I love running when it’s hot and humid. I’m a warm-weather kind of gal. I detest cold weather running — I will take a long, hot summer to a polar-vortex filled winter any day. Heat and humidity are my groove.
That being said, after a run on a hot day, there is nothing like coming home and turning on the air conditioning. Honestly, our house would be so uncomfortably warm without our fantastic AC system!
I was talking to my best friend about this a few days ago. She lives in Bentleigh in Australia and recently had to get her air conditioning system repaired. Apparently, if ever you need an electrician bentleigh is home to some wonderful HVAC experts.
Fortunately, my friend told me that her AC unit was able to be fixed quickly. I can only imagine how hot her house must have been without a working AC system.
Anyway, I’ve seen quite a few posts lately on various media channels with concerns about pace and distance, and summertime running in general. I know most people prefer cooler weather, and are quite uncomfortable during the summer months.
Check out these 13 tips to stay cool, relax your pace, and work on a fall PR during summer training. With these tips, I think you’ll have a great training-filled summer. Good news for most of you — fall is right around the corner! Cooler temps, fall PRs.
13 Tips to Stay Cool, Relax Your Pace, and Snag a Fall PR From Hot, Summertime Training
1. Hydrate.
2. Run by “feel” not by time. Remember, running during the hot, humid summer will make your workouts feel much harder. Perceived effort is based on how hard you feel like you’re working, not time. Adjust accordingly.
3. Cut the negative self-talk. If you aren’t making the time you want, cut the negative self-talk and remind yourself that it’s hot, sticky, and humid, and once cooler temps arrive, a fall PR will be on the horizon.
4. Run with a towel or bandana to wipe away sweat. Sweat doesn’t evaporate when it’s humid out, which can cause you to feel drenched and even warmer than you actually are.
5. Hydrate.
6. If it’s too hot out, run on the treadmill!
7. Check the weather before heading out for a run. Dew point, relative humidity, and “feels like” are all good indicators of how your run will feel.
8. Save the tough workouts — hill repeats, sprints, long runs — for the days with the most favorable conditions.
9. Rest. Recognize your body’s need for rest and recuperation, particularly in warmer temps.
10. Hydrate. Did I mention hydrating yet? Don’t focus solely on water, either. Make sure you balance with electrolytes to replenish salt lost to sweat.
11. Dress appropriately. Don’t wear superfluous clothing items when it’s going to be a tough run. Focus on lightweight, wicking apparel. Avoid black when possible, and wear light colors to reflect the sun.
12. Run with friends. Sticking with pals during warmer conditions is not only a good safety measure, but also helps take your mind off the discomfort.
13. Chillax and enjoy the scenery. Don’t plan for a summertime PR when conditions are hot, sweaty, humid, and sticky. Just enjoy the run.
Good luck!
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Are you a warm-weather or cold-weather lover?
What tips do you have to stay cool and dry during these swampy summer months?
