that lightweight, mosture-wicking tanks/tees/shorts do make a big difference in keeping you cool. Maybe also look for clothes with an SPF sun protection. Also, get a hat to shield the sun from your face and wick the sweat from your brow before it runs into your face. Look for brims that are black on the bottom (cuts the glare). All these things will make you more comfortable in the heat.

Cheers!

During the summer, sports bra and compression shorts.

scookiemonster

I first started running at the end of July a few years ago, in the middle of a ridiculous heat wave. I did all my running before 10am and ran straight into my mom's pool (she lives nearby) at the end, and it was hard but I was fine. I took a little break from running for a month or so in the fall (not intentionally), and when I tried running again in November in the cooler, crisper weather, I was shocked at how much easier it was on my lungs.

You'll adjust to it a bit, but it's definitely harder. Run early in the morning or late in the evening when it's cooler, avoid routes that are completely in direct sun, wear moisture wicking clothes, and carry lots of water, and you'll be okay, but do expect that it will be a bit harder than you're used to.