Cavedog Running

As you go out for your hot summer run, life quickly turns for the worse as your body starts to bake and sweat.

So what is happening to our bodies that brings on fatigue, utter miserableness and is there anything we can do?

Even though I have lived in Florida my whole life, I don't operate real well in the heat. My training and racing times go up and down with the temperature. As I was talking to a guy from Michigan as I running towards the end of the Kentucky Marathon, I got the usual "Well, you're from Florida, you must be used to this weather". I wish, think I was made for a nice cool climate. I love running in 45-55 degree weather and don't have a major problem when it dips into the 30's. I went out about 2PM to run a couple miles at 88 degrees. Hopefully, I can get a little used to the heat this month before going into my next six month training cycle in June.

Let's talk about what happens to the body. If you want some in depth reading, go to www.sportsscientists.com and read their articles on fatigue. In a nut-shell, here is what happens.

As you run, your body temperature rises. To combat this, the body shunts blood from the muscles and moves the blood to the skin to cool off. So, your muscles tire quicker and you aren't able to go as fast as you would like. As you begin to sweat heavier and heavier, the heart pumps harder and harder to get the muscles the blood they need. Plus, if it is really humid, moisture pools on your skin and doesn't allow the bodies natural cooling mechanism operate properly because the sweat does not evaporate trapping heat. Pretty soon, you are ready to pack it in as your breathing skyrockets and you're legs feel dead.

What can we do to combat all this?

Run at cooler times of the day. Slow your pace. Wear moisture wicking clothing. Carry water to drink as you get thirsty. Try putting ice cubes in a bandanna and wrap around your neck. Research has shown that drinking a slushy before running can delay heat exhaustion. Other than that, suck it up and get used to it.