Who does long distance running? Any tips?

[Baitball Blogger]

I don't know how odd this is. I accidentally fell into a routine of running a 5K every weekend. Seriously, it was an accident. Not planned at all. First of all, if someone told me that I could sustain a jog for more than 3 miles at my age I would have told them they're nuts. I began in November to walk a lap, jog a lap. I had to do something because it's time to lose the Covid 19. And it slowly began to progress from there.

But, the key to my success was cool weather. Or breezy weather. One of the weekends it was 87 degrees, but very breezy. Made it through, no problem. But, today, it was 83 degrees straight heat. I made it through but I suddenly felt ill afterwards. Felt better after eating lunch and resting.

So, the question, any tips to jogging in the heat, besides do it early morning, or don't do it at all?

If anyone is interested, I am just minutes away from an average run for someone of my age. Just need to shave off maybe five minutes.

[secondwind]

1. I was an avid runner for many many years, in NYC. Got up early, went jogging, showered, then to work

I wish I could still do this, I enjoyed running immensely, and even did a couple of marathons in NYC. Now, it's a different ball game, I'm 75 years young, and sometimes I do a little "sprint" but I mostly walk now.. A LOT.

I always jogged in the mornings, when it was cooler... jogging in hot weather is not a good idea, IMHO. You would have to carry a bottle of water, or hope that there are water stations along the way, etc.

Miss those days!!!!

[Baitball Blogger]

2. I know what you mean.

Huge feeling of accomplishment when its over. And the laps are not too bad, though today, I could feel the heat challenging me, where before, the only obstacle was my own will power.

I do need a bottle of water for the first few laps because my breathing is way crazy and I end up coughing because my throat is so dry. Today I had to pour a lot of water on my head to cool down.

I think I can still do it in the heat, but I need to stop trying to improve my time. Just do an easy jog.

[multigraincracker]

3. I love jogging. I'm 72 with a new

Pacemaker, doc says don’t stop. 6 miles is tops for me because of my feet. I have neuropathy and they start to burn after 10k. Hope I can find a cure.
For fun sometimes, I’ll run a 1/4 backwards. Find muscles I didn’t know I had. Also I try to go barefoot once in a while. I love to run on hot days. Like the feeling of sweating, but that’s just me.
No records here. Only a couple of minutes faster than my fast walk speed.
Was told the key to long healthy life is to keep moving.

[bucolic_frolic]

4. Nutritional tips

Pay attention to electrolytes. In my experience green smoothies help with recovery. If you experience fatigue that lasts overnight or includes mental fatigue/down mood after running, particularly after running in the heat, reduce carbs/move to slow carbs, and up the protein a bit. I also liked to split a B-complex tablet, 1/2 before and 1/2 for recovery. Adequate hydration afterward, and stretch out those leg muscles after. Running is not just cardio, it's whole body circulation and stress.

PS I'm no pro, or even very active at it anymore. But that's what I recall.