Pre Cooling Improves Hot Weather Running

Confirmation out of Germany that pre-cooling is an effective strategy when racing in warm, humid conditions. "...pre-cooling can effectively enhance endurance performance, particularly in hot environments, whereas sprint exercise is barely affected. In particular, well trained athletes may benefit in a typical competition setting with practical and relevant effects. With respect to feasibility, cold drinks, cooling packs and cooling vests can be regarded as best-practice methods." -Pre-Cooling and Sports Performance: A Meta-Analytical Review

Precooling Strategies and Improvements in Cycling Performance in the Heat

"...a wide range of precooling methods, which involve exposure to cool air, cool water and ice, have been shown to reduce deep body and skin temperatures, increase heat storage capacity and improve exercise performance in hot conditions." -ACSM Sports Medicine Bulletin

MY COMMENT: Sunday prior to the Seoul Marathon I stood around for a long time with minimal clothing in wind, cold, and light rain. I was freezing to the point that I finally jammed into a crowded fast food joint to warm up for a few minutes, then had to go out again for another 20 minutes before the race actually started.