5 Tips for Summertime Running

Boy its hot.

It is official as of June 21st its summer and those of us who run know that it can be rough. When the weather heats up it can be difficult to get out the door. So we thought we’d share a few tips to help make your summer runs safer and more comfortable. Take a look at our 5 tips for Summertime running. 

Stay Indoors 

Sometimes getting “out” the door isn’t possible. There could be an Ozone alert, maybe there is a big ol’ storm on the way or it's just ridiculously hot out. That's what treadmills are for. When you’re unsure whether you should run outside or not, don’t. Stay inside get your run done on the treadmill and avoid heat exhaustion.

Drink Up

Stay hydrated. When the weather heats up its important to drink up. We recommend drinking water before you run and an electrolyte replacement during and after. According to Active.com you should drink between eight and sixteen ounces of water two hours before your run and if you missed that window drink at least 4 ounces fifteen to thirty minutes before. Remember to try to stay hydrated during those longer runs, if you’re running a fall marathon chances are you’ll be cranking out some long runs in the heat. If you’re feeling thirsty you’re a little too late. 

Get Great Socks

Heat = Sweat and there is nothing worse than sweaty feet. It’s super important to invest in some awesome socks for when the weather heats up. Steer clear of cotton and look for socks made of a polyester blend that work with your shoes to move moisture away from your feet. Balega socks are constructed with those materials and made in a way that reduces seams and helps eliminate blisters. Doesn’t that sound great…eliminating blisters. 

Invest in Good Apparel

As with socks it's important to steer clear of cotton shirts and shorts. The goal here is again to move moisture away from the skin to avoid chafing and help make your run a little more comfortable. It’s also important to pay attention to the fit of your running clothes as you sweat more you’ll find more friction points popping up. Pay attention to where those seams fall. Lightweight breathable fabrics are the way to go in the summertime you can always check in with your friendly Rhode Runner employee if you need some guidance. 

Wear Sunscreen and a Hat

These are two items that you may want to invest in this summer. The hat will help keep the sun off of your head and face to reduce your exposure to UV rays. Sunscreen is a must these days especially for runners who will be out in it for sometimes hours on end. You’ll be wearing tank tops and t-shirts so clothing will be less effective at helping you out. Reduce your risk of skin cancer by spending a few bucks on some good sunscreen and snagging a hat. 

These are just 5 tips for helping you make your summertime running a little bit more comfortable but there is way more where that came from. There are countless items, advice that the folks at the Rhode have to help with summertime running (body glide anyone?). I hope this helps and if you ever have any questions do not hesitate to reach out! 

Cheers,

Coach E