General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Trouble in the heat. Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2009-07-17 6:06 PM

Regular
61
2525
Subject: Trouble in the heat.
I am currently in Texarkana, TX where the heat index has been over 100 degrees for the last week.  I work nights and get off at 730 am and have to be back at work at 7pm.  The temp is already very warm/humid in the am and hasn't had a chance to cool off before work.  Any tips, I have my first sprint in less than a month and it is in AL where the temps aren't nearly as bad.  My goal is to finish my first sprint, not to place, but I would like to be somewhat prepared...lol.  My apt has a treadmill and recumbent bike to use.  The treadmill is an option, obviously, but the recumbent bike is nothing like my bike.  All suggestions are appreciated.


2009-07-17 6:22 PM
in reply to: #2292669

Member
115
100
Petaluma, CA
Subject: RE: Trouble in the heat.
You'll have to acclimate.  I thought I was in great running shape last year when a 10K I ran during a clinic humbled me.  It was only 80 degrees!  It has been very hot in California this week and I haven't had the opportunity to acclimate.  I started last Sunday with a 9 mile run @ 82 degrees, then did several 10Ks in temps around 106.

It takes 2-3 weeks to acclimate, but it's never going to be as easy as running when it's cool.  Make sure you have access to water, stay hydrated and adjust your pace.  Listen to your body and don't overheat and, before long you'll be "used to it".

You'll also want to make sure you manage your hydration and electrolytes carefully to avoid problems.

Good luck to you.
2009-07-17 6:28 PM
in reply to: #2292669


1072
10002525
Subject: RE: Trouble in the heat.
I just went through a week here in western Kentucky where the heat index was between 105 -108 by the afternoon when I ride my bike. I road 5 days that week without a problem. I just drank a lot of liquids before during and after each ride. Four of the rides were around 1:20 minutes each and my long ride was 3 hours on Saturday. I did ease up on the pace a little especially on the long ride.

In addition to extra fluids I did take a cold shower and stayed in side in air conditioned comfort to help get my core temp back to normal after the ride.

2009-07-17 6:50 PM
in reply to: #2292669

User image

Pro
5169
50001002525
Burbs
Subject: RE: Trouble in the heat.
two words: bike. trainer.
2009-07-17 7:42 PM
in reply to: #2292669

User image

Member
103
100
Subject: RE: Trouble in the heat.
I have trouble with the heat too and work 12hr nights...do you do 3 nights  a week?  if so you should have some mornings where you are off work and can get up early and beat the heat.  That being said the only way to get better at running (or biking) in heat is to run in the heat more. Just think how fast you will be when fall rolls around
2009-07-17 8:31 PM
in reply to: #2292669

User image

Veteran
207
100100
Sun Prairie, WI
Subject: RE: Trouble in the heat.
I'm in a similar place as you, except I work 7p - 3a and am normally way too tired to train right after work.  While I am in WI where it isn't nearly as warm as it is where you are, we have had some 80-90 degree spells with high humidity where I pretty much had to run in the heat.  The only way to get better at it is to do it, just take it easy at first and eventually you will find that it effects you less and less. As already stated above, I doubt you will ever run as well as you do when its cool out, you can get close.


2009-07-17 10:20 PM
in reply to: #2292669

Regular
61
2525
Subject: RE: Trouble in the heat.
OK, well I guess I'm just going to have to suck it up.  Hopefully the AM storms will finish soon and I can go in the mornings, that's when I usually try to do my workouts.  Rain doesn't scare me, it's the lightning..lol.  Thanks for the comments.
2009-07-18 12:23 AM
in reply to: #2292669

Veteran
294
100100252525
Boston
Subject: RE: Trouble in the heat.
I'd say train in the heat, not on the trainer. On race day, you will probably feel great comparably. However, BE CAREFUL of the UV index. I was a victim of its wrath in April and spent 2 weeks going to the doctor every day for burn treatment. If you can, try to get a long sleeved jersey that is cool and maybe has UV protection built in. It might be uncomfortable at first if you don't get a heat-regulated one (they have them but they are more expensive), but trust me it is much more safe and might in fact make you less exhausted after the workout since you won't be getting as much direct sun.

Also if you wear long sleeves you can dump water over yourself and it doesn't dry as quickly, creating a decent cooling effect
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Trouble in the heat. Rss Feed