Chapel Hill summers are hot. For anyone who competes outdoors or simply wants to be ready for long, tough sessions, training in the heat has real benefits.
Heat training improves your body’s ability to cool itself and handle higher heart rates for longer. It also builds mental toughness—you learn to keep technique sharp when you’re uncomfortable. Our athletes who competed at outdoor events (including the WKA Nationals) spent time training outside specifically to prepare for those conditions.
That said, heat training needs to be done smartly. Hydrate before, during, and after. Pay attention to how you feel. Shorter, high-quality sessions in the heat are usually better than long sessions that turn into survival mode. We monitor conditions and adjust as needed.
If you’re preparing for a summer or early-fall competition, or you just want to get more comfortable training when it’s hot, talk to the coaches about adding some outdoor work. It’s one of the more practical ways to get an edge.