It is no secret that summer is my 4th favorite season to run in. In the past, I’ve really eschewed the very thought of braving the heat and humidity that is summer. Why do you ask? It’s hot. Very hot. Running is a lot more demanding and a lot more taxing. This summer, I changed my pattern.
Because so many races were canceled or postponed due to covid, I found myself with a fall full of longer distance races. I realized, to achieve my goals, I would have to embrace summer running. Surprisingly, I learned a few things along the way.
What I learned from summer running
Hydration matters- a lot
I sweat a lot. Staying on top of hydration was more important than ever. I trained myself by taking little sips every few minutes from my new favorite hydration pack. I learned the importance of electrolyte tablets and measuring my sweat rate periodically. I was not as wiped out the rest of the day.
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Early bird gets the worm
I trained myself to get up earlier and get out for my runs earlier. While it was still very hot and humid, not having as much sun on me was so helpful. Becoming a morning runner was not as bad as I imagined.
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Heat adaptation is possible
I cannot believe I am saying this, but heat adaptation is possible. Sticking with summer running really did get easier and the weeks and months went by. I still don’t like it but it did get easier.
Consistency is key
Getting up earlier, sticking to my 3 days a week schedule, and getting it done every week no matter what was key. Staying consistent helped my adaptation. Go figure!
Mental toughness training
Powering through hot and humid runs builds serious mental toughness. I am pretty convinced I can run through just about any weather now.
I learned a lot this summer about what I am capable of overcoming and achieving. Those are great life lessons that I can use in other situations. I am glad I stayed with summer running and I feel like I am stronger for it. Bring on those cooler, fall temps this runner girl is ready to enjoy them.
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So true. It’s harder to run in the summer. But worth it.
And you have to be consistent. Go outdoors. You won’t die.
I’m glad I don’t have a treadmill because I had no excuses to stay inside.
It is definitely worth it! But, bring on fall weather
Yes! All true- it’s definitely possible to adapt to the heat. And hydration really makes a difference. It’s only recently that I got consistent about taking in electrolytes, and that makes a huge difference as well. Glad you enjoyed your summer running! Think how easy the fall will be.
the electrolytes have made a huge difference for me in both actual running and recovery
I feel like this summer was particularly harder to get out and run. My work schedule has just been crazy so I’ve been sleeping in on my days off. Last summer I had leave so I would knock out double digit runs daily. I hope to get some good runs in now that fall is approaching and weather will be a bit cooler.
sleeping in is good sometimes! Looking forward to fall running
Glad you have found the solution to run through any weather.
However it’s hard to run in summer.
Maybe it’s my age fault but heat adaptation is difficult for me: my solution is running in early morning when the sun is down.
And above all if necessary, and if the heat affects too much the run, coming back home.
OH, it is so hard! However, I am glad that I stuck with it this season and I think I will be better off for it
Consistency is the key to almost everything!
That is very true!
Summer is without a doubt my least favorite time of year to run. Getting out early and staying hydrated are definitely my keys to survival. So glad fall is coming 🙂
Right there with you!
Well done, Deborah!!! I feel the same about winter running as you do for summer….but just sticking it out is key. It does build mental toughness and then, when our favorite season returns, we can really appreciate what we endured to get there 🙂
Yes indeed!
I am right there with you- you know I also can’t stand summer running haha. I’m so excited for fall! I’ve noticed a huge difference when I drink extra water though, but I’m so bad at remembering to do it!
hydration is key for me too. Bring on fall!
Ha! I hate running in the heat and humidity, but I also hate running super early in the morning so I tend to suffer through later in the day!
It is not easy to get up super early but it has helped me to get out there a little earlier and beat the heat
Ha1 Fourth favorite season to run! That’s hysterical.
We definitely get used to the crazy weather and heat. It’s a challenge but also manageable.
it is a challenge but yes manageable if you give yourself time to adapt
Summer isn’t my favorite either but I have learned to manage it. To me being out there early is key as well.
it sure helps!
such great lessons! I wasn’t running much this summer but I know that if I put my head fully in the game I can handle everything else. Glad I can run more now and it’s fall running season though! Heat and humidity are definitely not my favourites!
fall running is the best. Glad you will be back to enjoy it