During the peak of summer, it is crucial to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. With some of our heaviest training and racing in these conditions, it is imperative we are educated and take the preventive steps necessary to reduce our risk.

Sodium bicarbonate is less widely known, less understood and not as highly used amongst the endurance athlete community. This article provides a helpful understanding to the endurance athlete of sodium bicarbonate. There is much information available regarding nutrition products, and depending on the source, not all of it is true or may be misleading. With any product you consider taking, it is essential to be informed and understand if and how this product is beneficial, at what minimum effective dose, the timing at which you should consume the product, and what the long-term risks are, if any.

When we enter a training or racing session at high levels of heat or humidity, it is essential to stay well hydrated and dial back the pace or power, right from the get-go, focusing more on rating of perceived exertion rather than pace or power. Depending on how high the heat and humidity, we cannot expect to maintain the same outputs as we typically would in more ideal conditions. This article provides a baseline understanding of how heat, humidity and dehydration impact our body’s ability to perform.