Heat/Humidity and Running
BeingKevin
Posts: 109 Member
I like warm weather personally, and have complained about the lack of it we have had in my area this summer thus far. I just realized that it may have actually benefited me when it comes to learning to run.
The Mother Nature issues I have dealt with so far has been storms and/or rain but after reading a few posts about running in the heat and humidity I am slightly concerned about my run tonight. It is both hot and very humid here today, basically it is a normal summer day. Unless a storm pops up (which is possible) I need to run W7D2 tonight, because I can’t run the next two and maybe three nights due to other activities.
So, how does the heat and humidity affect a runner? What should I expect during my run tonight?
The Mother Nature issues I have dealt with so far has been storms and/or rain but after reading a few posts about running in the heat and humidity I am slightly concerned about my run tonight. It is both hot and very humid here today, basically it is a normal summer day. Unless a storm pops up (which is possible) I need to run W7D2 tonight, because I can’t run the next two and maybe three nights due to other activities.
So, how does the heat and humidity affect a runner? What should I expect during my run tonight?
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I have a friend in the Chicago area who has complained about the wet, mild summer ruining his normal summer gardening. Would you happen to live in the same area?
Living on the Texas Gulf Coast, I would say that I qualify as an expert on both heat and humidity. I try to time my runs around 7 or 7:30pm so that I don't have the sun beating down on me, but I still enjoy the winds that whip up due to the day's heat. What will bog me down, though, is when the humidity climbs, like it did a couple weeks ago. Then it can be brutal. My recommendation would be to hydrate well before you go, to take it a bit slower than usual, and to not count on setting any personal bests. Just do the run slow and steady, and listen to your body. You should be fine.0 -
We go early in the morning - like 6AM.
If I had to go in the evening, I would go as late as possible.
Bring water and try to run in the shade? I run alongside a river near my home and that area seems to be a little cooler than the rest of the neighborhood.
Also, an article I read recently said just stay indoors if it's above 90.
You could always compromise by walking if it's unbearable.0 -
Make sure you hydrate - consider using a sports drink.
You'll probably go slower.
If you have to walk for a minute, every half a mile, that's pretty typical.
Here's the best article I've read -> http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1039144-running-in-the-heat0 -
Thank you all for the advice. I hope to find out for myself tonight how this will go, hoping for the best!0
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I prefer to go in the morning at no later than 7:30 am out the door, I really like to get there just at the break of dawn! This mornings walk (4.3 mile), it wasn't a run day, I got out the door late and the sun was a beast, high in the sky and the temps were rising by the moment.
I live in very hot, very humid Florida. I find that early morning runs are better for me. If we get the afternoon rains the humidity is INSANE, I can't run/breathe in it.
If it hasn't rained, I pick right before sunset for my alternative running time (like if I want to run for 30 minutes I leave myself, 35 minutes!!) The temperatures are usually lower and a little less humid then. Of course you're racing the clock before the sun goes down.
Good luck! It is really tough to deal with the summer time temps and humidity. I totally understand.0 -
Make sure you hydrate - consider using a sports drink.
You'll probably go slower.
If you have to walk for a minute, every half a mile, that's pretty typical.
Here's the best article I've read -> http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1039144-running-in-the-heat
Great article! Given that I first started running in the Texas heat, I'm hoping I will find myself in a much better situation when the heat and humidty break.0 -
Wow, that's an excellent article, vardaeml. I'm posting it to my wall so it'll cross-post to my FB wall. Thanks!0
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I have been heading out at 4am, people think I am nuts, but I feel great after!0
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Thanks! My first run in the ATL heat BROKE me and I've been struggling (I also changed shoes, have been working on my form and got sick). So, I completely feel your challenges.0
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I've put my running on hold until the humidity gets down to a somewhat manageable level. I'm in Ottawa and we've had temps of 90+ with humidity level of 85% + for over 2 weeks now. I see some folks still running around town but I think I would die if I tried.0
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I live in Charleston, SC - land of heat and humidity. I recommend running early after everything has cooled down (as much as it can) overnight. Otherwise I feel like I'm running through thick air - you just have to push through and hydrate! If your route is an out-and-back, you can leave a bottle of water somewhere and pick it up on your way back. Good luck!0
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Just like any other time running you need to acclimate, and that takes time. Believe it or not, come winter you will need to acclimate back into cold weather running. Of course this is mainly for people who shift from treadmills to outside and then back. Most outside runners can use spring and fall for their acclimations.0
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I did run last night. I think running in the heat and humidity will take a while to get the hang of.
