Here are a few things that I do that help me cope.
Embrace the sweat. I love to sweat. There, I said it. It is so unladylike (as if I care -- I never claimed to be one). When I first started running, I was in awe of how much fluid my body could exude through my pores. I can lose up to 7 pounds on one run. It is necessary to hang my clothes up after a run so they won't mold... they are that wet. They drip and made a puddle on the floor. How cool is that? The sweat, more than any other aspect of running, makes me feel like an athlete. Own It.
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| Instant Winter |
Run early. Some of you late sleepers will not like this. But, I get up at daylight. At my house that's about 5:15. That ensures me nothing over 75 degrees, even in the dead of summer. The humidity will be close to 100% most mornings but I'll take that over a 95 degree afternoon run any day. I'll also take it over a treadmill run.
Think cool thoughts. This sounds silly, but it works for me. While running, think about that refreshing dip in the pool or cold shower. Think about that iced coffee or frozen smoothie. Have songs about snow and cold weather on your playlist. Sometimes my shuffle will hit on a Christmas song. Yes! Instant Winter.
Give me your best hot weather tip!
Please visit our hosts and join in too!
Ericka @ MCM Mama Runs
April @ Run the great wide somewhere
Yup, sometimes I'll pull up my Christmas music too. I have a running playlist but I will listen to my holiday lists when it's not even close to that holiday.
ReplyDeleteThe old Boston Pops Sleigh Ride pulls the temperature down immediately!
DeleteI like your advice of embracing the sweat. I'm definitely self-conscious about it sometimes because I sweat a LOT...but it is what it is!
ReplyDeleteIt's going to happen. Own the hard work that produced it! Be proud instead of self conscious.
DeleteGood for you doing those early morning runs!!!
ReplyDeleteWhen I sweat, I just have to remember all the toxins coming out. So good for you!
Sweating is really good for you. Your right about the toxins.
DeleteLove Jimmy Buffet. Going to see him on Aug 15.
ReplyDeleteWe had the opportunity to see him years ago and didn't take it. How stupid was that? I just drank one of his margaritas last night. The best!
DeleteLove it. Own the sweat! That's going to be my new mantra!
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely one I can chant for about 4 more months.
DeleteIf I don't sweat I feel like I didn't get in a good workout. I like the saying sweat is your fat crying, lol!
ReplyDeleteWell, my fat is extremely unhappy because it cries excessively.
DeleteI have never heard of that one. Mailbox runner. That's a good one. Though I never run close to where mine is, I'm sure I can Find another stop. Easier than holding everything with you.
ReplyDeleteI'm one that doesn't like to hold or carry stuff around my waist. So this system works best for me. And I'm lucky enough that my neighborhood and surrounding areas are nice for running.
DeleteI am all about the mailbox trick where I'll stash supplies and fluids. Mentally it helps a lot, too, knowing that you've got them there waiting for you! Although, I have learned the hard way not to leave water bottles out on the street. One time I planted a water bottle for myself at an intersection, and I came back to find out that it was gone! Either someone stole it, or the street cleaners threw it away!
ReplyDeleteIt does help knowing it's there. I have to run a fairly steep hill to get back to it. It's my reward every time! I used to leave stuff in the park but it made me nervous because I was afraid it would be tampered with.
DeleteI totally have a song called "Frozen"(nothing to do with the movie) and some stuff by Snow Patrol on my summer tunes list!
ReplyDeleteA big part of it is mental. Whatever helps!
DeleteI sweat a ridiculous amount too, which also results in a lovely puddle when I hang my clothes up ha. But I like it too, it means I worked for that run:) and I have most definitely listened to Christmas music in the summer too:)
ReplyDeleteI feel like I earned every drop! It's a badge of honor. The Christmas music works!
DeleteGreat tips! I actually love your last one, because I really do believe a lot of things can be controlled by our minds, if we think it's too hot, it will be, but if we think it feels cool, it will feel cool:)
ReplyDeleteI think if you're properly hydrated before you start and keep hydrated during that also helps. You guys have a different kind of heat than us, the humidity works the body quite a bit differently than the dry heat. So running in 90-100 degree temps here is actually quite a bit easier than running in those there. But early running, and dressing correctly which in my opinion doesn't always mean a tank, sometimes a very loose fitting shirt can be cooler when you don't the sun beating down on your shoulders or back. I also advise hats, some people think it sounds hotter, but it's the opposite. It keeps the sun from beating directly on the head, and it keeps your face shaded which actually allows you to feel breezes pick up around your face because of it:)
We luck out here because if it's super hot in the valley we can head up into the mountains and usually once you get above 8000 feet the morning temps are 40's-60's which are perfect for morning runs:)
Hope you get some cooler running, if it is possible in your neck of the woods:)
Ooohh...it would be nice to go up into the canyons for a cool run! Most of my runs are super early so I don't have to worry about the sun beating down. The trade off is the humidity is at it's worst at that time. Looser clothing feels so much cooler than fitted for sure.
DeleteEarly morning runs are definitely the way to go! I used to do the whole mailbox loops thing back when I ran alone, didn't want to run too far from home, and hadn't invested in hydration/fuel belts yet. It worked even if the scenery got a little boring. I love long out-and-backs on our favorite running trail these days.
ReplyDeleteI'm lucky to have a neighborhood and surrounding area that is running friendly. I've never wanted to drive anywhere to get my run in. That may change as I get closer to the marathon and need those really long mileage runs.
DeleteStashing your refreshments in a mailbox is genius! Good tips
ReplyDeleteIt works well for me since I usually stick to my quiet neighborhood and surrounding area.
DeleteI like the mailbox idea! If going for a long run, you can prob stow an ice pack in there to keep it cool. Now I know how you get so many steps early in the morning - 5:15!
ReplyDeleteOne of those small soft lunch packs fits easily. You can keep a small wet towel or drinks cold. I run most morning and then walk the dogs most evenings. It adds up!
DeleteAwesome tips!!!! I've just learned to slow down some, and embrace the sun and heat because I hate winter!
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely much slower in the summer. I just have to remember to accept it!
DeleteI actually used your first tip this past weekend. There's a five-mile loop I do, and when I passed my car for the second loop, I stopped to fill up my water bottle with ice water I carried in a cooler. It was awesome! I also had sunscreen in case I needed more but decided I didn't. My best tip is to put ice cubes under a hat to keep my head cool.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to start running with a hat just so I can try the ice cubes. I'll try anything to beat this heat! I do like access to my stuff without having to carry it on me.
DeleteI have to go up a pretty steep hill to come back around my house and access my mailbox. I don't forget because it's the only reason I tackle that hill. LOL. My mailbox contents are my reward! Now, I can't remember to plug in the crockpot...that's a different story. HA!
ReplyDelete