Help! Running in the heat!

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Member_of_the_Club
Member_of_the_Club Member Posts: 3,646
edited June 2014 in Working on Your Fitness

I have always had trouble with long runs in the swamp-heat of DC summer.  Even if I get up early, am conscious of hydrating, wear a fuel belt, I hit this wall where i can't breath and have to stop.  A few weeks ago my husband and son both said I looked blue when I came home, so I am trying not to push myself that hard.

I think it is even more difficult this summer because I am now on zoladex and arimidex and I have hot flashes and night sweats.  Its just very difficult to keep ahead of dehydration for those long runs.

 My usual weekly long run is 10 to 12 miles.  For the last few weeks I haven't been able to do more than 8.  Any tips for dealing with this?  Any reassurance that I won't lose too much conditioning over the summer?  I am running a ten miler in mid-October and I want to be ready. 

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  • c2will
    c2will Member Posts: 91
    edited July 2010

    The heat in your area is pretty oppressive right now, even without the added 'benefits' of your medication.  Go easy on yourself, at least until it's a little cooler, and you're getting better rest.  Do you cross-train with another form of exercise ?

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  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited July 2010

    I change sports when it gets that hot and go swimming.  But seriously, cycling is much better when it is really hot as you get the cooling from the air flow.  Having said this, I have been known to hose myself down on a really hot day.

    I am primarily a cyclist, but change over to x-country skiing in the winter.  If it hits 90 this week in Seattle, I will head for Lake Washington.  Wait....have a picnic with a cycling club for Thursday evening so can hit the swimming beach at Green Lake.

    One more issue with heat is ozone which makes breathing difficult.  As I said, you have to do what makes sense.  So don't have any tips other than hydration and the hosing down to cool off.  Also, make sure you replace electrolytes if doing a major run.

    Or you won't be able to walk from leg cramps.  Good luck and hope it cools off soon.

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  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited July 2010

    Dear Member,

    Realized I didn't answer your question.  You will be fine with shorter runs until the heat breaks.

    Also, I thought some more and think that hydration is key here.  Two things I would do here:

    1. Visit your local running/bike shop.  You want the skinny on what works in this weather as there are new electrolyte replacement products on the market all the time.  Everyone else has the same problems you are experiencing.  So invest in the stuff that works in this weather.  BTW - I think you might want a new running top that wicks away moisture and keeps you cooler.  They will know.
    2. I found that Active.com is the best source of hydration and nutrition information for cycling, and I assume also for running.  A whole different set of problems not covered on general health websites.  So pay them a visit.

    I don't think your issues are treatment related as much as weather related.  That is why I am sending you to sources for others taxing their bodies similarly.

    Good luck. 

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  • Charley
    Charley Member Posts: 255
    edited July 2010

    I live in Okla and have problems with the heat too. I don't know what effects your meds might have but here are my tips for dealing with heat back when I used to run ten mile long runs in the summer. (Not quite there yet this summer!) I would run with ice cubes in my hat and sports bra (my hubby always laughed at that one) take frequent water breaks and sometimes took a quick break by cooling off with an icy towel. Of course that takes pre-planning. One of the places I run is a 3 mile loop so easy to leave an ice chest and water in the car.  Even if you can't keep up the mileage, I am confident that when the weather cools you will be back running longer and faster in time for your 10 mile run in October...

    Hugs, Charley

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  • Member_of_the_Club
    Member_of_the_Club Member Posts: 3,646
    edited July 2010

    Thanks everyone.  I do wear wicking shirts and I drink gatorade while I run but maybe I should look into something else.  One tip I've been trying is to fill half the bottles for my fuel belt with Gatorade the night before, and freeze it, and fill them the rest of the way before I run.  The fluid melts early in the run but keeps the drinks relatively cold.  

    Helps, but not on a day like today.  The heat advisory didn't kick in until noon today, so I thought I was OK running earlier, but I guess I have my own heat advisory. 

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