So that wonderful time of year is upon us. Time for hot and humid runs, long runs on the weekends, and gearing up those miles for upcoming fall marathons. And we all know that training for a fall race means running all summer long. Here are some ways you can stay cool this season during those hot runs.
1. Run in shaded areas. Although it is not always easy to run in the shade, try to familiarize yourself with a route with plenty of trees to keep you nice and cool. It can definitely make a huge difference to have a nice and shady route.
2. Run early in the morning before sunrise or after sunset. I personally prefer mornings, as early as possible in the summer. You get it done before you are even thinking about it and no excuses after work later. When we have our club runs during the week I try and start my runs well before 5:30 a.m. For those of you that aren’t morning people, yes it’s not always easy but once you get into a routine you are good to go. Ain’t nothing to it but to do it.
3. Sunscreen, sun visor/hat, sunglasses always make a difference. I don’t know about you but yes, I do burn in the summer time. Black people get sunburns too! I am just saying. Haha. Protect that skin.
4. Be intentional about carrying your hydration. It can be a pain but helpful those times when you are running a route without water fountains. Personally I love routes with water available or at least a convenience store nearby so I can pop in and grab a beverage. But it’s nice not to have to stop and you can just sip and go.
5. Wrap a ice cold bandana around your neck or a cold towel. Lots of folks do this and I have done it when they pass ‘em out at races. It really is amazing and cools you down.
What are some ways you stay cool during hot runs?
thedancingrunner 
Excellent information. I have a very hard time running when I am hot. Thank you!
I think we all do! It has a lot to do with acclimating to it but I think it’s mental as much as physical.
Girl, I don’t know how you run in that humid weather. I ran 4 miles in Austin at the greenbelt and it was so hot. I had a blast because it was so greeen and pretty to look at, but when there wasn’t any shade, I melted. I’m getting a hydration pack soon to prepare for long runs this summer. I’m excited. 😊
Yep, it helps to get acclimated to it. We can’t all live in California missy!! Lol happy running in beautiful SoCal!
I think after you run, you should take a dip in a pool.
Yes indeedy!!! Good one! Adding it to the list 😊
Ugh, the heat is killing me right now. We went from unseasonably cool to triple digits overnight. I don’t adjust that fast anymore. 😛
Well, we all get a pass or two to complain about the heat! I hear you. But you also live in California so you aren’t allowed to complain that much 😉
I love my Mission cooling towel after a hot and humid run!!
Yes! Cooling towels are the best!!
“2. Run early in the morning before sunrise or after sunset.” I’m sure I could use a whole new blog post on how to roll out of bed to do this. For me, it’s the only time I can run and also the lowest level of motivation.
haha I have a whole lot of blog posts on this! Yep, getting up early is mostly mental and mostly about getting your routine down.
not duing but post i keep one of those cool towels in the fridge. i soak it with water before i leave for my run and its nice and cold when i get back. red faced running is for real!
haha I feel you sister!
I found it amazing to just wear as little clothes as possible! Shedding the shirt entirely and going in just a bra and shorts actually makes me love running in the heat, and I used to do other things in summer because of it. I did a post about this too your readers might find helpful https://getwifed.wordpress.com/2017/04/04/warm-weather-running-tips-from-a-reformed-springfall-runner/. Now I love getting out in the heat and actually crave it.
Yep, flaunt it if you’ve got it, honey!