I’ve been heat training in preparation for my next ultra marathon and it’s one of the hardest forms of training I’ve ever done. Which leads me to believe that after all these years of  intense PT, I’ve obviously been leaving too much gas in the tank–and not working to my full physical potential. But I digress…

Heat training, or heat acclimation training, helps our bodies adapt to a wider range of temperatures, and prepares us to withstand the intense heat generated by outdoor endurance activities, like my 100 miler in the Arizona desert. 

My heat training routine varies but often consists of a minimum 2 hour run in layered clothing, volume strength training, road biking, mobility training, 15-20 mins in the sauna and then intense meditation for 30-60 minutes. 

A 2010 study  suggests that training in heated conditions, can produce a multitude of beneficial training effects. 

Here’s a list of 10 reasons why you should include heat training in your fitness regimen: 

Lowers Resting Body Temperature

Increases Sweating

Decreases Heart Rate

Increases Consumption of Oxygen

Improves Efficiency 

Builds Mental Fortitude (my favourite)

Forces Us Out Of Comfort 

Creates A Training Stimulus 

Enhances Fitness Prowess

Increased Blood Plasma

No one has ever improved their fitness or running performance by being comfortable. In fact, it’s the exact opposite. Positive change can only happen we take the road of most resistance and seek out discomfort.