With the Runner’s World run streak going on as well as just folks trying to stay fit in general…I thought it would be a good time to go over some vital things to know when it comes to running in the hot summer months!
–Invest in some dri fit clothing. T-shirts, shorts and even socks that wick the moisture sure do make all the difference. I like to make sure I have a ton of light colored tank tops and even bright colored shorts in the summer time. Being outside for hours on end…you will be very happy that you didn’t wear black! Neon is the new black, anyway.
–Wear sunscreen. I love the spray kind too as it’s just easier to mist on and go. And it does not matter about your pigmentation. Black people burn too!! Just being real. I have had many a sun burn in my day. Haha. Believe it. I love this one below but any other kind that says ‘sport’ or ‘active’ on it will do.
–Bug spray doesn’t hurt, either. Texas is known for it’s mosquitoes around this time of year. OFF can be your best friend in the summer time.
–Hats, sunglasses, visors…protect yourself against those rays.
–Electrolytes. I think salt tabs are excellent things to carry in your spi belt for the marathon training runs. You lose a ton of salt when you run long distance (more than you think) so don’t underestimate this. Accelerade, gatorade and other drinks are helpful too. Mix it in some of your water in your sports bottles. I have had some wicked leg cramps simply because I did not hydrate as much as I thought I did on the run.
–Leading up to a HOT summer race, cut back on those things that dehydrate you…like alcohol and coffee. Keep water handy by your desk at work…this helps me to gulp it down.
–Get up EARLY. This is an easy one for me but I know it is not for everyone. Get some shut eye so you can wake up rested and ready to go. The earlier you can get up and knock out that long run before that sun hits hard, the better! It sure does make all the difference!
What are some things you do to survive the summer running season?
thedancingrunner 
Good tips!! I’m trying the #RWStreak right now but it’s sometimes difficult to stay feeling good while running daily.
I like to do it around the holiday season!! It is definitely a nice way to hold yourself accountable! Keep it up, Melissa!
These are great tips – I have been trying to get out there earlier, but man…the CO sun is a killer!
Girl Texas is so brutal and I’m sure it is there too in the summer! Feels good when it’s done though!
I’ve never seen those salt stick caps… I use Nuun tablets and I love them! I can definitely tell my body crave electrolytes more in the heat!
Nuun is excellent too Maddie!
Thanks for the tips 🙂
Absolutely anytime!!
That’s the worst part of summer running – getting up early! At least Texas is dry, depending on where you live there. Down here in south Florida it’s so humid that it makes it feel even harder. Good luck on your summer running!
It is humid here a lot of times as well. Drier heat than in South Texas though. Running in the summer is all about your mindset. I like the way I feel afterwards! Like sauna running! Have fun in that Florida humidity!! hahaha *evil laughter*
Sunscreen is key for me! I will get sunburned in 20 minutes without it.
It really is key! I learned the hard way, haha
Early morning-before the sun rises… That’s the PERFECT TIME! 🙂
Yes, GiGi!! Glad you & I agree!! Team early birds 🙂
Great tips to beat the heat. I love the dri-fit line from Nike. It really does make a big difference when getting your sweat on in the summer heat.
I do LOVE the summer heat though!
Their dri-fit line is the TOP of the line!! 🙂 🙂
Great tips! I always carry Gatorade or Skratch when it’s hot but I should probably pick up some salt tabs for the summer too.
You definitely should try it out!
Last year was my first summer as a runner, and I just… stopped pretty much altogether rather than cope with the heat. This year, I signed up for two summer races to keep that from happening again. Thanks for the tips. I probably would have skipped the sunscreen and paid the price later.
Absolutely!! You got this, girl!! Best of luck on your summer races!!!
Great post lovey. I bought salt tablets last year but haven’t known when to use them- I’m going to this summer for sure. Do you put them in your water? Sunglasses and light clothing are musts for me! Love your “neon is the new black.” Yasssss.
Nope you just take them like normal tablets! They really help on the long run and even in training especially in the hot summer months!
Great tips!! I was just talking to my girlfriend about dreading marathon training in 2 1/2 weeks. Ugh. I hate summer running. BUT, it has to be done. What I try to do is set up water stations or some of my awesome non-running girlfriends have offered to set up coolers with ICE COLD water for me. 🙂 Best thing ever. Thanks for this post.
Wow! I’d like to have some non-running girlfriends like that!!