We’re all too familiar with the heat index by this time of the year. You know, the one where they tell you the “real feel” of the day. It’s some sort of meteorological formula of heat plus humidity that spits out a number or range of numbers for how the day is going to feel. Around here lately, that index has been about 105 to 110, a couple of weeks running.
It got me to thinking–shouldn’t runners have their own heat index? I think it could go something like this:
Temperature + humidity + miles run + pace + time of day = how flipping hot it feels.
Maybe they could factor in hydration, too? So you’d get your “real feel” temperature and then drop it by x number of degrees depending on whether or not you took in water or electrolyte replacement, and how much of each.
I know I’m horrible with numbers (that’s why I’m a writer) so I’m not going to take a stab at devising this actual scale, but it anyone out there feels qualified, have at it. In the meantime, drink up and find the shadiest route you can. September will be here before you know it!
this is the ONLY time of year I dont look at runners and wish I loved.
stay safe!
Miz recently posted..Im oil pulling.
I found the shadiest of shady trails for yesterday’s long run and it was still so hard to cover the miles. Too hot for me!
Teamarcia recently posted..Runners vs Cyclists
I completely agree!!! There is hot and then there is running while it’s hot….so swampy!!
Sooooo agreet! Hot and running while it’s hot out are two different things! Holy moly is there ever a difference! My heat index definitely changes once I add running into the mix! Let’s just say, the forecast (mileage) may change based on how hot it is and the time a day I choose to go out!
Kierston recently posted..Recovering and Stuff…
LOL Yes absolutely agree with you!!
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Needle in My Rear & Fun Facts Friday
We don’t have that many very hot days in Holland but if we do it’s immediately extremely humid. But since I do all my runs in the morning (weekdays at 5.30 am and weekends between 7 and 8 am) I don’t have much trouble with the heat. The only bad thing is that about 95% of the races in Holland start around 2 pm, even in Summer. That’s why I don’t do many Summer races here. I can’t stand the heat very well.
Fran recently posted..Friday July 6, 2012: The Food Edition
Very true. Another factor is the individual’s tolerance level. Seems that each person is different. Alright, who wants to make a chart??
Heidi @BananaBuzzbomb recently posted..Buzz: Moving A Menagerie
Yesterday it was close to 100 degrees in Spokane and I decided to do my spin workout in our sun room. Holy dang. I was drenched in less than 10 minutes. I can’t imagine what a sweaty mess I would have been if I had been running.
Tasha @ Healthy Diva recently posted..Debbie Downer
The last time I saw this chart I realized that in the summer I run in “extreme danger” or teh far edge of “danger” pretty much every day!
Gracie (Complicated Day) recently posted..Rebuilding
Last year we had just moved to Texas and the heat was stifling. This year, thankfully we’ve had more rain to keep things a bit cooler, but it’s only slightly easier. I’m definitely looking forward to September!
Laura recently posted..Triathlon training (in three weeks)
SO TRUE! Humidity takes on a whole new meaning when you are trying to train in it!
Krysten Siba Bishop (@darwinianfail) recently posted..Marathon Motivation Monday – Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger
I hate humidity! We don’t have it often here so when it comes, I literally melt. Saturday, we had higher than norm humidity and I was sweating profusely on a simple little 4 miler. I had to eat about 40 pieces of watermelon after, I was so thirsty. Hahaha. You wouldn’t even know I lived in Alabama for a few years a long time ago. Talk about hot and humid!
Jill recently posted..The Leadville Heavy Half Marathon
I always look at the ‘feels like’ temp indicator but for the most part, I won’t cancel a run. I may just change what the run actually is.
Laura recently posted..A bunch for Friday – June Recap
My runner’s heat index Saturday morning was somewhere between Hades and lava. Haven’t sweat like that in a long, long time. I wasn’t pretty in many different ways. Still need to work on acclimating to the humidity this year. Also looking into hydration packs. The Fuel Belt is running dry way too early.
Chris @ Evolving Through Running recently posted..Giveaway – Mizuno Running Shoes – Mezamashii Project
Makes total sense and I’m sure if we turn to the interwebz it has already been done.
Jason @ Cook Train Eat Race recently posted..Where Do You Get Your Protein?
