A little talked about running and outdoor activity concern - Heat Dissipation.

Not long ago I got into distance running. I've been progressing nicely for about a quarter of a year and have got to the point where I'm running 36k a week in 3 12k runs. So while not a veteran runner by any stretch I have managed to make some progress

Today I discovered a problem that may be affecting other newbie runners just starting out especially in the winter months. Basically it's heat dissipation as stated in the title. Today on my run I was struggling and badly. Halfway through the run I already felt like quitting but i slogged through regardless. I just couldn't summon up my usual energy. Then traffic at a roundabout forced me to stop for a second. The heat hit me like an anvil. And I finally remembered what was different. I usually run in jogging bottoms and a t-shirt. But today I had on a warm winter sports coat. Which while nice and snug did not breathe really well at all. Well I took off the jacket and tied it round my waist. It actually felt heavier that way. But wow the transformation was insane. I could almost feel the heat leaving my body in pulses and my usual energy soared to the surface.

I thought about it on the way back and it made a lot of sense to me with my understanding of chemistry (A-level and a degree in Biological Sciences) Any chemical reaction that produces heat is going to be affected by heat dissipation and you're energy metabolism is no exception. When the core of your body gets hot your ability to free up energy is inhibited. And conversely when the heat escapes from you easily your energy processes can proceed unhindered. It's something I always assumed would be a factor but until today I didn't realize just how much difference it could make.

So in short of the cold weather is prompting you to wrap up warm for your outdoor activity think again if you can. Because chances are the activity will keep you warm anyway. And the combination of cold weather and an active body is actually the most efficient way to burn calories. Isn't it why we get hungrier when its cold? Our body has to burn more calories to keep us warm. If you must insulate a bit try and allow your head shoulders and neck at least to breathe.

I hope this proves useful to someone.