With summer heat and humidity in high gear, I have been hydrating like it’s my job. I have been much more sensitive to the high temps this year and have been making a concerted effort to stay hydrated. My run squad and I have even adopted some creative strategies to aid us in our pursuits. This post contains affiliate links.
Hydration Habits of a Summer Runner
PS I admit that my hydration strategies are not the most environmentally friendly. However, you all know I keep it real. So here it goes!
SmartWater
For all of my cycling and strength training workouts, I drink SmartWater. Started enjoying it about 10 years ago and have come to appreciate the little extra dose of added electrolytes and the clean fresh taste.
Sparkling Water
I used to make a few liter bottle of sparkling water a day with my Sodastream. This summer, I’ve gotten a tad lazy and have been buying Bubly sparkling waters. I love all the no sugar/calorie free flavor options from lemon to cranberry to grapefruit. For some reason the fizziness just satisfies me more than flat water.
Iced Tea and Lemonade
My “Runner Girl Gang” has gotten very creative of late with our summer hydration. We have set up iced tea runs a few times to cool off mid run and post run. Nothing better than ending a run with a cold iced tea. Some days, I add a splash of lemonade to my iced tea. YUM! Most of the coffee shops here have a great selection.
[you may like “how to host an iced tea run“]
MidRun hydration
I always have my Nathan Fuel belt along on runs. One of the bottles is filled with ice water, the other is filled with Gatorade. I’ve been a Gatorade user for years and it just works for me. Most of the big races also use Gatorade so practicing with it is helpful. I do not do well with the artificial sweeteners in some other brands.
Weekend Hydration
A friend sent this over yesterday. Perfect timing!
I have never been a big alcohol drinker (unless you count the college years ha ha). This summer however, I have been enjoying some nice cold Rosè. My current favorite is Whispering Angel.
Kimberly Hatting says
ha ha ha…the potty stops LOL Yes, I could write an entire post on clever ways to “pee on the go.” Hmmmm (?) I have been drinking plain old water, this summer, for most of my hydration (for running and just throughout the day). I’ve always been a big water gal, but had to rely on flavor-enhancers to get it done (until Invisalign entered the scene, that is). An iced tea run sounds like so much fun!
Deborah Brooks says
Yes I have to figure out exactly how much to drink so that I don’t have to pee on my runs!
Kim G says
I like bubly too! They have really great flavors.
Deborah Brooks says
They really do! We are now buying it by the case around here
Wendy says
I like your hydration habits! Altho I don’t like wine after a run, it is nice later when I’ve recovered!
Deborah Brooks says
I do not like beer or wine after a run either even at a race. I do like it with dinner sometimes though
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
I love how creative you guys get with your runs!
Nope to wine & sparkling water (I know, I know, I’m a really boring person). But hey, if it works for you, that’s all that matters!
Deborah Brooks says
We have been getting really creative this summer. Keeps it fun!
San says
I love iced tea and lemonade. Also one of my favorite summer drinks!
I never tried Smart Water…. maybe I should?! 😉
Deborah Brooks says
Iced tea with a splash of lemonade just feels so refreshing!
Annmarie says
I mostly drink water but when I am running I use Nuun. And of course, I hydrate with wine too 😉
Deborah Brooks says
of course wine too!
Debbie says
Mmm, that Rose looks refreshing! I love the idea of your Iced Tea runs. So fun!
Deborah Brooks says
I am loving our iced tea stops this summer so refreshing
Abbey Sharp says
Hydration is key! I’m obsessed with bubly! Also that rose looks so delicious. I’ll have to see if I can find it here.
Deborah Brooks says
Bubly is so good love all the flavors. Rose is always nice in the summer time
Rachel says
My go to is straight water. It’s just so refreshing! I’ve been enjoying a post long run beer a few times this summer which is surprisingly good. Coupled with a root beer or Mtn Dew and you’ve got a match made in post long run hydration heaven!
Deborah Brooks says
I have not had any soda in years but I can see how that might be a good post run treat
Karen says
A friend of mine introduced me to Bubly this summer and I really like it! Iced tea and lemonade is another good choice, too!
Deborah Brooks says
The bubly is good!
Marc Pelerin says
I am a huge fan of your weekend hydration strategy. But I’m also a fan of sparkling/carbonated water. We just got into them this summer.
Deborah Brooks says
The sparkling waters are the best aren’t they!?
Black Knight says
Hydration is very important in summer (and not only). I drink water sparkling and not, drinks with magnesium and potassium and smoothies.
I confess and I beg your pardon, I don’t like wine, I am teetotal.
Deborah Brooks says
That’s ok too!
Bethany Rutledge says
I’m always up for trying a new brand of sparkling water. Will definitely check your suggestion out. And yes to wine!
Deborah Brooks says
It’s a good one hope you enjoy them too
Angela says
I have never tried the Bubly water, but it sounds great! I will have to pick some up!! Also, love the idea of an Iced Tea run!! I do enjoy Rose wine during the summer, so refreshing!!
Deborah Brooks says
The iced tea runs have been a life saver this summer!
Sarah @ Bucket List Tummy says
It’s great to have other options besides plain water. I LOVE Bubly and sparking water, so refreshing!
Deborah Brooks says
They are refreshing indeed 🙂
Cedar says
I love the idea of iced tea runs! Reminds me of the good old high school days when my teammates and I would go to a store after cross country practice and buy iced teas haha. While I usually go for hot herbal teas (usually at night), maybe I should bring the iced teas back post-run…
Deborah Brooks says
Yes try the iced tea runs again they have been a life saver this summer
Dominique Cheylise says
I love iced coffee in the summer on my way to work, but it unfortunately means my water intake hasn’t been where it should! I plan to buy a huge water bottle to make sure I track how much I’m drinking throughout the day.
Deborah Brooks says
Yes it’s definitely important to balance out the coffee and water ratio
Zenaida Arroyo says
I love Bubly Sparkling Water too! Sometimes I add Nuun to it and to me it tastes better.
Deborah Brooks says
Oh that is a good idea!
Leslie says
Love this hydration post. Lots of good options to stay hydrated in the summertime!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks!