Why Running In Hot Weather is Good for You

The perks of running in hot weather and tips to beat the heat.

Baby, it’s hot outside.

And you’re running in hot weather. You’re awesome, Mother Runners!

If you’re like me, you can fall into the trap of thinking your paces running in hot weather should be the same as those on a cool autumn day. Think again.

I remember one incredibly hot summer day when the heat index was well over a hundred degrees and I couldn’t get out to do my 12x400s on the blistering track until the hottest part of the day. It was miserable. I made it through but my splits were way off. That’s when my Mother Runner friend reminded me that running in heat and running on a cool day is like comparing apples to oranges. Times are going to be slower and you need to adjust.

Science proves that running in hot weather can make you faster.

According to Keith Hanson in the Hanson’s Marathon Method, you can add 5–8 seconds per mile when temperatures reach the 60s or higher. Here’s the breakdown: If it’s in the 60s, add 5 seconds per mile; in the 70s, add 10 seconds per mile; and in the 80s, add 15 seconds per mile. You get the picture…(Not convinced? Or not good at math? Check out this handy dandy heat…