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.
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:
- 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)
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
and I are moving our run meet up time back earlier and earlier. It’s a must do!
How do you handle the humidity, heat and general unpleasantness of summer running?
*note: there is an affiliate link in this post, but per usual, I never link to anything I haven’t bought and loved myself!
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 Heat
yes! popsicles are SO nice after a hot run!
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!
oh you have a pool? you MUST use it then!
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 Summer
oh i highly recommend it – you’ll love it! just get one made for women.
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!
i let mine sit outside my front door as i’m finishing getting ready so it’s not like a rock! it works 🙂
That’s a great idea, will try that next time!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Summer essentials!
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 Tops
yes, give it a try for sure!
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 #2
yes, me too!
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!
it really does work! if it’s too frozen, i leave it outside while i dress for the run. then it’s perfect!
Popsicles are ALWAYS a winner!!!
Rebecca Jo recently posted…Friday Five: 5 Ways to beat the heat
i know, right??
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 20th
perfect housewarming gift to yourself!
freezing your water is such a good idea!!
Linz @ Itz Linz recently posted…Come to Ruth’s Chris Patio Party on June 26th!
it really works!
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 Heat
it really helps make that run more pleasant! what are you training for?
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 Heat
that’s awesome! excited to follow your training 🙂
I love popsicles! And how Home Depot randomly puts them out in refrigerators in the summer!
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie recently posted…Friday Five 20
aren’t popsicles the best???
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, Arkansas
ooh, i have a home depot trip on my to do list. 🙂
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!
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.
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 Heat
see you tonight!! 🙂
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 Summer
smart – especially the SPF!!
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 Heat
ahhhhh the pool – i LOVE it!
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!
i think i’m FINALLY adjusting to the heat. it took awhile though. recover well!
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 Heat
popsicles are THE BEST! 🙂
I need to get some popsicles! Are you still honeymooning? xxooxx
Coco recently posted…How To Beat The Heat
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 🙂
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 Run
true! so much of it is mental. camelbaks rock though!
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 Races
it really works and feels SOOOOO good!
I have got to get a new camel bak!!
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Friday Five: It’s Like a Heat Wave!
oh yes. you need to get one of the ones for women!
I agree with the keeping it short and beating the sun by getting up early!
Momshomerun recently posted…Five ways to beat the heat
it’s a must!
I am trying to stay hydrated and drink as much water as I can.
i have to remember to keep drinking my water while i’m at work. it’s key!
Do you freeze the Camelbak?
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!
Oh, I’m going to have to try that!
Oh, I never thought about freezing the water before a run. Great tip!
Chaitali recently posted…Friday Five more random things