Hi all!
I'm a new runner and I live in Phoenix were it is (obviously) very hot. I'm training for the Disneyland Half in early September. The weather is starting to get hotter and hotter, reaching the mid to high 80s. How should I train once even early mornings become unbearable? I'm thinking treadmill running might be my only option, but I much prefer running outdoors. (Plus the kiddos love our runs.)
I could cough up a lot more $ for a gym with an indoor track. Does anyone have experience with indoor track running? It would seriously be MUCH more expensive than any of the other gyms, but may be worth it...
Any insight or tips for hot weather running?
Re: Running in the Heat...
It sucks, but you just do it. I have found that running early mornings or later in the evenings after the sun is gone is the best route. Take water with you. Wear a hat. Realize your going to be slower.
You could do your short mid-week runs on a treadmill, but for long runs, I would just learn how to cope with the heat.
I try to run if/when it's under 80* if at all possible. This can mean running at 4 a.m. If it's warmer than that, I bring water and know that I'll probably have to stop from time to time to cool off.
I love running in the cold...I'd do that over running in the heat ANY time!
My Lunch Blog
Thanks for the tips! I am NOT looking forward to summer running. I'm worried about doing all my summer runs on the treadmill since the Half is September 2. I feel like I need to do some outdoors...
N. Phoenix Baptist has an indoor track (you don't have to be a member/Baptist), but no childcare. Also, the Village's all have indoor tracks, but $$$.
I think I'll try treadmills during the week and a long (early!) outdoor run...
I agree with just doing it, but for a different reason. When I was new to running, I trained for a little 5 mile race. The race is hels mid-day in August every year. So, it's HOT. I was doing all of my training in the early morning. When it came time to run in the heat I could not handle it. I had to walk 3 times in 5 miles.
Be smart about it, don't go out if it's 90 something, but try to get at least one hot run in every week. Also, HYDRATE! Do not underestimate the need to drink a LOT of water. All the time. On run days, on off days, before the run, after the run, during the run.
I'm in TX and it gets unbearably hot here, too, so I feel your pain. I hate running in the heat, and have loved all of my winter weather runs.
But I trained for my first half all through the summer last year and I don't have a treadmill or a gym membership, so every run was outside. When it was a long run, or the weather was really bad, I'd wake up super early and run before sunrise. I made sure all of my clothes were wicking, used a visor to keep the sun off my face, and drank water every waking moment. Sometimes it still stunk, but I'm glad I did it. I was definitley as prepared for my half as I could be, (it was in November but unseasonably hot and humid). I plan to do the same this summer.
Good luck!
The other ladies have had good advice for you... I wanted to add that if you *do* run on an indoor track, do it very sparingly. Running for a long time in one direction (i.e. turning the same way over and over) is a recipe for injury. So, try not to run for too long in one direction -- either use a track for shorter runs (30 min or less), or switch directions every 30 minutes.
Good luck!
#PerfectStrangers
2012 Races:
1/28 - Planet Adventure night trail 1/4-marathon - 1:25:47
3/24 - Sam Costa half marathon - 2:02:47
4/14 - Hoosier 10 miler - 1:25:21 (8:32) PR!
7/8 - XTERRA Freedom Fest Hawaii 10K
9/1 - Indianapolis Women's Half Marathon
10/20 - Indianapolis Marathon Relay
11/4 - Monumental Marathon (full marathon #2)
11/22 - Drumstick Dash 4.5mi
Awesome tips ladies! Thanks so much. I am a total water slacker, so I need to get going with this one. I'm also BFing, so it's super important.
Great advice about the indoor track! I would never have thought about that.
Thanks again!
j+k+m+e | running with needles
I did track and field and cross country in college in Arizona.
I also coached there.
You can absolutely run outside in the summer. I ran there for 10 years and honestly never saw someone go down with heat stroke or anything like that. Get up early.
You will NOT be able to run at night--as you know it will not cool off. Invest in the little waterbottle holders and make sure you are out the door and running by 5:30.
Also, next time, don't pick a fall half if you live in Phoenix quite frankly. Think of it like the seasons are different. Pick a winter or spring half in a mild location. It's punishing and draining to train your hardest in the heat, but people who live in Arizona are super lucky that they get amazing weather to train through the winter in.