My lucky streak is about to end, with regard to the weather. We have had such a mild May and I have been able to train at times I wouldn't normally because it's been so cool in the Phoenix area. Even today, Mother's Day, I was able to enjoy the day outside with my girls and then grab an evening long run without really being affected by any heat. However, I did carry a water bottle and drop it on the loop I ran knowing I would need it in the later part of my run.
While on my run I was appreciating the mild weather but then thinking about the future Summer months fast approaching. If you are going to train through the Summer like I am going to, be sure you consider these tips/reminders on how to beat the heat!
1. Invest in a hand-held bottle. Before owning a hand-held, I ran my long runs without water and it took me longer to recover from the run. Once I started making sure I hydrated WHILE running, I felt so much better post run and recovered quicker.
If holding a water bottle is not for you, make sure your running route goes by a drinking fountain and stop when you need water.
2. Visors or running caps will help protect your head and face from the sun. Don't forget the sunblock too.
3. Sunglasses to protect your eyes from the UV Rays. Funny as I was running this evening, I didn't wear my sunglasses but kept getting those nasty gnats flying in my eyes...I could have used my clear lens option for my glasses. I'll have to remember that the next time I go running in the evening.
4. Run early in the morning if possible, temps are much cooler!
If you are an afternoon or evening runner: Stay hydrated throughout the day. While competing in college at ASU, our coach told us to carry a water bottle on campus and drink throughout the day. I have adopted this idea ever since and always take a water bottle with me wherever I go to ensure I have water available at all times.
5. Drink Nuun! Okay, this is a little bit bias because I love this product. But if you have never heard of it, check their website out. When I trained for a Marathon last Fall, I utilized Nuun for pre-workout, during, post workout and for throughout the day as well.
6. Plan group runs! It's always helpful to meet someone for an early run as it will hold you accountable to making sure you get up early. I was lucky to have a consistent training partner that I could rely on to meet at 4:30 am! Also being part of a training group will be helpful this coming summer.
Hopefully you are as excited as I am to train through the Summer. It's definitely a perk to staying fit for the Fall races. Plus, here in the Valley we have so many nice fun short race series like the Arizona Road Racers Summer Series and Arizona Sunrise Series. So enjoy and remember to beat the heat and stay hydrated.
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