Just got an e-mail from an upcoming ultra. I couldn’t believe what I was reading. Has anyone heard of this method of heat training? Sounds foolish to me. I’m not sure why they aren’t just suggesting that you actually go out and train in the heat?
"HEAT TRAINING: Temperatures typically reach over 100 degrees on
race day. You can gain advantage over the heat by sitting in your
automobile with the windows rolled up and heater running for about
30-minutes each day for the next couple of weeks (use caution if driving). For
more information on heat training, go to www.badwaterultra.com."
Yes- I have heard of this method of heat training and it is a good passive way to heat acclimatize- particularily for those living in a milder climate. Other passive heat training methods include use of a sauna, wearing extra layers of clothing, etc. I am the RD for the Running with the Devil Marathon, 1/2 and 50 mile ultra in Las Vegas. We hit 116 degrees this year! A bit higher than expected, but all runners knew going in to expect temps of at least 110, and boy did we deliver! Pay attention to your hydration, pace, electrolytes, and external cooling techniques and you’ll do great! Good luck.
Joyce www.calicoracing.com
Spending time in the heat helps, even if you’re not training. I wouldn’t go sit in the car, but I find it helps to not have the A/C on, just expose yourself to the heat during your normal drive time (turn the heater on if it’s not that warm outside). Given the right stimulus and opportunity to recover, the body is incredibly adaptable.
Watch the video “Running on the Sun” about Badwater. People put their treadmills in the laundry room and run with the dryer exhaust blowing on them, drive their cars all summer with the windows up and the heater on, and wear multiple layers to run in 90F weather to get ready.
Ha, ha. I used to do that to my friends as a joke. We’d get in the car on a super-hot day and I’d lock the power windows, turn the car on and crank the heater full blast and start driving. They’d be freaking out sweating like pigs and I’d be laughing. Only did it in rentacars though. Didn’t want sweat all over my car.
Contrary to popular belief, well conducted research pretty clearly shows that you only acclimatise to exercing in the heat by exercising in the heat. Sitting in saunas, or hot cars, is pretty much useless. If you have a long wheel base van with a high roof, stick your trainer in there, otherwise forget it.