Running in Humidity

Of corse the minute I start comparing dry heat to humidity I end up seeing a fabulous article about it in the August issue of Runner’s World. This article has some very interesting facts about running in humidity. Here’s some of the things I found most fascinating…

Sweating-alive.

  • The higher amount of moisture there is in the air the hotter it feels.
  • When you run your body temperature rises it becomes hotter and creates sweat. Sweating is the process when your body carries excess heat to your skins surface. In dry heat this sweat evaporates cooling your over all body temperature. In humid conditions this sweat is unable to evaporate, instead it lingers there, and making you hotter.
  • While running your body temperature can spike in minutes. This causes dehydration. When dehydrated your body goes into survival mode maintaining blood flow to essential organs.
  • Breathing can change.
  • Heart rate will escalate.
  • You may loose control over body mechanics. (Hands may shake, running form may become sloppy.)
  • Mental abilities my start to break down causing dizziness and you may become disoriented.
  • Don’t worry about pace. Your speed is guaranteed to decrease.
  • A humid day does not indicate a lack of fitness or mental toughness.
  • There are different types of sweat. Some people are sweat more salt. For the people who sweat more salt, they are more common to have stomach cramps. It is very important for these types of people to consume more electrolytes.
  • It normally takes 10-14 days to get adjusted to running in humid conditions. Those that are use to humidity run better in it.

Tips:

  • Hydrate
  • Eat salty foods. Salt helps retain water.
  • Don’t wear a hat. The hat will prevent your body heat from escaping your head.

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