I’d love to see someone make a chart for this!! Humidity is definitely a killer for me.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Scenes from my weekend – Cousins, Heat and Water
I find the graphic quite useful. I may rip it off and share with my athletes:)
How long until September again??!
Adrienne recently posted..Road Racing vs. Triathlon Running: My Observations
I’ll take a crack at the numbers! But some of the factors you list might be difficult to include- like hydration and pace since they would vary a lot with each individual.
Would love to see that chart! I promised myself I wouldn’t complain about the heat this year, but after last week’s race, I’m done! How many days til September
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted..Week 2 – Half Marathon Training
Good idea, but I am not scientific enough to come up with this formula you speak of. I’ve failed a few Chemistry/Calculus/Geometry tests in my hey day. As in “Hey, I failed again?”
Yum Yucky recently posted..Burpees and Booty Shorts: Fitness Moves Designed For Bad-assery
Drink up is right!! I spend these summer days going pee every few hours! HAHAHAHA! It’s like I’m having to feed the meter.
I’m bad at math too.
Coy recently posted..Ironman Muncie 70.3 – I did it!!
Still better hot than freezing I say – the treadmill is way more fun in winter than summer.
Kovas – Midwest Multisport Life recently posted..Week 10: The North Face Endurance 50K Training
haha. YES we really do need our own heat index. When its humid and 99 outside and I have a run planned, I tell myself its 120.
Charlotte recently posted..13.1 Take Two – Better Stronger Faster
Soo glad I don’t live somewhere that is really humid! The heat in the summer is bad enough. I am so ready for fall running!
Christy @My Dirt Road Anthem recently posted..Missoula Marathon Recap
Now I’m a numbers girl! I think it would’ve cool to put together something that would tell you how to adjust pace for temperature. Only problem is I don’t have the data to do that. Maybe I should start tracking temperature during my runs too… In any event, it’s sure felt hot lately!
Laura recently posted..A reason to celebrate
So true! I have my own personal heat index which usually reads much higher than everyone else’s! Could be due to my MS, but I always seem to feel hotter than everyone else. The marathon I just ran in Portland had beautiful weather by the stats (50 at the start and 66 by the time I finished), but those last few miles in the direct sun had me feeling very HOT. I was pouring water over my head, it easily felt like 80 to me. Guess I’m just a wuss in the heat!
Beth @ Miles and Trials recently posted..Marathon Recovery
Super early runs, or back on the mill – only way I get through the stifling heat.
Laima womensendurancegear.com recently posted..Meatless Monday – Massaged Kale Mango Salad
it is not humid here but it is HOT. 96 before 9 am
I just hate it
Heat is the enemy
I dont need September to come around I need DECEMBER!!!
I am so much slower in the summer it is depressing and I cannot run as long either.
Caroline recently posted..Hood to Coast
We do need our own index. I mean they post weather based on “allergies” or “driving” or “work” so why not running?
Julie (@ROJRunning) recently posted..Race Report : Stow Firecracker Run
I really do not even want to know what the runner’s temp would be? Ignorance is bliss.
This shit isn’t even bothering me anymore. Acclimation has occurred and I am functioning like a well-oiled machine. Bring on the heat, baby!
(Did that sound convincing? Because this is the rambling lie I have been pitching to myself every single day – not really working).
Jeff Irvin recently posted..Buffalo Springs Lake Tri 70.3 …
I absolutely agree!! The ONLY reason I’ve been running outdoors this summer is because of a race. Haha. Otherwise, I hate the humidity and the heat and everything goes with it. I can’t wait to start training for fall and winter races.
Melissa @ Live, Love, & Run recently posted..10 things I’ve learned training for my first half marathon.
Just looking at that graph makes me hot!
David H. recently posted..Wordless Wednesday
I def think runners should have their own heat index but I am not about to devise one!!! Just thinking about the heat and humidity makes me want to run in air conditioning but I won’t.
Toni Church recently posted..A Cheribundi Announcement plus Week 1 Marathon Training Recap Vlog
I live in central florida, 90 degrees every day in June-September, up to 90% humidity. I run in the morning, your body can get used to anything with the proper hydration. It’s mind over matter, just like running in the bitter cold. Is it uncomfortable? Of course. Dangerous? No. Look at the people running in the 135 mile ultramarathon right now in desert valley. Don’t be a weenie.