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Did you check out my tips for running in the heat?
When it comes to running outside in the hot, humid weather, the way you dress can dramatically impact your overall comfort level. If you don’t dress correctly, your run can quickly go from hard to torture. Running in the heat is never easy, but dressing correctly can definitely make it a little more tolerable.
Wear DriFit (Or Similar) Clothing
Avoid wearing cotton at all costs when running because it holds your sweat and doesn’t dry quickly, which can lead to chafing (not fun all, trust me). Synthetic fabrics (such as DriFit or something similar) will “wick” moisture away from your skin, which helps keep you dry.
Nike is the bomb
Technical clothing may cost a little more, but if you hunt for bargains, you can get it pretty cheap. I only buy my running apparel when it’s on sale or I see something that I just have to have.
Invest In A Good Pair Of Running Socks
This is essential.
I wear Nike Elite running socks
Don’t wear cotton socks. Period. Your feet will most likely be sweating a lot, and cotton tends to keep your feet wet, which can lead to blisters. Invest in a good pair of socks made from polyester, acrylic, or CoolMax, which are best at wicking away moisture.
Dress Loose and Light
Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing will help your body breathe and cool itself naturally. My favorite color of running shirt is black, but I know wearing that in the summer is like a suicide mission.
Tight clothing will also cling tightly to your body which won’t allow it to dry itself naturally.
Get Some Shades
A good pair of running sunglasses help protect your eyes from the sun.
I have Oakley Livestrong sunglasses
The sun’s rays can be damaging if your eyes are exposed to them for too long, so sunglasses are a must.
Use Sunscreen
I’m naturally tan (thanks to the genes of Bama-dad), but a few runs in the summer can leave me looking like a lobster.
I use organic sunscreen. Don’t hate.
Another tip is to apply your sunscreen BEFORE you get dressed. When you run, your clothes move, so you want to make sure those newly exposed areas are properly covered.
What are your tips for dressing to run in the heat?
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This morning, I had one of the best speed workouts that I’ve ever had!
Tuesday Workout
Running: 9.51 miles
- Warm up
- 1 mile (6:03)
- 800 recovery
- 1 mile (5:58)
- 800 recovery
- 1 mile (5:43)
- Cool down
I think that might have been the fastest mile I’ve ever run.
By no means do I consider myself a fast runner (there are people out there that can totally destroy me), but this was really an accomplishment for me. I think I have a good mix of speed and endurance, while a lot of people focus on one or the other. Sometimes you just need to run fast.
I’m probably going to go for a short ride on my bike later tonight before dinner. I went last night around 6:30 after class and it was perfect. As I was turning around to head home, I experienced one of the most beautiful sunsets.
Riding at dusk is just awesome.
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{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
YOU are not fast??? Oh my heck!
I totally agree with you re Nike – I have one of their tops in a weird fabric and it’s my ultimate favourite to run in
I’m curious about sunscreen though – don’t you just sweat it off?
Matt holy cow you are super fast!!!!
All of your tips are great. I also always wear my white Under Armour cap — it keeps my head from getting too warm. Maybe you don’t have that problem since you don’t have long hair?
Holly @ The Runny Egg recently posted..Pizza Bread
You are hella fast! Wow.
The heat gives me terrible headaches no matter how hydrated I am. When it gets 90+, I take a salt tablet pre-run or pre-softball to keep the migraines at bay.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..My First Brussels
I LOVE my Nike dri-fit tank top. It’s light blue and loose. It’s the best! I don’t wear sunscreen enough and my shoulders always pay for it.
Alaina recently posted..Quinoa Stir Fry
I never like walking with sunglasses on because I always feel like my view is blocked HAHA! I just squint the whole while instead… not that I can see that well that way either.
Nike has the best clothing… I have some awesome shorts from them.
And VERY awesome about your run! That’s crazy fast!
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope recently posted..Super Cereal
Congrats on the fast run! I am so looking forward to when it’s hot enough to employ some of these tips
Yay summerrr!
Katie @ Nourishing Flourishing recently posted..The Lessons of Travel
Nice times! Your fastest mile beat my fastest mile time by a second!
hippierunner recently posted..All You Need is Run
I love Nike clothes as well! I almost always wear a hat when it’s hot to keep me cool and help my running tan from getting worse
And a 5:43 mile is freaking awesome! Great job!
Kali recently posted..10 miler race reap
Do you recommend wearing a hat or cap too?
Jessica @ Healthy Obsessions recently posted..Big Announcement in the House of K
My favorite running shorts and shirt are both nike. LOVE.
And that’s an amazingly fast mile.
Emily recently posted..Central Park & Sushi Round Two
I’m on the lookout for running socks… not going to lie, I wear cotton socks and have the blisters to prove it!
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) recently posted..Modesto Half Marathon Recap
Wow great workout Matt!!
Katie @ Healthy Heddleston recently posted..BIC Band Review Giveaway
I am 100% a sunglasses person!!!!
Lisa recently posted..Photos- plans and prawns
I hate you and your tan genes!!!!!!
Also, I think this makes no sense.. “dress” to stay cool. hahaha I don’t think that’s possible. I hate running in the heat because I feel like any amount of clothing makes it unbearable! And I’m not about to start streaking. Just not my thing.
This morning it was 61 degrees and I was in a tank top and shorts and I was miserably hot. That mind have been the 98.9% humidity, though.
I usually find really good dri-fit running tops at places like TJ Maxx for cheap!
Lauren recently posted..Show off your Smiles
I’m naturally tan because of “bama-dad” genes, too! I love your socks! I have some super fancy ones from North Face that I’m obsessed with. I think I run just so I can wear them.
I love anything dri fit by Nike since I sweat like a pig. Hahah. Good to know.
Christy recently posted..Show n Tell
I need to get some shades because this Florida sun is a killer! Oh, and I want to look cool when I run.
Katy (The Singing Runner) recently posted..A Picture&8217s Worth A Thousand Words&8230
pretty sure when I run its like a 10 minute mile, you are amazing! Nike dri fit shirts are a must in the heat and super short shorts
kate@ahealthypassion recently posted..Rainy Saturday
Have you tried Under Armour’s heat wear at all? With Utah’s wicked hot summers I’m thinking of investing in some…
Haley recently posted..Easter Weekend
More good tips; I need to expand my drifit collection! And also look into running socks.
emily recently posted..easter and such
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