While summer is indeed winding down, the heat and humidity remain for lots of us. Summer runs can not only be quite physically depleting but also have a way of sucking the confidence out of even a seasoned runner. So what can we do to help us power through the last month of summer running? I have no idea- your guess is as good as mine. Ha! I have a few ideas.
Power Through Summer Runs
Summer running can be so challenging. The heat and humidity can get the best of even us long time runners and start to wear us down. Now, is the time when many of us are upping our mileage and beginning to train for fall races. Here are a few tips to help keep your motivation up as you get through the last few weeks of summer running.
Recruit running buddies
I am a big fan of this strategy all year round however, it is extremely helpful on those draining summer running times. If you have a long run, consider recruiting a friend to run the first or second half of your miles with you. Nothing like chatting with your running buddies to help the miles fly by.
Change up the scenery
Sometimes just changing up the scenery can bring new excitement to your run. Extra bonus points for picking a spot with lots of photo ops for motivation and a chance to catch your breath.
Plan post run rewards
Plan out your run to finish at your fave coffee or iced tea shop for a cool treat at the finish. Last summer, on a hot 10 miler, I ran the last 1/2 mile back and forth in a Panera parking lot so I could get a cold lemonade/iced tea. It helps!
Add in some intervals
There is no shame in walking on a tough run. Adding in some walk intervals helps to catch your breath and are perfect opportunities for hydration stops. I think of them like water stops at a race.
Cut yourself some slack
Remember that summer running in the heat and humidity is tough for everyone. Allow yourself some grace and know that these miles will feel different in a few months.
I wrote these reminders for myself as well as for you. Hopefully, these will give you some ideas on how to power through the last month of summer running. Fall temps are on the way!
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
Running in the heat and humidity is challenging. I often opt for the forest, which has the best cooling system. Rewarding yourself with a cold drink is also a great incentive. Sometimes it’s all I can think about towards the end of a run!
Yes, it does help to have a reward planned
All great tips. I’m trying to recruit a friend. It really helps.
And taking it slow or using intervals.
Run early or late. Never mid day.
I have to end a long run with brunch.
I am too sweaty to go straight to brunch but that does sound good!
This is actually one of my favorite times of year to run–the cooler mornings and that late summer sunshine–there’s nothing like it. Maybe because I know what’s coming?
We don’t have the cooler mornings yet as we are a few weeks behind you. Our mornings are still quite sticky but I am looking forward to them!
Although the summer heat and the humidity are challenging, I almost always feel quite accomplished upon finishing a run in those tough conditions. I am always amazed at what my body can withstand. Believe it or not, I DO feel accomplished in the winter, but it’s definitely not as enjoyable being outdoors, LOL.
I do definitely feel accomplished after a tough morning run. Mostly, I am frustrated that I am struggling to hit the same distances and pace with my half coming up fast
Somehow it feels like running in the heat gets harder and harder as the summer goes on! Especially for us Floridians- I’m envious of you northerners and your cool mornings! These are all great tips- I love the cold lemonade after your long run. It looks delicious!
I am waiting for the cooler mornings!
I feel like I’m drowning. I wish I could power through the end of summer more comfortably, but here we are. 🙁 I’m just going to keep moving forward and hope I make it.
That is the only thing we can do!
I’ve been trying to remind myself that I will miss the warm weather when it’s freezing out. I’m not ready for the cold yet but a little less humidity would be nice!
I would really just appreciate not having so much humidity and feeling so drained!
I have definitely added in walk intervals! The heat and humidity, combined with time off after my surgery have combined to make the last months miserable. And we probably have another month to go!
One thing that helps is that I live pretty close to a mountain. I meet my girlfriend and in 20 minutes we can get to about 4000 feet elevation which is a lot cooler and have some great trails to run on. Only on Saturdays though.
that is great that you have options for cooler runs
I love that post-reward idea! My latest summer-hack is getting up earlier than usual. I started my long run last Saturday at 5am and it felt so good to be done by 8am!
I hope you’re surviving Italy’s heat wave!
That is early! Well, it’s definitely hot 🥵 here
Intervals have saved me. And friends.
Both are life saving agreed!
I really like having something to look forward to after a hot and humid run! An iced coffee usually does the trick!
That works too!
Yeah, my runs lately have been a slog. I’m not really enjoying them but on the other hand I don’t want to NOT run. I think I need to change up my route, and implement the post-run reward strategy!
it worked really well for me last summer. Every summer, I think, “did I really run in this crap last year”?
Great tips! I’m one of few trying to hold on & bask in the summer heat, LOL. I don’t like sweating off half of my body weight (most days), but I just dread winter…..
It can be really hard to stay hydrated in the high heat and very challenging to run in for me anyway
Rewards! I have been so good at not skipping my happy butt to the coffee shop after “surviving” all my runs. But gosh, maybe tomorrow I will be forced to treat myself.
Keep on keeping on! We will get through this!
we sure will!