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Summer is fast approaching. While this time of year means pool days and fun in the sun for many, for runners, it means hot, humid, sticky runs. Needless to say, for many folks, summer runs can be a bit of a slog.
Thankfully, there are various benefits of running in humid weather, thus keeping some runners incentivized to get out and hit the pavement.
However, if you are not already familiar with the benefits of running in humid weather, then this piece might give you the context you need to still want to get out and run when the temperatures rise and the dew point peaks.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
Before getting started, it is important to note that if you have a health condition, it is vital to wear the appropriate medical alert jewelry when running on hot, humid days.
To help cut down on accessories and bulk, consider picking up a minimalist Apple Watch bracelet plate instead of an entirely new piece of jewelry.
That said, the benefits of running in humid weather include:
Many runners are aware of the benefits of altitude training. While no one is contesting its validity, some would argue that running on hot and humid days is even better than altitude training.
As has been detailed in the Human Kinetics Journals:
“Altitude training can provide an increased oxygen-carrying capacity, a more efficient use of oxygen, and a better ability to tolerate anaerobic metabolism; heat training has the ability to increase plasma volume and reduce cardiovascular and thermoregulatory strain.”
In a nutshell, this means that running on hot and humid days will stress your cardiovascular system, thus making it stronger and causing less strain over time.
Running when it is hot and humid is going to increase your heart rate more than if temps were a bit cooler.
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Because the cardiovascular system is being stressed (and since your heart is a primary component to that system), it is going to strengthen it overall, which will have a positive impact on your daily life — most notably in the form of a lower resting heart rate.
Overall, a lower resting heart rate is indicative of good health and physical fitness. Thus, folks who have a lower resting heart rate are less likely to suffer from cardiac events such as heart attacks.
One of the greatest benefits of running in humid weather is that doing so sets you up to be a better runner overall. The reason for this (aside from the aforementioned benefits) is that you are pushing yourself and increasing the difficulty of your run.
Ultimately, this will serve to not only strengthen your body in various ways but it will also help to increase your mental fortitude, allowing you to push for harder and longer when the weather is a bit more forgiving.
When you are just getting started, it is important to have a handful of coping strategies that will help you acclimate to the weather and get through the season.
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Some of the best ways to deal with running on hot and humid days include:
While running on muggy days might not be the most exciting thought, the fact is that the benefits of running in humid weather are worth the extra effort and discomfort.
By teaching yourself to push through now, the fall and winter months will be that much more enjoyable and productive.
Finally, if you need to wear medical alert jewelry for your humid runs, then shop ROAD iD’s medical ID bracelets to find the perfect style for you.
