Running in Heat and Humidity

[Mr. Baloo]

Hey everyone, old time poster / lurker on the regular boards, but new here, so HI!!!

I have a question about running in the heat and humidity here in New Orleans, Louisiana. Our weather is very similar to Central Florida as we have really bad July's and August's. Before our recent vacation, my running seemed 100% easier, but with only 2 weeks off, during that time did a lot of walking, it seems like I lost quite a bit of training. My jogs used to be easy, doing C25K, I would even add an extra 2 mins on the 10 min runs during week 7. Now it seems like I cant get 10 minutes in without a slight break....

It has to be the heat and humidity that is slowing me down, Has the higher heat and humidity slowed you down? or am I just being a wimp.../???

Thanks

 

[syko]

The heat and humidity will slow you down, and you will need to make sure that you get enough to drink on your run.
The good side to training in these weather conditions is that when you then race in colder temps you will find it really easy!!!!
I will train mid morning so that the weather is 95+ and try to keep to racing speed for that reason.....but I had to build up distance and speed slowly as it takes a lot out of my body.

 

[BamaEd1]

Living in Montgomery, AL, we have somewhat similar weather in the summer. Heat and humidity slow me down a lot. This AM, I did 5 miles and barely broke 11 minute miles. I told my wife that the air was so thick that you had to cut a hole in it to run. Very similar to the Big Easy. Like the previous post said though, when fall comes, you will feel so much faster and with less effort.

It takes me about 3 weeks to get used to the thick humidity but our problem here is that we will get about 1 1/2 weeks of really thick stuff and then about a week of not so bad so I never really get acclimated.

 

[Duanerice]

The humidity will slow you way down. I run in it all the time here in S Florida and it doesn't matter. There are those days that are just so hot and humid that I can barely get my miles in. Some days I can't.

Last Friday I went out at 6pm for a easy (speed wise) 8 miles. I barely made 5 and that was with a few walk breaks. It was brutal. The week before I ran a faster 8 miles at the same time of day but it was a bit cloudy with not as much humidity. What a difference!

Take it easy and just live with it. Oh yea, make sure you stay hydrated and not just with water if you are out for a long time.

enjoy,
Duane

 

[Kirsty-Leigh]

I live in FL too and these hot, humid days just kill my runs, I find the only way I can get the miles in is to get up at stupid o'clock in the morning and go before the humidity reaches deathly heights! The other week we had a weird storm front come through and it was cooler (only about 75-80) and there was rain but no lightning, and a light breeze, I laced up my shoes and went out there and took about 6 mins off my 3 mile time, I felt awesome soggy and cool, instead of sweat drenched and overheated. Anyway, I agree with what everyone else has said, HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE! and look forward to the cooler weather when you will be lightning fast!

Kirsty

 

[JoanneNC]

Definitely respect heat and humidity..

I love in NC and also deal with mugginess and heavy air....

WATER will be your best friend.. I carry 2 frozen bottles on my belt. One to drink and one to wear..

 

[DisneyWalkerGirl]

Check out this month's Runner's World for a very interesting article of exactly this topic.

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267-269-13245-0,00.html

After I read it, I vowed to stop beating myself up when my time/distances in heat weren't up to my "standards"

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I know for sure that when WDW was having those heat waves for the couple of marathon weekends that most everyone complained of their slow times.

Put in whatever steps you can, the rest will come as the heat declines.

The article was interesting.

 

[JoanneNC]

Check out this month's Runner's World for a very interesting article of exactly this topic.

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267-269-13245-0,00.html

After I read it, I vowed to stop beating myself up when my time/distances in heat weren't up to my "standards"

Thanks for sharing -

 

[Mr. Baloo]

This ended up being a better question that I had intended.... I knew that I was struggling, but I had no idea. That article was very informative. Thanks for taking the time to post it.

Now I dont feel so bad about how poor my runs have been.

 

[Sabeking]

Ran Myrtle beach 1/2 marathon in Jan. My time was 2:15

Ran Virginia beach 1/2 marathon in August. My time was 2:42