I’m beginning to think that the sport of running has less to do with strength, endurance, and will than it does with your body’s ability to dissipate heat. When I went running in Seattle I ran twice as far as I normally do, climbed lots of stairs and ramps–and I was less tired. The difference? Lower temperature and humidity.
After I run in Baton Rouge I continue to sweat even after a cold shower. In order to cool down I have to supplement the shower by sitting under a fan for half an hour while drinking crushed ice. In Seattle a regular hot shower was sufficient.
It occurs to me that most of the very fast distance runners I know have a very high surface to volume ratio for their bodies (i.e. they are very thin).
In the future when I run in Baton Rouge, I plan to strap freezer packs to my wrists and neck. I’ll let you know how it goes.