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Friday Five: Five Ways to Beat the Heat

June 20, 2014 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC57 Comments

Happy Friday, y’all! After the heat wave we experienced in DC this week, this week’s theme is particularly fitting! Per usual, I’m linking up with Mar and Cynthia and we are all pretty pumped about this week’s topic! Enjoy and make sure to link up your Friday Five post. You can read our linkup rules here. Please note that if you don’t play nicely, we will delete your link. 

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Let’s be real…it’s getting real hot, real quick. But that doesn’t mean you have to bag your workout. Here are five ideas for helping you to (attempt to) beat the summer heat: 

  1. You have to literally beat the sun. That means you should try and wake up early and get out for your runs before the sun rises. It’s not fun getting up super early but it is the best chance you’ve got at not being completely overwhelmed by the heat. My run buddy Julie (who y’all heard from while I was off doing wedding stuff)
  2. and I are moving our run meet up time back earlier and earlier. It’s a must do!

  3. Freeze your water overnight before you head out to run – it will melt quickly, giving you cold water for the majority of your run. I recommend a Camelbak for long runs — not only can you carry more water, it will stay cool longer because the water is covered in your pack. This was KEY in my running last summer. Keeping the water cold as long as possible really makes a difference. 
  4. I keep popsicles stocked in the fridge for a post run treat! It’s something to look forward to and it’s also really really yummy. It doesn’t help during a workout but for me, just knowing I have an ice cold popsicle waiting for me, helps!
  5. Swim. Yep! Sometimes you gotta switch up your cross training and just give in to the heat and get in the pool (or ocean). I plan on spending a good bit of time in the water this summer. 
  6. Keep it short.There’s no shame in cutting a run short or dialing back your workout in response to the heat. You gotta listen to your body and respect the crazy ridiculous heat and humidity.  I, for one, am happy that my plan only requires three hard runs a week. Any more than that and I might melt. 

How do you handle the humidity, heat and general unpleasantness of summer running? 

 

Friday Five Link Up

*note: there is an affiliate link in this post, but per usual, I never link to anything I haven’t bought and loved myself!

 


Comments

  1. M @ readeatwriterun.com says

    June 20, 2014 at 7:02 am

    Another popsicle fan! I don’t freeze my bottles (DH does) since I run inside, but I do put my bottle, filled with ice, in the freezer the night before and use chilled water. It’s warm by the time I’m done, but it helps.
    M @ readeatwriterun.com recently posted…Friday Five – Five Ways to Beat the HeatMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 20, 2014 at 11:33 am

      yes! popsicles are SO nice after a hot run!

      Reply
  2. Meranda@fairytalesandfitness says

    June 20, 2014 at 7:07 am

    I’m definitely gonna try to get more swimming in this year. No sense in having a pool if i’m not gonna use it!
    Meranda@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Friday 5 and a Summer GIVEAWAY!My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 20, 2014 at 11:34 am

      oh you have a pool? you MUST use it then!

      Reply
  3. Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says

    June 20, 2014 at 7:15 am

    I’ve never used a camelback but having gone through all of my water yesterday on my fuel belt I might have to.
    Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…5 Tips to Beat the Heat this SummerMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 20, 2014 at 11:35 am

      oh i highly recommend it – you’ll love it! just get one made for women.

      Reply
  4. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    June 20, 2014 at 7:41 am

    All great tips! I was late to the party on this linkup…AGAIN. I really need to get on the ball! I always freeze my camelbak fluid the night before a run. On the downside it’s like a rock on my back, but it melts quickly! Can’t wait to see you this weekend!
    Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Is a juice cleanse for you? And a great giveaway!My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 20, 2014 at 11:38 am

      i let mine sit outside my front door as i’m finishing getting ready so it’s not like a rock! it works 🙂

      Reply
      • Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

        June 20, 2014 at 3:14 pm

        That’s a great idea, will try that next time!
        Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Summer essentials!My Profile

        Reply
  5. Jennifer @ Running on Lentils says

    June 20, 2014 at 8:35 am

    I’m an early bird so I prefer early-morning runs in general, which is good because I don’t think I would run if I had to do most of my runs in the hottest part of the day! Getting up pre-sun on weekends is still a challenge though. Great tip on freezing water bottles the night before. I’ll definitely do that!
    Jennifer @ Running on Lentils recently posted…Top Five Summer Running TopsMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 20, 2014 at 3:10 pm

      yes, give it a try for sure!

