Exercising in this heat (Phoenix: house, pool, health)

[DetroitN8V]

I went out for an hour-long jog yesterday around 4pm and while it was hot, it wasn't that bad. I had my CamelBak with me and drank a good amount of water before leaving. The treadmill doesn't do it for me. Am I nuts?

Other than staying hydrated and using sun protection are there other factors that I should be considering? Anyone else still getting out to run/walk/bike in this heat? In my quest to get healthier, I don't want to inadvertently turn into a pile of bones on the side of the road.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by DetroitN8V

I went out for an hour-long jog yesterday around 4pm and while it was hot, it wasn't that bad. I had my CamelBak with me and drank a good amount of water before leaving. The treadmill doesn't do it for me. Am I nuts?

Other than staying hydrated and using sun protection are there other factors that I should be considering? Anyone else still getting out to run/walk/bike in this heat? In my quest to get healthier, I don't want to inadvertently turn into a pile of bones on the side of the road.

I saw someone running on a trail in Estrella Mountain Park yesterday while I was driving by. Around the same time.

[exit2lef]

I keep up the bicycling portion of my daily commute even in the summer heat. The morning portion is easy; the afternoon return trip requires more planning. I change into shorts for the ride home; apply plenty of sunblock; and drink lots of water before, during, and after the ride. Besides the steps you mention, I'd add that it's a good idea to wear light-colored clothing and a hat.

[Montanama]

I wondered this too. Between heating up my body via the excercise and the air temperature itself, is drinking water while exercising outside enough to prevent heat stroke? I'm not sure I understand how heat stroke works--in my mind your body temperature just gets too high. (Not a doctor, lol)

[LBTRS]

Doesn't seem like it would be good for the body to heat up that much with exercise and 110 heat. I do mine in the early morning or at night after the sun goes down.

Heck, we've tried going on a walk during the day with lots of water, sunblock, wide brim hats, etc. and about died half way through. Can't imagine running in that heat.

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by Montanama

I wondered this too. Between heating up my body via the excercise and the air temperature itself, is drinking water while exercising outside enough to prevent heat stroke? I'm not sure I understand how heat stroke works--in my mind your body temperature just gets too high. (Not a doctor, lol)

Exactly what I was wondering. If well enough hydrated, is heat-stroke completely preventable regardless of the air temperature?

[Bungle]

I run in the heat as well but I don't usually carry water. I have a specific route along the CAP canal system in South Phoenix that allows me access to drinking fountains at various parks along the way. The longest distance between water stops is about 3/4 of a mile. Just know your limits, listen to your body, and you'll be fine. Last summer I logged about 25 miles per week without incident and the vast majority of my runs were after work in the evening.

[asufan]

Took the kids to the park both Saturday and Sunday this weekend, ran around and hit baseballs and threw the football. Got flag football practice for my son tonight at 5:30 and a game from 6:30-7:30 and we will all be fine I'm sure. We hydrate before we go out and while we are out, and wear sunscreen. It's not really that bad. Side note: There's hundreds of kids out playing football and soccer and I haven't seen anyone pass out. Just need to be smart and I think everyone here knows about hydrating. These kids are as young as 4-5 too. Better than rotting and playing video games IMO and we can take a dip in the pool afterwards.

[exit2lef]

Besides my own year-round bike commuting, I should have added something I see outside my window in the summer: There's a group of trail runners who convene on Wednesday evenings at the trailhead down the street -- but only when the temperature is 105 or higher. These runners seem to embrace the heat, maybe because they genuinely like it or maybe to prove they can withstand it.

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by exit2lef

Besides my own year-round bike commuting, I should have added something I see outside my window in the summer: There's a group of trail runners who convene on Wednesday evenings at the trailhead down the street -- but only when the temperature is 105 or higher. These runners seem to embrace the heat, maybe because they genuinely like it or maybe to prove they can withstand it.

That's funny. The reason I was beginning to question my sanity is that the trailhead near my house is usually full with cars, but I haven't seen anyone there for several days.