s4/e23: Heat Series Part 1: Why Running in the Heat Slows You Down So Much
Jun 27, 2024
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Discover why running in hot weather slows you down and the science behind it. Learn about thermoregulation, hydration, and the risks of exertional heat stroke. Find out how heat affects VO2 Max, the importance of staying hydrated, and tips for optimal performance in the heat.
Understanding the impact of running in hot weather on performance and physiological responses is crucial for optimal training.
Proper hydration is essential in hot weather, with individual factors affecting fluid needs and the dynamic nature of hydration requirements during exercise.
Heat-related illnesses, the importance of heat acclimation, and managing fluid balance are key aspects to consider for improved performance in hot weather.
Deep dives
Running in the Heat Performance and Physiological Effects
Running in hot weather reduces performance and dehydration worsens it. The episode discusses the impact of running in hot weather on performance, including the physiological responses and differences when compared to running in cooler conditions. The varying effects of ambient temperature, humidity, and air velocity on performance are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of understanding these factors for optimal performance.
Hydration Importance and Sweat Rate
Maintaining proper hydration levels is crucial for performance in hot weather. The podcast delves into the definitions and implications of dehydration, hyperhydration, and hypernatremia. It explains how individual factors like sex, age, and fitness level can affect hydration needs and sweat rates, emphasizing the dynamic nature of hydration requirements during exercise and the importance of monitoring urine color and thirst sensations.
Heat Acclimation and Avoiding Exertional Heat Stroke
The episode stresses the dangers of exertional heat stroke and the significance of heat acclimation. It discusses factors influencing thermoregulation, such as body surface area, age, and sex, highlighting how older individuals may need to be more cautious in hot conditions. Strategies for avoiding heat-related illnesses, understanding heat adaptation, and managing fluid balance for improved performance are crucial aspects covered in the podcast.
Hydration Recommendations for Running in Hot Weather
When running in the heat, losing substantial amounts of sweat is common, but it's not necessary to replace all lost fluids during the run. General recommendations suggest drinking back 50 to 75% of fluids lost per hour, adjusting based on personal comfort. To maintain hydration levels, runners should aim to drink between 1.8 to 2.8 liters of fluid during a long run to prevent dehydration and maximize performance.
Impact of Heat on Performance and Dehydration
Running in hot weather causes a cascade of physiological changes in the body, affecting the cardiovascular, central nervous, and skeletal muscle systems. The rise in core body temperature and dehydration lead to a decrease in VO2 max, higher heart rates, and increased perceived exertion. Dehydration exacerbates hyperthermia during exercise, leading to decreased VO2 max and systemic blood flow, impacting overall performance and highlighting the importance of maintaining hydration levels.
1.
Effects of Running in Hot Weather and Hydration Strategies
IT'S NOT YOU, IT'S JUST THE HEAT. But WHY do we slow down (sometimes a lot) in hot weather? Coach Elisabeth takes you through the science of hot weather endurance exercise and what's actually happening inside your body when you're going on that hot weather run
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Overview
02:26 - Running in the Heat: Performance Impact
05:26 Thermoregulation: Maintaining Core Temperature
08:20 - Hydration: Importance and Individual Needs
14:03 - Exertional Heat Stroke: Risks and Prevention
44:59 - The Importance of Staying Hydrated in Hot Weather
47:48 How Heat Affects VO2 Max and Performance
59:24 Dehydration: A Performance Killer in the Heat
01:08:04 Drink to Thirst or Follow a Hydration Schedule?
01:10:56 Managing Hydration for Optimal Performance in the Heat