Modifying a workout or a run to beat the summer heat can be tricky, but I've compiled a list of several ways to do so!
#1 Run early
Is it fun to wake up before dawn on a Saturday morning to go for a run? No...but when the summer heat is upon us, it's necessary. Even though Saturday is my only day to "sleep in", I still love waking up early and going for a run. It's such a peaceful time of day and the sunrise never disappoints!
#2 Modify your routes to include water stops
Personally, I haven't found a hydration belt that I like - there's just something about the sound of water sloshing around behind me that drives me bonkers. Instead, I've discovered several routes throughout my home town that include a water fountain or two. Now that my running group has disbanded, a few runners from our crew have also come together to put water and gatorade coolers around town on Saturday mornings (which will be nice during marathon training season)!
#3 Replenish those electrolytes
Salt tablets, salt packets, gatorade/powerade - make sure you're replenishing those electrolytes that were lost during your workout. This is so important for recovery, too!
#4 Wear cooler clothing
Summer friendly clothing is a must - sweat wicking, tank tops, shorts, etc. Moisture wicking clothing will help your body cool down faster after a run on a hot summer day. Most importantly, don't forget the sunscreen!!
#5 Eat yummy summer foods
So this one is not a must, but it sure is fun! Who doesn't enjoy a nice, sweet, cool watermelon after a long hot run?! This goes for oranges,
Happy (cool) running!
What's your favorite way to beat the summer heat and maintain a workout schedule?
I must run early or it doesn't get done! Also, I carry a handheld, even though my regular route has water fountains all along it (I call them water stations). I do need to be better about the sunscreen though!
ReplyDeleteYes exactly, if I don't run early, it doesn't happen! I've never tried a hand held - might look into that!
DeleteWow, 100 degrees already?! Yikes! We haven't hit that level of HOT yet, but I know it's coming :(
ReplyDeleteThere are not nearly enough water fountains in my town but I really wish there were more!
The heat is so crazy! That's an old picture, so it hasn't reached 100° yet, but it's coming soon!
DeleteWe have pretty much identical running conditions - I do all my runs early in the morning, too...it's even hotter in the evening! It's great that your old runners are still putting out water and Gatorade - for just a little extra effort, it sure makes a difference on those hot mornings!
ReplyDeleteIt really does make a difference! I'm so grateful for them!!
DeleteWorkout inside :) It's been so hot and humid here. August is going to suck haha
ReplyDeleteI despise working out inside, even though I own a treadmill! :)
DeleteI'm enjoying peach season right now, but I do love watermelon in the summer. It was always at cookouts when I was growing up, and I make sure to get it at the store... pre-sliced. I figured out how to slice a whole pineapple, but I haven't conquered a whole watermelon yet.
ReplyDeleteYum! I forgot about peaches but those are delicious too!! :)
DeleteI find that during the summer I drink so much water that I have to have a belt with me on anything longer then 5 miles. I still needed it last summer when training for the Richmond Marathon and was with the training team who had many water stations set up. I wish there was a line of water bottles on my whole run and I can get a swig whenever I needed it and didn't need to carry my own. :)
ReplyDeleteWouldn't that be so nice?? Haha!
DeleteI hate carrying a water bottle when I run so when i am doing a longer run in the summer I always make sure there are water fountains om my route.
ReplyDeleteYes! Same here!! Good call! :)
DeleteWow it is already so hot by you! Watermelon is definitely a must
ReplyDeleteIt's not quite that hot yet (that's an old picture), but it's getting there!
DeleteI actually have gotten so used to running with a water bottle I feel weird when I don't have one! But when I am training for a half marathon or longer that 1 bottle isn't enough. I stock my mailbox with water, gels, and ice packs for those long runs and plan my loops to go past my mailbox a few times! I once forgot to take the stuff out after, the mailman must have gotten a laugh at that!
ReplyDeleteI do the same with my mailbox for my at home weekly runs! It's so convenient!
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