QT: 3 Often Overlooked Tips for Running in the Heat of Summer

In case you haven’t noticed, it’s about that time of year again.

For some of us, summer is pretty much already here.

As such, it’s time for the annual post/episode related to running in the summer heat.

But First…

Before I dive into some often overlooked aspects of running in the heat, let me remind you about some of the summer running topics I’ve discussed in the past.

• Benefits of running in the heat.
• Making smart choices during your summer runs.
• Heart rate training during the heat of summer.
• Signs and symptoms of heat illness.
• What to do if you or someone you’re running with is showing signs of heat illness.
• Tips to help prevent heat illness.

If you want to dig into any of these topics in more detail, please do so.

And remember, when it comes to heat-related issues, they can legitimately be deadly serious.

So please, don’t take any foolish risks this summer, ok?

Overlooked Aspects of Running in the Heat

Now then, onto today’s topic.

Here are a few things that don’t get talked about as much as it relates to running in the summer, but are definitely worth keeping in mind as temps start climbing this year.

• Hot is Relative

Every year I hear chatter about how it’s hot but not as hot as it is in Texas/Arizona/Florida/wherever.

If it’s hot for you, then it’s hot for you.

You don’t need to qualify your weather conditions or grade the heat index on a curve.

Hot is hot, even if your hot and my hot aren’t objectively the same.

• Heat Issues can Happen to Anyone

Just because you live up north doesn’t mean you don’t have to worry about heat issues.

In fact, you might have to worry more about heat issues if you live/run in a place where you wouldn’t think about heat issues being a thing.

My reasoning is simple: those of us down south are (hopefully) a bit hyper-aware of heat issues.

We kind of know what to expect, we kind of know what to do to try and beat the heat, and our bodies kind of adjust a bit to the months and months of summer conditions.

But when you get that random week of unusually warm weather in July in New England?

That can cause some serious problems.

Be smart. Be aware.

Because heat issues really can happen to anyone this summer.

• Stress is Stress

Remember, your body doesn’t know the difference between “good stress” and “bad stress.”

So as you’re logging your miles this summer, make sure you’re taking care of yourself to hopefully avoid running yourself into the ground.

Get plenty of sleep. Keep your easy runs easy (remember that pace has nothing to do with easy/hard). Make recovery work a bit more of a priority.

Don’t overlook the physical impact that running in the summer heat has on your body, because the impact can be significant.

Last But Not Least…

Maybe the most commonly overlooked aspect of running in the summer heat is to make sure you’re having fun!

What does that look like? Depends on what you find fun!

More time on the trails? Running in a summer rainstorm? Participating in a few local 5ks? Running with your kids at the beach?

Whatever things you might enjoy, try to lean into them this summer!

Just do so safely, ok?

Don't overlook these three tips when #running in the heat of the summer. #runchat Click To Tweet

How Do You Have Fun, and Stay Safe, When Running in the Heat of Summer?

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