Over the past few years when doing long runs on especially hot days, a small strategy I employ is to slow down a little during longer sections with shade. My rationale is to give my skin a little extra break from the sun and my core a little more time in a temp that’s a few degrees cooler.
It’s been bitter cold in the Denver metro area recently and running outside has been more challenging. There was a day recently when it was 8 degrees but the sun was out. The portions of the trail that were in the sun were noticeably warmer. I never felt warm though my hat was wet with sweat and getting noticeably colder every quarter mile.
I’d been trying to keep an even pace but I did something similar to my summer runs, except in reverse. In the sunny portions, I eased up to let my head thaw a little. On the shady segments, I pushed through at a faster clip.
I don’t know how much of an impact it had but I did feel better, which is worth something.
Also, a reminder from an old post. If you’re running longer than 30 minutes when the temperature is in the teens or lower, it’s wise to carry an extra hat\/headwrap\/buff. Once your headgear is soaked with sweat in those temps, it’s no good.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Over the past few years when doing long runs on especially hot days, a small strategy I employ is to slow down a little during longer sections with shade. My rationale is to give my skin a little extra break from the sun and my core a little more time in a temp that’s a … <\/p>\n