Comments on: Running in the Heat? No, Thanks.

By: Travis H.

Travis H. — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:13:10 +0000

I have to agree that running in the cooler weather agrees with me more. The treadmill is the devil, and only good when the weather is so bad outside that cows are being tossed around. There are some advantages to running in the heat though. I’ve read that running in the heat for extended periods of time is almost like hill training. The same article stated that if you are training for a race (like the marathon I’m training for)that it is better to train hot/run cool, than the other way around. You can lose up to a full minute per mile in higher temps! I usually do two intermediate temp runs 2 nights a week, and get up super early on Saturday for a long run. By running the two afternoon runs, I take a beating in the heat, but getting up early and running on Saturday always feels a lot easier. That being said, I can’t wait for the 60 degree days in October!!! Good Luck and stay cool!!!

By: Daniel

Daniel — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:04:26 +0000

I HATE, HATE, HATE running in the heat (like you I am so in love with winter running). But I hate running on the treadmill even more, so I suffer through it. Hyper-loading on water before the run, running with what seems to a metric ton of water in my camelbak, pouring my clothes off of me as they seem so full of water. Sometimes you just need to suck it up and do it (pretty much describes most exercise).

By: Viviane

Viviane — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 02:18:48 +0000

I definitely prefer running in cold weather, though I think what I like best is moderate weather (spring temperatures 60s or 70s). I always go running at night but I am about to go on a vacation to Southern Spain which is a bit warmer than Northern Spain (temps no lower than 85 every single day of my vacation) so I may try getting up early to go running.

By: judi

judi — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:47:04 +0000

Did you read my blog this week? I did a rant on sun and heat training. I ran 10 miles on Monday in the middle of the day and almost died! I made it though with the use of some gels, G2, and lots of water. Cold water.

You need to HTFU and run in the early morning just a couple times a week. Not every day. Just a couple days. You’ll be happy you did too.

By: Arthur

Arthur — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:36:16 +0000

I split my time between Boston and New Hampshire so running in the cold is common. And I agree with you that it is way more preferable to running in the heat. Unfortunately snow and ice disrupt outdoor running every winter so I’m forced to use the treadmill for a few months each year. I don’t love it, but you can get used to it.

One thing I like about the treadmill is the feedback you get. Distance, speed, calories burned etc. To pass the time I set short goals i.e first mile by 9 minutes, 2.3 miles by 20 minutes, etc.

My running partner likes to watch the news while running and she often runs 8-10 miles on the treadmill. I can’t do that. I’m good for 3 and then I’m done.

I’ve always been a morning workout person so I avoid the heat in the summer by running between 5am and 6am.

By: tokaiangel

tokaiangel — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 07:43:19 +0000

I get sweaty really quickly and still find it embarassing and unpleasant even now.

When I was away in Tenerife (hot hot hot) during my recovery I used to run outside really early in the morning by the beach. It was really peaceful and watching the sun come up was so aesthetically calming and distracting that it was infinitely more pleasant than doing ANYTHING in the gym at the same time back at home! So I reckon you should pick somewhere scenic and run early – it’s an amazing time of day to be up and about (if you’re outside and not on an elliptical machine anyway!)

TAx

By: Tiptoe

Tiptoe — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 03:58:24 +0000

I hear you about the heat and running. I keep trying to remind myself that the temperatures will go down soon enough. I think next week here, it’s supposed to be in the 70s.

Anyway, answer to your question: I’m definitely a fan of running in cool weather–50/60 to me is the optimal temperature. I can withstand the heat once my body is acclimated to it, but my pace and time suffer. I also prefer running outside to inside. Treadmills are like torture for me. The time is just so slow.

Right now, I’ve been trying to either do runs in the evening or early mornings. The early morning ones are really tough on me, and I pretty much have to just get up and go.

Hope you find something that works.

By: Leah

Leah — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:05:56 +0000

I definitely don’t run outside in the winter; I agree with Jen in that my face would be running with snot by the end of the block. Plus, it gets really icy here, and that freaks me out.

I’m happy to run outdoors in the summer, but I try to run at cooler times of the day. For me, that is typically in the evening (8 or 9ish). I do play ultimate frisbee from 6 to 9 twice a week, and it’s not so bad. I mean, I get sweaty running anyway, so why worry about a little extra sweat from the heat? I just make sure that I have plenty of water available.

By: Eileen

Eileen — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 21:42:01 +0000

I don’t like running in the heat either, but since I’m in AZ, I have no choice. :) How about running in the early morning? I like to be out there running by 5 AM before the heat sets in. I just can’t stand the treadmill.

By: k

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:29:24 +0000

i’d much more prefer the cold – although like you, i don’t live somewhere all that cold in the winter. it doesn’t get all that hot here either in the summer though so i guess i’m lucky.

but i do hate the treadmill, i’ll get on, get bored, and get off in a matter of 5 minutes!