Running in Hot Weather Can be Extremely Difficult and Possibly Dangerous!

Running in hot weather is something that runners have to contend with from time to time. It can be a difficult experience and it can become dangerous if we don't prepare properly.

We have natural defense mechanisms to protect us from stressing our bodies too much in these conditions. This is why our bodies want to slow down when we get too hot. We can take action to help our bodies feel more comfortable running in the heat and prevent the onset of heat related illnesses!

When we run in hot weather conditions, our core body temperature increases and this triggers the body's natural defense mechanisms. The body begins to send more blood to circulate through the skin to help cool it down.

This means that our muscles receive less blood than normal resulting in an increased heart rate. Running begins to feel harder and there is more stress placed on the body. When humidity increases, sweat remains on the skin making it more difficult for the body to cool itself.

It is important that we adjust our speed when we run in temperatures that are hotter than our bodies are accustomed. If we push ourselves too hard, we may develop a heat related illness and some of these are dangerous. Please watch for signs that you might be overdoing it and use the tips below to help you properly prepare when running in hot weather.

Symptoms of Heat Related Illnesses

There are three heat illnesses that a runner may be subjected to while running in hot weather.

The long distance runner is most at risk as the length of time exposed to these conditions increases the possibility of becoming ill.

Three heat related illnesses and their symptoms are:

Heat Stress - While experiencing heat stress, you will need to run slower than normal. You are sweating profusely and you will probably experience cramps in the legs or in the diaphragm. Your body temperature will probably still remain normal.
Heat Exhaustion - This more severe level of heat illness is characterized by extreme fatigue, dizziness, loss of muscle control, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and an increase in body temperature. You may also experience chills and difficulty speaking. Your body is lacking in fluids and electrolytes which it needs to keep its cooling system working properly. If ignored or left untreated, this condition may lead to the most serious heat related illness.
Heat stroke - This is a life threatening condition. Your body has stopped sweating and your body temperature has risen to a dangerously high level. You can experience disorientation, extreme weakness, confusion and eventually unconsciousness. This condition is a medical emergency and medical assistance must be obtained immediately to bring down the body temperature as soon as possible. If this happens to you, you probably won't have any memory of what happened. It is a serious illness; and if not treated immediately, it can result in a coma, brain damage, or even death.

In extreme hot weather conditions, it may be wise to consider other options such as running on a treadmill, an indoor track or deep water running.

Tips on How to Prepare for Running in Hot Weather

Follow these tips to have a safe and successful hot weather run:

Increase your sodium intake. You will be sweating more than usual. The sodium will help you maintain a healthy fluid level.
Because we lose vitamin C, potassium and calcium when we sweat, ensure you have sufficient amounts of these nutrients in your diet.
Increase the amount of water you normally drink before, during and after you run. If you are in a climate hotter than you are used to, you will be sweating more than usual even when you are not running. These fluids must be replaced.
Drink an ice slushy or slurry before you run. A study conducted in 2010 shows that runners were able to run longer in a hot environment after drinking a slushie as opposed to drinking cold water. The effects won't last for the duration of a long run, but it will make the initial part of the run easier by keeping your body cooler for a longer period of time.
Another way to pre-cool your body before running is to wear an ice bandana or cooling vest and/or if possible, sit in an air-conditioned room before running as recommended in this study on Pre-cooling can boost endurance.
Use sport drinks or coconut water for hydration to help replace valuable electrolytes that are lost during long runs. If you will be running more than an hour, these drinks will help you feel less fatigued. They also aid in recovery after your hot weather run.
Adjust your pace to the temperature. Slowing your pace will reduce the risk of a heat related illness.
Run in the shade whenever possible to avoid direct heat from the sun. Early morning runs will provide a more comfortable temperature.
Walk breaks give your body a fighting chance against the heat. They will aid your body's cooling mechanism to bring down its temperature and provide you with a short recovery period. Plan to take regular and more frequent than normal walk breaks in hot weather.
Dress appropriately for the weather. Wear light-coloured materials that enhance evaporation - no cotton. Wear a hat to protect your head and carry a handkerchief to wipe away sweat. A sponge that you can soak with water regularly is quite refreshing and provides a great cooling aid.
When you are finished running in hot weather, try to cool down as quickly as possible. Rest in a shaded area or an air-conditioned room. A cold shower will help you cool down and bring your temperature back to normal. The sooner you cool down, the faster you will recover from your hot weather run.

