7 Ways to Love Running in the Summer Heat.

I know we all read a lot of running articles on ways to “beat the heat” and ways to make running suck less when it is the summertime. And yes…I get it…training in the heat is TOUGH (especially if you live down south or anywhere with triple digit temps). But hey! There are ways you can actually learn to…dare I say…LOVE training in the heat! So, let’s discuss some ways you can do just that. I just may turn you into a summer run lover if you shy away from it during these months.

–Wear the lightest clothing possible…sports bra/shorts/tanks are my daily run clothing of choice. Honestly I completely nix any sleeves whatsoever during these months because I know I’m going to be rolling them up in 5 minutes otherwise. And how annoying is that? If you’re looking for some great shorts…I always like to recommend lululemon speed shorts. They’ve made them more flattering over the years, they have awesome styles and the quality is top notch.

–Cover up that head with your favorite run hat. I used to totally not be a HAT person but that has changed over the years. I like my head to be protected and my face protected from the sun. So lather up that sunscreen, pop that hat on and go.

–For any runs over 90 degrees…keep the miles on the shorter side. I actually like pushing the pace a bit if I’m going to run in triple digit temps in the heat. So sometimes when I do my double run days I’ll run 3-5 miles in the evening when it is super hot. Heat training at its finest. Gotta love when 5 miles actually feels like 10. Ha.

–Consider the fact that your pace may be slower in the heat, and be okay with that. I know…this is always the hardest part. Try to make sure you remember that these runs are more about EFFORT than anything else. So if you live in Texas and run in the brutal summer time, okay you may be slower on some runs than your friends that live in New England or Maine or whatever. But guess what you are going to be one tough cookie come the fall when It starts cooling down. And it will feel so much more amazing to run in the cooler weather…leading to faster paces and faster race times. And your mental game will be ON POINT since you have been running and keeping your fitness in the summer months. Believe it.

–Hydrate like your life depends on it. I like the handhelds or Camelbak hydration packs especially if I am running trails. Often times when I run on roads also I like to include a convenience store stop towards the end of my run as a reward. Yes, the folks at 7-Eleven know my sweaty ass all too well.

–Get your favorite beach towel on deck for the car if you drive to your run destination to meet friends. That way afterwards you have a lovely fun towel to wipe off the sweat and keep your car dry. I simply cannot tell you what I would do without a trusty beach towel.

–Bring a cooler filled with chilly goodies for post run! Hydrating beverages like coconut water, icy water with Nuun or some type of electrolyte mixed in, and/or icy watermelon is always a hit. Bring a couple of icy beverages to share as well if you have them!! Your runner friends will love you…forever.

Share some of your summer running tips with us!!