To Run Faster, Learn to Love the Heat
I’ve always hated running in hot weather. I sweat a lot and running in the heat forces me to slow down. Recently, I’ve been purposely trying to run during the hottest parts of the day. I’m trying to become acclimated to the heat, rather than avoid it.
Recent research has shown that not only does training in the heat help you run faster races in hot weather, it also can also help you run faster in cold weather.
Researchers at the University of Oregon conducted exercise tests on 12 highly trained cyclists — 10 males and two females — before and after a 10-day heat acclimation program in a 100 F (38 C) chamber. A control group of eight highly trained cyclists followed the same exercise regime in a cool (55 F or 13 C) environment.
The study found performance increases of approximately 7% after 10 heat acclimation workouts of 90 minutes at 50% of VO2max, a huge improvement. Heat acclimation improves the body’s ability to control body temperature, improves sweating, increases blood flow to the skin, and expands blood volume.
Do you exercise in hot weather, or do you seek out the coolest part of the day? What effect does it have on your racing? Tell me in the comments.
Related Posts:
Sweat a Lot? You May Need Electrolytes!
Sweat Getting in Your Eyes? There May Be a Solution!
Running a Spring Marathon? Keep Your Sweats On!
Chill Out to Run Farther, Faster
The Performance Secret That Nobody Talks About
Train Right and Hydrate to Minimize Heart Damage from Marathons
What’s The Most Important Water Stop In A Marathon?
A Trick to Drinking More Water
