Well Badwater is out of the picture

I am feeling much better today, though my heart aches for those in Oklahoma. I can't even imagine what it is like to live through something like that and then realize you have nothing left. Though even in dark times there are always stories that make your heart smile. This one of a woman finding her dog is my personal favorite. The bravery of the first responders, teachers and average citizen is amazing.

After being told what is up by the heat during Sunday's marathon I am sad to say that I will not be running Badwater.

From the website: Covering 135 miles (217km) non-stop from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney, CA in temperatures up to 130F (55c), it is the most demanding and extreme running race offered anywhere on the planet. The 36th anniversary edition will be held July 15-17, 2013.

  Now I never had any intention of running Badwater. But my inability to handle heat very well has taken me out of the running for that. Not that I ever wanted to run that but just so everyone knows in case you found this blog and were like this person has Badwater badass written all over them. Nope sorry, not happening.



Since warmer temps have arrived I thought I would share this interesting article with you all about training in the heat.

 Basically:  heat impacts runners at a physiological level through various means, including dehydration, increased heart rate and reduced blood flow (and subsequently oxygen) to the muscles used for running.
But what really matters apparently is the dew point. The higher the dew point the less sweat can evaporate off your skin to cool you. For Sunday's marathon the dew point was around 65 with humidity around 75% with temps in the upper 70's and 80'. Gross.

DEW POINT (°F)RUNNER'S PERCEPTIONHOW TO HANDLE
50–54Very comfortablePR conditions
55–59ComfortableHard efforts likely not affected
60–64Uncomfortable for some peopleExpect race times to be slower than in optimal conditions
65–69Uncomfortable for most peopleEasy training runs might feel OK but difficult to race well or do hard efforts
70–74Very humid and uncomfortableExpect pace to suffer greatly
75 or greaterExtremely oppressiveSkip it or dramatically alter goal

Tips to beat the heat:
- run early
- stick to shaded paths if possible
-fill your handheld or hydration pack with ice and ice water to help you stay cool
-ease into running in the heat- workouts will seem harder until you adjust
-stay hydrated
-take up Mai Tai drinking by pools or other bodies of water until cooler temps roll around again (okay maybe not).

How do you handle hot and humid summer temps?

Comments

  1. XaarlinMay 21, 2013 at 6:52 PM

    C'mon, Badwater sounds kinda fun.. Girls trip!?! hehe I ran yesterday and it was 90 degrees, but i do believe the humidity was not very high (could be mistaken), but the run didnt seem as difficult as I would have imagined. Definitely ran slower for the same effort.

    The salt pills I use are "Salt Stick." http://www.saltstick.com/products/sscaps/cfeatures.htm I definitely feel better when popping a few during runs in the summer. Hope they offer you some relief :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BeanMay 25, 2013 at 3:50 PM

      Thanks for the info! I ordered some today.

      Delete
  2. Yo Momma RunsMay 21, 2013 at 10:26 PM

    I also handle it by not running Badwater!

    ReplyDelete
  3. BeckaMay 22, 2013 at 7:48 AM

    I am one of those people that suffers once it hits the 60's.

    ReplyDelete
  4. JinaMay 30, 2013 at 9:58 PM

    Running in the heat is the devil! I feel like all of my skills have disappeared, I'm super-duper slow (instead of just super slow), and I feel like death.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jac @ Running in the Bike LaneJune 3, 2013 at 7:45 PM

    I was just telling K last night that I like training in the heat. I like the challenge, that I smell bad after, and that when I run in cool weather - I feel like I fly like the wind. But I've had 2 years of training in the heat and I think I have a good idea on how to handle it. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownJune 24, 2013 at 6:57 PM

    I just found your site and I think it is great!
    I also really struggle in the heat and right now in St. Louis it is in the mid 90s in the afternoon and it is really hard to run. I just do my best, adjust my pace and superhydrate.
    It is cool you brought Badwater because that is actually a long term goal of mine. It is such an amazing race and Death Valley is actually gorgeous in its own way.
    In February I became the first to run the Death Valley Marathon barefoot
    http://www.mavrocatstrength.com/2013/02/08/death-valley-marathon-race-report-aka-willpower-schmillpower-aka-tomato-juice/

    I would love to knowledge share on how to cope better with the heat. It is tough.
    Great Post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BeanJune 27, 2013 at 6:04 PM

      Thanks for reading! Wow that is awesome that you are thinking of doing Badwater. You are braver than I!

      Delete

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