Does Summer Running Really Make You Faster in the Fall?

Slower summer runs lead to fast fall races - so you have heard. But as you slog through another humid, hot long run, you may be wondering: is there truth to this adage? In this episode, we discuss ideal fall racing temperatures, all the variables that contribute to fall race performances, and how long heat adaptations actually last.

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In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ How long do heat adaptations last?

✅ Other variables that contribute to fast fall races

✅ Could summer training impair your fall goals?

✅ Should you heat acclimate for fall races?

✅ Does your watch’s VO2max predict your fall race time?

✅ What are the ideal racing temperatures?

✅ Can you run a fast fall race if you train in mild temperatures?

Tread Lightly Running is hosted and researched by Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris, MSc. Production, show notes, and graphics by Laura Norris.

If you enjoyed this episode, you may like:

🎧 The Science of Running in the Heat and Humidity (22 May 2026)

🎧 Heat Acclimation Strategies (29 May 2022)

🎧 Gut Training for Runners with Claire Shorenstein (10 July 2026)

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