Hot Summer!
The weatherman said this morning that we've had 17 days of 90+ degree weather so far this season versus only two all of last year. My last few races hadn't gone very well, and I think the reason is two-fold: the hot weather has caused me to reduce intensity of my training; and I lack the guts/drive to race really hard in the heat. I think there's also a third factor, but it's unrelated to heat and I'll discuss it separately.
To be able to race hard, you must train hard, but if heat causes you to take it easier, especially on a regular basis, you don't gain fitness. It matters little if you're a fitness exerciser, but it makes a big difference when your desire is to race. For those of you who are out there for fitness, it's probably actually better to take it easy. Your risk of heat related issues, like heat stroke, dehydration, etc. are much less when you go even just a little easier.
When you are out in the heat, be sure you can sweat by drinking lots of fluids, wearing lightweight, loose fitting clothing, when possible, keeping out of the sun. (Simply dodging the sun's rays can have a big effect on how comfortable you are - move to the shady side of the path or street when you can do it safely.) Also, protect yourself from sunlight by wearing a hat, especially near midday and covering up your body with light colored, and light weight clothing. Note that many technical fabrics are porous enough that you can get a sunburn through them, so be cautious with them, also white fabic, especially when wet with sweat does a bad job of blocking the sun, so colors, but light ones are better choices. It may look goofy, but if your activity doesn't make it impossible, carrying an umbrella is also helpful.
Keep cool!
To be able to race hard, you must train hard, but if heat causes you to take it easier, especially on a regular basis, you don't gain fitness. It matters little if you're a fitness exerciser, but it makes a big difference when your desire is to race. For those of you who are out there for fitness, it's probably actually better to take it easy. Your risk of heat related issues, like heat stroke, dehydration, etc. are much less when you go even just a little easier.
When you are out in the heat, be sure you can sweat by drinking lots of fluids, wearing lightweight, loose fitting clothing, when possible, keeping out of the sun. (Simply dodging the sun's rays can have a big effect on how comfortable you are - move to the shady side of the path or street when you can do it safely.) Also, protect yourself from sunlight by wearing a hat, especially near midday and covering up your body with light colored, and light weight clothing. Note that many technical fabrics are porous enough that you can get a sunburn through them, so be cautious with them, also white fabic, especially when wet with sweat does a bad job of blocking the sun, so colors, but light ones are better choices. It may look goofy, but if your activity doesn't make it impossible, carrying an umbrella is also helpful.
Keep cool!
posted by Scooter at 8:29 AM
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