      Reply
  6. Nikki @ grab your kicks says

    June 20, 2014 at 9:06 am

    I keep it short and early too. I love to get a run in first thing in the morning and then take a cool shower after. One of the best feelings!
    Nikki @ grab your kicks recently posted…Five Things Friday #2My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 20, 2014 at 4:03 pm

      yes, me too!

      Reply
  7. Michelle @ Running with Attitude says

    June 20, 2014 at 9:38 am

    Up early is a must for me too! I like your freeze water bottle tip and will be trying that one for sure.
    Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Friday Five – Ways to beat the heat!My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 20, 2014 at 4:14 pm

      it really does work! if it’s too frozen, i leave it outside while i dress for the run. then it’s perfect!

      Reply
  8. Rebecca Jo says

    June 20, 2014 at 9:47 am

    Popsicles are ALWAYS a winner!!!
    Rebecca Jo recently posted…Friday Five: 5 Ways to beat the heatMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 20, 2014 at 4:18 pm

      i know, right??

      Reply
  9. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    June 20, 2014 at 9:51 am

    Thanks for the popsicle suggestion! I’ll definitely have to stock the freezer at our new house with some.
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – June 20thMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 20, 2014 at 4:20 pm

      perfect housewarming gift to yourself!

      Reply
  10. Linz @ Itz Linz says

    June 20, 2014 at 10:08 am

    freezing your water is such a good idea!!
    Linz @ Itz Linz recently posted…Come to Ruth’s Chris Patio Party on June 26th!My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 20, 2014 at 4:21 pm

      it really works!

      Reply
  11. Samanths @ Food Fitness Family Friends says

    June 20, 2014 at 10:17 am

    I love the idea of freezing water bottle. When I get my hydration pack this summer I will have to keep that in mind during the summer heat while I train for my fall marathon.
    Samanths @ Food Fitness Family Friends recently posted…5 Tips for Running in the Summer HeatMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 20, 2014 at 4:25 pm

      it really helps make that run more pleasant! what are you training for?

      Reply
      • Samantha @ Food fitness family friends says

        June 20, 2014 at 4:32 pm

        I will be running the Philadelphia marathon this Nov. My first full marathon. I can’t wait!
        Samantha @ Food fitness family friends recently posted…5 Tips for Running in the Summer HeatMy Profile

        Reply
        • cdredden@gmail.com says

          June 22, 2014 at 6:19 pm

          that’s awesome! excited to follow your training 🙂

          Reply
  12. Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie says

    June 20, 2014 at 11:06 am

    I love popsicles! And how Home Depot randomly puts them out in refrigerators in the summer!
    Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie recently posted…Friday Five 20My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 20, 2014 at 4:25 pm

      aren’t popsicles the best???

      Reply
  13. Sarah @ Sweet Miles says

    June 20, 2014 at 1:24 pm

    Popsicles are a great idea!! Why haven’t I thought of that?! And to Erin above..we went to Home Depot recently and they had a huge cooler by the door full of popsicles are customers!
    Sarah @ Sweet Miles recently posted…Our Day Exploring Hot Springs, ArkansasMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 20, 2014 at 4:24 pm

      ooh, i have a home depot trip on my to do list. 🙂

      Reply
  14. Heather Runs Thirteen Point One says

    June 20, 2014 at 1:54 pm

    Great tips! Did you love your Camelbak backpack? I bought a Nathan one, but have yet to try it out. I like to keep notes of other products that worked well for others, just in case 🙂 I’m always concerned about chafing (do the straps rub on your arms?). I’ll definitely be freezing a water bottle for my next run, as well as putting popsicles on the grocery list!

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 20, 2014 at 4:22 pm

      i LOVE my camelbak — i have the one i link to. it has only chafed once and that was during a marathon. i just rub a little body glide on and it’s all good.

