
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


In this episode, I talk about a couple of articles I saw recently about running in the heat—about heat acclimation and endurance training—that honestly kind of rubbed me the wrong way.
So alert runners: we need to have a talk about this. I start by reading an excerpt from one of these popular running websites and unpacking some of the flawed assumptions behind this kind of messaging.
You’ll hear me break down why the obsession with suffering—grinding through extreme conditions, chasing bigger mileage, and pushing your body to the limit—has become so normalized in endurance culture, and how that mindset can quietly lead to overtraining, burnout, and hormone dysfunction.
I also share a more sensible approach to building heat tolerance and aerobic fitness that honors health, balance, and long-term consistency.
TIMESTAMPS:
Brad talks about some of the "running in heat" articles he has read, and points out some disagreements he has with those articles. [01:06]
The compelling argument that for the vast majority of recreational runners, running is a very bad idea. [04:00]
The popular modality of high intensity interval training, by and large is conducted in an ill-advised manner in workouts that last too long and are significantly too stressful for the vast majority of participants. [06:05]
If you stop sweating, you know you are close to heat stroke. [15:19]
There's no justification to go out there and stick it to yourself in heat preparation. [22:09]
Even though Brad is talking about the danger of racing in the heat, he understands the need to do it. [24:03]
If you're running in the heat, but you're totally oblivious to how hot you're getting, that can be a recipe for disaster. [33:35]
Some of the world's best runners do not workout at top speed. [36:50]
If you insist on performing the workout in a fatigue state, you are literally training your body to run slower because the central nervous system is protecting you. [45:57]
LINKS:
We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to [email protected]. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you!
Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life:
B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein!
Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off!
Ketone-IQ Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ!
Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount!
Online educational courses: Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience
Primal Fitness Expert Certification: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
 By Brad Kearns
By Brad Kearns4.8
218218 ratings
In this episode, I talk about a couple of articles I saw recently about running in the heat—about heat acclimation and endurance training—that honestly kind of rubbed me the wrong way.
So alert runners: we need to have a talk about this. I start by reading an excerpt from one of these popular running websites and unpacking some of the flawed assumptions behind this kind of messaging.
You’ll hear me break down why the obsession with suffering—grinding through extreme conditions, chasing bigger mileage, and pushing your body to the limit—has become so normalized in endurance culture, and how that mindset can quietly lead to overtraining, burnout, and hormone dysfunction.
I also share a more sensible approach to building heat tolerance and aerobic fitness that honors health, balance, and long-term consistency.
TIMESTAMPS:
Brad talks about some of the "running in heat" articles he has read, and points out some disagreements he has with those articles. [01:06]
The compelling argument that for the vast majority of recreational runners, running is a very bad idea. [04:00]
The popular modality of high intensity interval training, by and large is conducted in an ill-advised manner in workouts that last too long and are significantly too stressful for the vast majority of participants. [06:05]
If you stop sweating, you know you are close to heat stroke. [15:19]
There's no justification to go out there and stick it to yourself in heat preparation. [22:09]
Even though Brad is talking about the danger of racing in the heat, he understands the need to do it. [24:03]
If you're running in the heat, but you're totally oblivious to how hot you're getting, that can be a recipe for disaster. [33:35]
Some of the world's best runners do not workout at top speed. [36:50]
If you insist on performing the workout in a fatigue state, you are literally training your body to run slower because the central nervous system is protecting you. [45:57]
LINKS:
We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to [email protected]. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you!
Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life:
B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein!
Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off!
Ketone-IQ Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ!
Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount!
Online educational courses: Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience
Primal Fitness Expert Certification: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

7,383 Listeners

1,094 Listeners

1,222 Listeners

2,336 Listeners

198 Listeners

883 Listeners

8,672 Listeners

162 Listeners

2,566 Listeners

1,109 Listeners

1,363 Listeners

29,122 Listeners

206 Listeners

1,191 Listeners

109 Listeners