Temps are heating up again, so we wanted to dive a little deeper into the reasons why you may find yourself running slower. 1) Increased body temperature: The body’s internal temperature rises during exercise, and running in hot conditions can cause the body to overheat more quickly, which can lead to fatigue and a decrease in performance. 2) Dehydration: Running in hot conditions can lead to an increased rate of sweating, which can cause dehydration if fluid intake is insufficient. Dehydration can affect performance by causing a decrease in blood volume, which can reduce the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach the muscles. 3) Increased heart rate: The body’s cardiovascular system has to work harder to cool down in hot conditions, which can increase the heart rate and make it more difficult to maintain a steady pace. 4) Difficulty regulating temperature: Running in hot conditions can make it more difficult for the body to regulate its internal temperature, which can cause fatigue and a decrease in performance. 5) Increased perceived effort: Running in hot conditions can make the activity feel more difficult than it would in cooler temperatures, which can cause runners to slow down or feel like they are working harder than they actually are. Often, the first few hot runs will be the most challenging as your body adapts, however, you will still be significantly slower in warm or hot conditions compared to cool conditions. |
