Summary • Heat acclimatization is a mandatory element in the preparation for endurance events in hot environments. • Adequate heat exposure during acclimatization training must be considered and can easily be evaluated via core temperature measurements during or immediately following training. A practical guideline would be to have an elevation of the core temperature by ~1°C above normal final core temperature. • Selected training sessions (quality/intensive bouts) should be conducted with the lowest possible heat stress to optimize non-thermal training adaptations. • Behavioral strategies that may influence performance during competitions and training include pre-cooling, drinking and pacing strategies: pre-cool skin/body core to levels that do not impair performance at the onset of exercise, but will prevent/delay the development of hyperthermia; drink to minimize any potential adverse effects of dehydration, but consider that a moderate body mass deficit is not detrimental to performance; test your pacing strategy during race-like training conditions and (if tactically appropriate) adjust your pace on the basis of your experiences in combinations with core temperature measurements.
© Copyright 2012 Endurance Training - Science and Practice. Published by Inigo Mujika. All rights reserved.