Some tips to stay cool in this heat!

Some tips to stay cool in this heat!

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We’re getting some pretty awesome weather in Ottawa (or should I say Hottawa) these days. But with the warmer weather comes a myriad of excuses not to train or get out there.

Sweating is very good for you as it cleanses your body. And it can be a workout onto its own on a very hot and humid day.

Various cultures throughout time have embraced this fact as demonstrated by the prevalent uses of sweat lodges, bath houses and steam rooms in numerous traditions. When you sweat, your body releases toxins and increases its metabolism. You just can’t go to the well too many times!

Here are some of my tips:

  • Hydrate: Duh! You should also increase your water intake when you’re not actually exercising. And be aware of diuretics such as caffeine. But don’t drink too much, more people die in marathons from overhydration then underhydration.
  • Be efficient: The less you have to work to move when you’re out there, the more you can do and the faster you can go. Another excellent 
  • Timing is everything: Try to get out early in the morning or late at night when it’s cooler and there is more shade.
  • Break it up: Even if you have a long workout on the schedule, you probably don’t want to be out under the beaming sun for hours on end in the early afternoon. By all means, get some vitamin D but you may want to get it in smaller doses.
  • Be reasonable: There’s a fine line between being hardcore and be stupid. I would suggest a shorter workout, especially if it’s intense, but see how the body holds us. As soon as you get dizzy or disoriented, stop!
  • Cool down: A nice way to cool down is to simply come back into your air conditioned dwelling, take a dip in a pool or a lake or even enjoy some frozen yogurt!

Enjoy the heat, sweating is good for you. But be smart about it!

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And here’s a good article in Competitor which looks at hydration with respect to running specifically. The only caveat I want to throw out is to make sure you carry water, not tension like I’m mentioned before!

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