Summer running is hard. It’s right up there with running in the wind, up hill…both ways. Hahaha. Seriously though, running in the heat can be so draining, even for those runners who like the heat. 

There are a few things you can do to motivate you through the summer so you will be ready for those Fall races that we all love.

Schedule your runs for early morning.

This seems quite obvious. We all know that we need to get out early in order to beat the heat but I’m talking about putting your run on your calendar and setting an alarm. This mentally prepares you to get up and get going. Take it a step further and have all your stuff ready so you can get out the door without delay. I am easily side tracked, especially when I have to do something that I don’t really want to do. Stay focused. 😉

Plan workouts according to the weather forecast.

If it’s going to 85 degrees by 0700 on Sunday maybe that’s not the day to do your long run. You can do a shorter run or an indoor workout instead. Save the long run for a cooler day if possible. If there are no cooler days in the forecast then refer to tip #1 and bring plenty of water. If it cools down at night maybe a night run is an option. I personally am a morning or nothing runner, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

Make a run date.

Misery loves company so get a friend to run with you. Not only will you now be committed to to another person but said person will be a distraction from the heat. (Providing he/she/you are not complaining about the heat the entire time. I once told my daughter that there is no complaining in running, just positive words.)

Dress for success.

I once wore compression socks for a Hot n’ Hilly 10k in the middle of summer and I literally wanted to stop and take them off. I felt like they were suffocating me. The next Hot n’ Hilly 10k I wore a chilled neck gator and that was a life saver! I had dipped my neck gator in cold water before the start and it kept me cool the entire race. I also like cooling sleeves. They keep the sun off my arms and feel cool too. Other things to wear on hot sunny days are a hat (preferably white to reflect the sun), sunglasses and sunscreen. I’ve heard of runners wetting their hats with cold water but I haven’t tried that. 

A new top or shorts, even socks, can motivate you to get up and out the door. It does me. 😉

That is all I have. Stay cool my friends and keep showing up!

What motivates you to run in the summer? Is there something you do that makes running in the summer more tolerable? 

I’m linking with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.

And Runners’ Roundup with Mile By Mile, Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner and Runs with Pugs 

Thanks for reading!

Denise