Tread Lightly Running Podcast

The Science of Running in Heat & Humidity (and How to Handle It)

May 23, 2026·39 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

It doesn’t have to be a cruel summer of slogging through hot, humid runs. You can adjust your training so that summer running is productive and enjoyable. In part 1 of our summer running episodes, we discuss the physiological impacts of running in the heat and humidity, and how to adjust your training based on those responses.Thank you to our sponsors:✨ Good Ranchers: American-grown meat, delivered frozen to your doorstep. Use code IRON for $40 off the first order, or$100 off across the first three orders when customers start a subscription. Plus free protein with every order (choice of burgers, bacon, or chicken breasts). Be sure to mention “Tread Lightly Podcast” for how you heard about the company! https://www.goodranchers.com/✨ Tailwind: Complete sport nutrition made simple, including hydration mixes, high-carb sport drinks, endurance fuel, and recovery mixes. Use code TREADLIGHTLY20 at https://tailwindnutrition.com/TREADLIGHTLY for 20% off your first purpose.✨ Mizuno: Shop running shoes and clothes at Mizuno’s Memorial Day sale: https://runtothefinish.com/memorial-day-sale-mizuno-usa/In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ What happens to your body when you run in the heat✅ Why you need to change your recovery strategy during the summer✅ Why humidity, UV index, and air quality, matter as much as temperature✅ How to adjust your paces for running in the heat✅ How to adjust your interval and tempo runs for the heat and humidityFurther Resources:Heat-Adjusted Pace Calculator: https://apps.runningwritings.com/heat-adjusted-pace/How to Adjust Your Workouts for Heat and Humidity: https://lauranorrisrunning.substack.com/p/how-to-adjust-your-running-workoutsReferences🔬PMID: 40249903🔬PMID: 30906810🔬PMID: 30618849🔬PMID: 40170530🔬PMID: 40141822🔬PMID: 23444094🔬PMID: 33707983🔬https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00421-018-04063-9🔬PMID: 29356948🔬PMID: 39152681🔬PMID: 41749466🔬PMID: 39231499🔬PMID: 34129223Tread Lightly Running is hosted and researched by Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris, MSc. Production, show notes, and graphics by Laura Norris.Let’s stay connected:➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/➡️ Subscribe for weekly evidence-based newsletters, straight to your inbox, on https://lauranorrisrunning.substack.com/➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides: https://runtothefinish.com/

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