Don't Run In The Heat! It's A Dumb Idea (But Go Ahead And Sprint In The Heat)

Oct 7, 2025

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In this episode, I talk about a couple of articles I saw recently about running in the heat—about heat acclimation and endurance training—that honestly kind of rubbed me the wrong way.

So alert runners: we need to have a talk about this. I start by reading an excerpt from one of these popular running websites and unpacking some of the flawed assumptions behind this kind of messaging.

You’ll hear me break down why the obsession with suffering—grinding through extreme conditions, chasing bigger mileage, and pushing your body to the limit—has become so normalized in endurance culture, and how that mindset can quietly lead to overtraining, burnout, and hormone dysfunction.

I also share a more sensible approach to building heat tolerance and aerobic fitness that honors health, balance, and long-term consistency.

TIMESTAMPS:

Brad talks about some of the "running in heat" articles he has read, and points out some disagreements he has with those articles. [01:06]

The compelling argument that for the vast majority of recreational runners, running is a very bad idea. [04:00]

The popular modality of high intensity interval training, by and large is conducted in an ill-advised manner in workouts that last too long and are significantly too stressful for the vast majority of participants. [06:05]

If you stop sweating, you know you are close to heat stroke. [15:19]

There's no justification to go out there and stick it to yourself in heat preparation. [22:09]

Even though Brad is talking about the danger of racing in the heat, he understands the need to do it. [24:03]

If you're running in the heat, but you're totally oblivious to how hot you're getting, that can be a recipe for disaster. [33:35]

Some of the world's best runners do not workout at top speed. [36:50]

If you insist on performing the workout in a fatigue state, you are literally training your body to run slower because the central nervous system is protecting you. [45:57]

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