My Experience of Running in Hot Weather

A number of years ago, I relocated from the cooler climate in Canada to the very hot country of Singapore. It is located very close to the equator. Its temperature is basically the same every day, all year. The daily temperature is usually about 33°C (91°F) and the humidity makes it feel more like 40°C (104°F).

I really struggled running in these temperatures during my first couple of weeks. It was very difficult to run in this heat and I wasn't enjoying it. I thought I was going to have to stop outdoor running completely. Some days I felt ill after running, and I began having leg cramps (charley horse) at night. I attributed these effects to dehydration, lack of sodium in my diet and possibly lack of calcium and potassium as well.

I changed my diet—particularly the sodium intake. I was determined to succeed (as everyone knows all runners are a little obsessed) and I continued to run regularly. My perseverance began to pay off as I started to enjoy running in my new "hot" location.

Running got easier, the leg cramps stopped, and I felt good after a run. I even managed to do some speed training from time to time. It is never going to be easy running in hot weather. I didn't run as fast as I normally did, but I was determined to maintain my running fitness and I did! Whenever I struggled with running in the heat, I concentrated on keeping my form strong, thinking positive, reinforcing thoughts and it worked for the many years that I lived there!

My experience in Singapore continues to help me whenever I am running in hot weather now.

NEW FEATURE - DISQUS COMMENTS!

Be the first to comment.
Login using Facebook, Twitter, Google or Disqus.

Loading Comments

#disqus_thread { min-height: 200px; }

Share this page:

Facebook X Pinterest Tumblr Reddit WhatsApp Messenger

Recent Articles

Do You or Someone you Know Suffer from Achilles Tendonitis?
Mar 28, 25 03:14 PM

Find out more about this frustrating condition, including why active recovery is essential and exercises to speed recovery.
Read More
Every runner needs to master this essential drill!
Mar 17, 25 01:55 PM

The 100-Up exercise is a highly effective drill that enhances both running technique and performance. It can be practiced indoors or outdoors, and it also serves as a valuable tool for injury recover…
Read More
Are you ready for waterproof running shoes?
Feb 26, 25 12:30 PM

Do you run in cold, wet and slippery conditions during the winter? Waterproof running shoes may be just what you have been looking for to keep you safe and your feet dry.
Read More
The Buteyko Breathing Method Can Improve Our Running Performance and Our Health!
Feb 14, 25 11:54 AM

The Buteyko Breathing Method is perfect for anyone wanting to improve their running performance, boost overall fitness, live a healthier lifestyle, reduce stress, achieve easier weight management, an…
Read More
Make 2025 the Year you Break Free from Injuries for Good!
Jan 07, 25 08:20 AM

Activate your natural ability to run injury-free with our "Exclusive Online Feldenkrais® Running Course"...
Read More
Even runners are not immune to the dangers of sitting too long during the day!
Jan 03, 25 11:46 AM

The start of a new year is the perfect time to formulate new habits and new ways to reduce physical inactivity. Prolonged sitting due to having a sedentary job and/or an ever-increasing digital lifes…
Read More
Everything You Need To Build An Online Business! - Solo Build It!
Dec 29, 24 12:40 PM
Read More
A Holistic View of Your Health and Fitness With Oura®!
Dec 16, 24 07:43 AM

This revolutionary Smart Ring uses the latest technology to discreetly track sleep patterns, fitness activities, stress, heart rate, women’s health and more... #ad #smartring
Read More
Happy to be Running on the Beach Again!
Dec 13, 24 10:37 AM

I am so happy to be running on the beach again! Click below to find out where...
Read More
Learn How to Run With the Whole Body in Just 30 Days!
Nov 13, 24 09:30 AM

This book has drastically changed how I run. It has shown me what it feels like to run using the whole body efficiently. My body no longer hurts after running.
Read More