Long-distance triathlon glossary·Heat

Heat management : Thermoregulation in racing

Intensity

The ability to maintain stable performance in high temperatures through cooling and hydration strategy.

Heat raises heart rate at a given intensity (cardiac drift), increases fluid losses (up to 2 L/h on the bike), and accelerates glycogen depletion. Above 25-28 °C, Ironman performance drops measurably for most athletes. Key strategies: 10-14 day acclimatisation beforehand (training sheltered or in a warm place), active cooling (ice in pockets, sponges at aid stations), proactive hydration (drink before feeling thirsty), deliberate pace reduction of 10-20 s/km.

In TriPaced:

In TriPaced, long run sessions include an expected heat indicator if your race's weather window is known. The description reminds you to adjust your target pace when forecast temperature exceeds 25 °C, to preserve the target TSS without going out too hard.

Source Sawka M.N. et al., 2007 : Exercise and Fluid Replacement (ACSM Position Stand)

Related terms

  • Dropbag : gear bag staged in the transition area
  • Race nutrition : fueling effort without crashing
  • Transition : T1 (swim-to-bike) and T2 (bike-to-run)
  • Cramps : Muscle cramps during racing
  • Energy gel : concentrated carbohydrate fuel
  • Electrolytes : mineral salts for hydration