Strolling Under Sweltering Conditions, resembling a Stick in a High Temperature Environment
In the face of soaring temperatures and intensifying heatwaves, hobby athletes in Austria are confronted with unique challenges during their training and races. As the country experiences increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves, it's crucial for athletes to adopt specific strategies to navigate these conditions safely.
Heat stress, a leading cause of climate-related deaths in Europe, is on the rise, with more hours of heat stress risk extending beyond the hottest parts of the day. Extreme heat can negatively impact physical performance, increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and negatively affect cardiovascular function. Moreover, the higher temperatures can lead to reduced overall physical activity levels, potentially exacerbating health issues in the long term.
To combat these challenges, athletes are advised to make adjustments to their training schedules, hydration practices, clothing choices, acclimatization, and exercise intensity. Training during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, is recommended to avoid peak heat hours. Adequate hydration is crucial, with athletes encouraged to ensure they consume enough fluids before, during, and after exercise. Lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored, and breathable clothing can aid heat dissipation, while gradually increasing training intensity and duration in the heat can help the body adapt.
Awareness of one's body signals is vital. Athletes should be vigilant for signs of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, headache, or nausea, and stop activity immediately if symptoms occur. Exercise intensity should be modified, and frequent breaks taken to reduce heat strain. Cooling measures, such as cold towels, fans, and shade, can help reduce body temperature during rest periods.
Race participation should be planned carefully, with athletes checking heat warnings from authorities in advance and considering postponing or skipping races on extreme heat days. Austria and European countries have started adopting heat–health action plans involving early-warning systems and public communication to improve safety during heatwaves.
Last year, the temperature during the half marathon at Lake Wörthersee reached 31 degrees in Klagenfurt and 23 degrees in Villach. The upcoming races, including the half marathon at Lake Wörthersee, present unique challenges for athletes. The author of this article, a weather wimp, struggles with heat during training, feeling like a skewered chicken after 850 meters of an evening run. However, the husband of the author, a veritable heat resilient athlete, can jog leisurely for ten hours in direct sunlight without issue.
In 2024, there was refreshing drizzle during the run at the Erzberg event, offering some relief from the heat. Last year's weather data suggests that the twelve mountain kilometers in Styria may be bearable during the heatwave. The author has chosen to participate in two events: one at the Erzberg in Styria, one at a lake in Carinthia. Motivation for training is a challenge for the author due to the heat, but the allure of competition and the pursuit of personal best times keeps her going.
As the heatwave brings a tropical ambiance into bedrooms at night, offering no cooling respite, athletes are encouraged to stay vigilant and prepared. Awareness and preparation, aligned with regional heat-health strategies, are critical to safely engaging in physical activity amid rising temperatures.
- To optimize their training and racing in the face of rising heatwaves, athletes in Austria should consider adjusting their schedules to train during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, as this could help avoid peak heat hours and prevent heat exhaustion.
- Incorporating strategies like adequate hydration, lightweight and breathable clothing, and gradually increasing training intensity and duration in the heat can aid athletes in adapting to the challenging weather conditions, thereby reducing the risks of dehydration, heat stroke, and negative impacts on cardiovascular function.
- When faced with extreme heat, athletes should pay close attention to their body signals, be aware of signs of heat exhaustion, and take necessary precautions such as reducing exercise intensity, taking frequent breaks, and using cooling measures such as cold towels, fans, or shade during rest periods to ensure their safety and performance.
