Runningmonkeys

This is officially the rainy season here in my part of Japan.  That means moderate to hot temperatures with very high humidity.  On some days the humidity is so severe that it is difficult to tell when it has actually started raining.  I continue to sweat for about an hour after running and there is virtually no evaporation so I leave puddles wherever I go for much of the time. 

I am about to head out the door for a run and so before I leave I thought I’d drop a quick post with my humidity survival tips:

1. Drink plenty of water before, during and especially after running
2. Wear as little clothing as your culture and your modesty will allow
3. Be prepared to reduce your pace a fraction if you don’t feel good
4. Try running in open areas where you have a chance of a breeze
5. Learn to live with it

I am actually at a bit of an advantage in humid weather as I don’t mind it as much as a lot of people do.  I would much prefer to be humid and dripping than cold and covered in icicles. 

Realistically, the best we can make of the situation is to become gradually acclimatised and to ensure that we are properly hydrated.  Evaporative cooling becomes much of a non-event when the air is already so laden with water, so we have to maximize airflow to get what we can.  This means loose singlet and shorts, and as little else as you can manage.

Apart from this, all we can do is relax and enjoy the variety that we get from running in all seasons.  Humidity is not mentioned in my goals as a reason to stop training.