Humidity levels hindering athletes’ outdoor exercise
By Franky Arriaga, Mia Vasquez and Josilin Klien
TUCSON, Ariz. — Increasing humidity levels in Tucson are significantly impacting athletes’ abilities to exercise outdoors, according to local runners.
High humidity levels can create an array of problems for athletes who choose to exercise outdoors. It increases the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration, both of which interfere with an athlete’s performance and health.
Recent increases in humidity levels have taken a toll on local Tucson runners.
“Running in humidity is okay when the light breeze is blowing but when it’s still so hot it feels like the heat from the sidewalk radiates and the humidity makes me feel wet and nasty,” said high school senior Chris Trevizo, who is a member of his school’s track and cross-country teams.
To manage, athletes must alter their workouts to account for humidity.
“I usually run 10 miles, but due to the recent change in weather and the huge amounts of humidity I have to split up my workouts so that I don’t dehydrate,” Trevizo said.
Incoming University of Arizona freshmen Alexis Martinez, who was previously on her high school’s track and cross-country team, runs four to five days a week.
“It’s definitely a lot harder to run in general. The air around you is pretty dense and it’s hard to keep your normal pace,” Martinez said.
For those planning to run in the Tucson area, be mindful of increasing humidity levels and plan accordingly, she and others said. Dehydration and heat exhaustion can be fatal, making water and electrolytes essential.
