Record-Breaking Heat Expected During Sunday's LA Marathon

It's expected to be a sweltering marathon Sunday for LA runners this weekend. To help combat the record-high heat, race officials have moved the starting time of the LA Marathon up 30 minutes to 6:55 a.m. when temps are expected to be in the mid 60s. By the afternoon, when a good majority of the runners will be nearing the finish line, temperatures will be in the 80s and nearing the 90s.

Thinkstock | Martin mark Soerensen

Last year's LA Marathon was also plagued by heat, which I witnessed firsthand. As a guest of Asics that year, I was able to sit in on a premarathon coaching session led by running expert Andrew Kastor. Andrew coaches professional runners, including his wife — and Olympic medalist — Deena Kastor, and also serves as the head coach of the Mammoth Track Club and the LA Roadrunners. Also adding to the discussion were Olympians Ryan Hall and Andy Potts. Given the high temps of the day, it wasn't surprising that many of the tips centered around one thing: the heat.

First Things First: Let Go of Your Goal

When unusually hot temperatures happen — or the heat is simply unusual to you — Andrew suggests letting up on your goal and shaving off around 10 to 15 seconds per mile. "Back up from your pace, and let your body warm up," he says. "You want to be the last person to overheat by going conservative." Good advice, especially when it's likely that temperatures will rise as the race progresses. While shooting out at the start of any marathon is not recommended, doing so when it's hot can take so much out of you that it becomes that much harder to finish.

You've Heard of Carbo Loading? Try Electrolyte Loading

Before a big endurance event, it's not at all unusual for athletes to start carbo loading in the week or two leading up to the race. The idea being that the body will draw on that extra fuel to help energize and push itself when it's desperately needed. If you know you will be running in warmer conditions, Andrew suggests using this same principle to increase your levels of hydration and electrolytes before race day. Focus on eating hydrating foods, and find natural sources of electrolytes like bananas and nuts to include in your diet. "Eat more, gain more," he says.

Drench Yourself

The small cups of water they give out during the race aren't just for drinking, says Andrew. In addition to drinking water at every aid station during a hot run — "Sip early, before you need it" — Andrew suggests taking an additional cup to pour over yourself to cool off. Andy, a seasoned triathlete, adds that focusing on cooling down specific areas of the body can aid in lowering your body's temperature — specifically the back of the neck, the inside of the wrists, and the groin area. "On occasion, I've poured ice down there [pointing to crotch area]," says Andy. "Big relief!"

The Power of Positive Visualization

As anyone who has run a marathon can tell you, this race is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. If you've trained correctly, you have it within you to finish — you just need to believe.

One trick Olympic marathoner Ryan Hall does is to never acknowledge just how hot it is; as soon as you give into the negative, you're defeated, he says. Of course, this doesn't mean to ignore obvious signs of dehydration like dizziness or cramping; it simply means to focus on the positive: take this time to look around you, and soak in the experience of the iconic landmarks along the course and cheering crowds. And as much as you can, visualize the finish line. Andrew told the runners to picture the finish line of the LA Marathon, which is located along the beach in Santa Monica: "Prepare in your minds that the ocean is drawing you toward it. Close your eyes, and think about it. Lean forward like it's pulling you and drawing you forward. This visual will help you."