Two heat related issues... any good products or solutions

Preface: I train in central Florida. It is very hot. It is very sunny.

Problem 1 - I sweat a lot. I have an issue with sweat going into my eyes. This problem is worse with sunglasses on but I really can’t take my glasses off in FL. Besides wearing a John McEnroe headband are there any suggestions for keeping sweat out of the eyes. I wonder if there are any sunglass solutions that have a ridge on top that would mold around the browridge???

Problem 2 - Overheating. When we get closer to summer I start running at 5 - 6 am just to beat the heat. It is bearable at that time. However, as the season gets going I like to do some afternoon runs to climatize my body to the heat. No matter what I do though - it is just plain hot! As far as racing has anyone used a glove and ice method for cooling down?

Have you tried a Headsweats hat or visor?

Perhaps even better than Headsweats is a Halo skull cap. They have the little ridge you’re talking about.

(Note: After I tried my first Halo I threw away all of my Headsweats. I live in NM)

http://www.coolshirt.net/PAWS-C-24%20sm.gif
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There is this as an option…

http://www.sweatgutr.com/home.html

But the Headsweats (or similar) visor would probably help with both issues. It will help keep the sweat out of your eyes and the sun off your face. Having your face shaded will help with the heat, if nothing else, mentally.

No different here in south Louisiana. I do all my training at 10:00pm except for a weekend group ride or a race which is usually in the morning. Even when I do long runs I might start a bit early but I often finish them after midnight. Last night I got an early start to a 35 mile ride on the Computrainer with a 4 mile run afterwards and finished up around 11:40. I’ve resigned myself to eating dinner before 6:00 so the food can settle before I get out to train. I rarely get to bed before 1:00am and usually later, but I don’t get up till 7:15 or so. You do what you gotta do.

JJ

If I could solve those 2 problems I could be a competitive age grouper.

Definitely try the headsweats visor. I find the visors to be significantly cooler than any mesh hat. You can also throw a couple ice cubes in the top quickly and easily. Or soak yourself from a water bottle or aid station cup or sponge.

I find fiddling with ice and a glove and everything just slows me down more than just grabbing an iced sponge and going. The ice only seems to last a couple seconds anyway.

For staying cool in sunny conditions, try all the various tops and attachments. I’ve tried the DeSoto arm coolers and their batwings. I only found them to work when they were pre-soaked and kept wet on the bike and didn’t like them on the run. Also the UnderArmour stuff. I’m going to try the Craft top when it comes out later this year.

If I could solve those 2 problems I could be a competitive age grouper.

Good grief…

((rolls eyes))

I live in Dallas and also use the sweat gutter mentioned. I find it works pretty damn well.

http://www.sweatgutr.com/home.html

Mate, here’s a better solution.

(And I say this assuming you’re the fit looking dude who trained himself from nowhere to a 3:0x marathon quite recently)

Train through it, get accustomed to it, make it a strength…then reap the rewards come race day.

A few products there I haven’t tried. I really appreciate it. I can’t imagine anything over the top of my head. So I’ll definitely try a visor and the sweatband.

Mate, here’s a better solution.

(And I say this assuming you’re the fit looking dude who trained himself from nowhere to a 3:0x marathon quite recently)

Train through it, get accustomed to it, make it a strength…then reap the rewards come race day.

Yeah, I am that guy - although that race starts at 6:00am in January! Didn’t break much of a sweat. Going for a sub - 3:00 this year. :slight_smile:

I am doing my first HIM in mid-May and slightly concerned about the heat/sweating.

Yeah, I am that guy - although that race starts at 6:00am in January! Didn’t break much of a sweat. Going for a sub - 3:00 this year. :slight_smile:

I am doing my first HIM in mid-May and slightly concerned about the heat/sweating.

If you were a hulking 250lb guy doing a 7hr race I’d be more sympathetic.

But you’re not…you’ll be done by lunchtime and you’ll be wondering why you made such a fuss in the first place.

Embrace it and use it to your advantage.

swimming goggles :wink:
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Same problem with the heat a few years ago. Then I started to chant…"the sun is good, the sun is my friend, the sun is good, the sun is my friend, it worked. It also cleared everyone away from me so I got more air!

Love the heat now, it weeds out the wimps.

Florida is hot , but it’s not THAT hot. And the humidity is bearable.

First things first. I think you should address the core problem first , hydration and then the secondary matters: exercise gear , protection and timing of training.

Hydration:
Prehydrate. This IMO will take at least 6-12 hours to get your electrolyte levels optimal and should be constantly continued so you can train in the heat ANYTIME.
What that means , is ensuring that what you drink contains (preferably ) all of the four electrolytes…sodium , magnesium , potassium and calcium.
That does not mean drinking 6x1L of Gatorade daily ! Diluted 100% ( unsweeetened ) juices are a great addition to your hydration needs. I personally add 5 tablespoons of lemon juice to 1.5Litres of water and drink this throughout the day…and night.
I am presuming you sleep with airconditioning on at night due to the heat ? Because you do , that means that you will be far from optimally hydrated if you sleep 6-8 hours soundly in an airconditioned environment without hydrating.

Hydrate throughout the day. Urine should be clear to pale to indicate that you are not dehydrated.

Water DOES NOT hydrate…it is electrolyte neutral. So drinking 1L upon rising or an hour prior to training will do you little good. Water will “facillitate” hydration if mixed with electrolytes. But ALONE will not hydrate. Research Hyponaetremia and visit some medical tents in hotter climates when you see endurance races going on , that’ll convince you pretty quickly.

Minimize caffeine intake and alcohol as both are diuretics and induce dehydration.

Problem1 :
Because you perspire alot , weigh yourself before and after training as often as possible and record your hydration status before and your weight. Same post exercise and indicate quantity of liquids consumed and what you consumed and urination stops…if any.
You should be able to work out very quickly , your electrolyte requirements.

Regarding timing of training… personally I think that ±80% of training can be done at cooler times , but unless races take place at those times ( as you have indicated ) acclimatizing is necessary.
I find that provided you have prepared correctly for the hotter runs , you should be able to get through them.

I would recommend wearing sunblock , a breathable light coloured hat , UV protected sunglasses , a breathable singlet ( or not ) , proper running shorts AND a small waterproof coin pouch ( or ziplock bag that you can minimize in size ) to carry $5 so that you can run and stop by gas stations or whatever is CONVENIENT every 30-45 mins at first to buy water and pop a couple salt tabs or a NUUN which you will have carried with you in your pouch.
Perhaps start at 30-45 min runs and increase as you feel more acclimatized.

Prehydration , correctly hydrating whilst training and post-exercise hydration ,will go a long way towards coping in extreme heat.

Note: I am not a sports doctor , exercise physician , physiotherapist etc.
Just a 43 year old AG athlete who lives ,trains ad races in a very hot climate for the past 16 years and has learnt the hard way :slight_smile:

Good luck :slight_smile:

Terry