      Reply
  15. Debbie @ Deb Runs says

    June 20, 2014 at 1:57 pm

    I really can’t stand the DC humidity! I try to run as early as possible during the hottest days…

    Looking forward to seeing you this evening!
    Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Friday Five: Five Ways To Beat The HeatMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 20, 2014 at 4:22 pm

      see you tonight!! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Karen @WellnessScience says

    June 20, 2014 at 3:42 pm

    I generally wait until about an hour before sunset before going for a run, as well as choosing shady paths/trails. Oh, and SPF 50 all day for this gal!!
    Karen @WellnessScience recently posted…Friday Five: Five Ways To Beat The Heat This SummerMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 20, 2014 at 4:21 pm

      smart – especially the SPF!!

      Reply
  17. John @ run. geek. run(disney) says

    June 20, 2014 at 4:38 pm

    Great list. Early morning runs are how I avoid the heat. A nice dip in the pool definitely helps.
    John @ run. geek. run(disney) recently posted…Five Unconventional Ways to Beat the HeatMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 22, 2014 at 6:21 pm

      ahhhhh the pool – i LOVE it!

      Reply
  18. Laura says

    June 20, 2014 at 6:30 pm

    Some great tips!

    Not currently exercising atm whilst i’m recovering from surgery but i’m hoping to be cleared to start again after this weekend.

    I don’t handle heat/humidity very well so I will definitely be taking advantage of light mornings to get in workouts/walks.
    Laura recently posted…Friday Five // Beat The Summer Heat!My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 22, 2014 at 6:22 pm

      i think i’m FINALLY adjusting to the heat. it took awhile though. recover well!

      Reply
  19. Amanda H says

    June 20, 2014 at 7:32 pm

    Not so good at getting up before the sun but I do love popsicles. And I love the old water in the freezer trick too!
    Amanda H recently posted…Five Foods to Beat the Summer HeatMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 22, 2014 at 6:24 pm

      popsicles are THE BEST! 🙂

      Reply
  20. Coco says

    June 20, 2014 at 8:49 pm

    I need to get some popsicles! Are you still honeymooning? xxooxx
    Coco recently posted…How To Beat The HeatMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 22, 2014 at 6:28 pm

      we spent 2 nights in old town right after the wedding and then went back to work. we’re going to the dominican republic this fall for our legit honeymoon 🙂

      Reply
  21. Lindsey says

    June 20, 2014 at 9:10 pm

    I think the hardest part for me this summer will be determining if I WANT to cut a run short or need to haha. I am excited to have my Camelbak this summer though! 🙂
    Lindsey recently posted…5 Ways I’ve Embraced the Morning RunMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 22, 2014 at 6:28 pm

      true! so much of it is mental. camelbaks rock though!

      Reply
  22. Jennifer says

    June 20, 2014 at 10:52 pm

    Oooh freezing the Camelbak is a good idea -my fuel belt bothers me sometimes. I have a small one I use for cycling I’ll have to give it a try!
    Jennifer recently posted…Friday Five: DC Bucket List RacesMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 22, 2014 at 6:29 pm

      it really works and feels SOOOOO good!

      Reply
  23. Mar @ Mar on the Run says

    June 21, 2014 at 12:12 am

    I have got to get a new camel bak!!
    Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Friday Five: It’s Like a Heat Wave!My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 22, 2014 at 6:30 pm

      oh yes. you need to get one of the ones for women!

      Reply
  24. Momshomerun says

    June 21, 2014 at 5:49 am

    I agree with the keeping it short and beating the sun by getting up early!
    Momshomerun recently posted…Five ways to beat the heatMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 22, 2014 at 6:31 pm

      it’s a must!

      Reply
  25. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says

    June 21, 2014 at 7:30 pm

    I am trying to stay hydrated and drink as much water as I can.

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 22, 2014 at 6:32 pm

      i have to remember to keep drinking my water while i’m at work. it’s key!

      Reply
  26. Gabi @ LeanGreenIslandGirl says

    June 22, 2014 at 5:39 pm

    Do you freeze the Camelbak?

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      June 22, 2014 at 6:33 pm

      i freeze the water reservoir portion of the camelbak. then if it’s rock hard, i set that out while i’m getting ready. then it’s perfect!

      Reply
      • Gabi @ LeanGreenIslandGirl says

        June 22, 2014 at 7:20 pm

        Oh, I’m going to have to try that!

        Reply
  27. Chaitali says

    June 23, 2014 at 6:54 pm

    Oh, I never thought about freezing the water before a run. Great tip!
    Chaitali recently posted…Friday Five more random thingsMy Profile

    Reply

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