Here are my thoughts:
I found that the humidity made it uncomfortable (harder) to breath at times. I am not really sure how to explain it.
I did slow down - on W7D1 I ran 2.07 miles and on W7D2 (last night) I ran 2.00 miles. I didn't really try to slow down, just ran what I felt I could run.
I also know I need to get a running shirt that doesn't hold the sweat like my old tee shirt that I have been wearing. It was completely soaked and sticking to me, making the run even more uncomfortable.
I also felt that I was much more tired after the run than normal. Recently, I felt like I was recovered after walking a couple minutes and that I could even run some more. Last night it took me the whole 5 minute cool down to semi-recover and I never felt like I could run more. I was done.
Anyway, this was my experience running in the heat and humidity for the first time - I am sure it won't be my last.0 -
I'm with you, Kevin. While my average pace last night was slightly faster (and I wasn't trying to be), I was DONE once I stopped. I think I actually had the beginnings of heat exhaustion, and I've been running in this soup since Memorial Day.
Your comment about your shirt set off a light bulb in my head. I've been wearing cotton t-shirts, too, and they are soaked after my workouts. I have running clothes that I wore in winter, many moons ago, but nothing special for summer. Note to self: think about that.
I've had good luck finding decently priced workout clothing at Target, btw. C9 by Champion.
Good job, btw.0 -
I'm with you, Kevin. While my average pace last night was slightly faster (and I wasn't trying to be), I was DONE once I stopped. I think I actually had the beginnings of heat exhaustion, and I've been running in this soup since Memorial Day.
Your comment about your shirt set off a light bulb in my head. I've been wearing cotton t-shirts, too, and they are soaked after my workouts. I have running clothes that I wore in winter, many moons ago, but nothing special for summer. Note to self: think about that.
I've had good luck finding decently priced workout clothing at Target, btw. C9 by Champion.
Good job, btw.
I was wondering about heat exhaustion - I don't know much about it. I was really careful to pay attention and was prepared to stop if I ever felt dizzy or lightheaded, but never did. While it is important to me to finish, I certainly don't want to risk anything serious.
Thank you and thanks for the tip about Target, I will check that out!0 -
It sounds like you made great time, even in the heat.
I usually buy Champion or Danskin stuff at Walmart and Target, but my Family Dollar store even has moisture wicking T shirts for men. What you wear can definitely make a difference
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I almost passed out last Saturday because I ran later in the day than usual. I made it through the run just fine but afterwards totally crashed and almost passed out.
Hydration is very important when it's so hot out. Definitely take water with you or have it available.0 -
I generally run on my lunch break. (I know, weird, huh?) It breaks the stress of my work day. It has been unbearably muggy here as well. If you made it thought he whole run, KUDOS to you. There have been a couple of days that I just stopped and walked because it was too much for me. I have completed the program but continue using my week 9 podcasts for my lunchtime runs. I stick to the shade whenever I can, slow my pace as needed and have been able to push through. I don't use times so I have no idea of my pace but I know I am getting stronger because I am making it a little further with each run.
Keep up the good work! Fall is coming and then we will all be able to run cooler, faster and longer!0 -
I never felt dizzy or lightheaded -- those would be *sure* signs of something wrong. I had profuse sweating and breathlessness. I didn't think anything about it at the time because I've always been one to sweat like a pig, and breathing's always been an issue because of lack of fitness. I mean, I'm running...of course I'm out of breath. It's controlled, though, and not like I'm gasping or anything. But the sweating continued even after I got home and showered, and I found myself kind of panting every now and then, even though there was no good reason for it.
Definitely a warning to stay hydrated and to pay close attention in this weather. And to be willing to stop if it's too much. Tomorrow's another day.0
