Heat acclimation vs. maximize training

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2009-08-11 10:46 AM

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Champion
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Columbia, South Carolina
Subject: Heat acclimation vs. maximize training
Preparing for an upcoming race that is likely to be hot and humid (IMKY), I've been training in the heat and humidity (no shortage of either here) as much as possible.  I've got little doubt that my ability to perform in the heat has improved.

BUT, I wonder...  I know that people say that you should do your hard workouts (like intervals) on relatively fresher legs, in order to get the most out of those workouts.  Does the same apply to heat?  Or can one pound out the intervals in the heat of the day and get the same benefit as one would on an indoor track?  (Let's assume same RPE, HR, pace, or whatever your favorite measure of effort is -- or maybe which one you use matters?)

(FWIW, I train by HR, and if I feel that the heat is boosting my HR, I do allow my zones to drift upwards a bit.)

2009-08-11 10:57 AM
in reply to: #2341280

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Not a Coach
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Subject: RE: Heat acclimation vs. maximize training
I believe it is better to do most of your work in conditions that let you put out the most effort.  If the heat and humidity will restrict that effort, then most work should (if possible) be shifted to times/places where you don't have to deal with those conditions.  Some acclimatizion work, of course, is helpful if you expect to face those conditions on race day.
2009-08-11 11:08 AM
in reply to: #2341280

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Subject: RE: Heat acclimation vs. maximize training
I can't confirm any of what I am about to say but I heard a local fitness/strength coach who has a weekend radio show in Houston say that "You can't replace what you lose." Meaning when you work out in the hot/humid you can hydrate all you want but you can never replenish what you have lost during that work out.

This guys is a a specialists when it comes consulting to pro football athletes.  His reccomendation was to not get so hung up in training in the hot conditions to be better prepared for hot, he firmly believes that the teams who spend more time training harder in the "bubble" air conditioned facilities will come out better at the beginning of the season 1) becasue they are not as broken down 2) because there work outs were more "effecient" (however that can be judged)
2009-08-11 11:10 AM
in reply to: #2341328

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Heat acclimation vs. maximize training
JohnnyKay - 2009-08-11 10:57 AM

I believe it is better to do most of your work in conditions that let you put out the most effort.  If the heat and humidity will restrict that effort, then most work should (if possible) be shifted to times/places where you don't have to deal with those conditions.  Some acclimatizion work, of course, is helpful if you expect to face those conditions on race day.


100% agree.
2009-08-11 11:18 AM
in reply to: #2341280

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Champion
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Columbia, South Carolina
Subject: RE: Heat acclimation vs. maximize training
Thanks everyone.  So I'm off to do my intervals...indoors.
2009-08-11 11:27 AM
in reply to: #2341280

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Heat acclimation vs. maximize training

Well crap, I wish I had read this thread 2 hours ago.  Would have been a little less self torture



2009-08-11 11:29 AM
in reply to: #2341280

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Subject: RE: Heat acclimation vs. maximize training
I anticipated doing an my first IM in 97 F temps.  So I trained in 95-100 F temps.  My body acclimated to the temps and I personally feel that when the temp only got to 89 F that I was better off having done the acclimation.  I can't speak to upper end training, but for me I had a level of confidence that I could handle whatever temp the day was likely to throw at me.  The main thing about intervals is that they are "more fun" when you don't have to cary water while you are doing them, so cooler is probably easier.  I still lean towards train in what you are going to race in.  But ya not a coach, not a podium finisher...  
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