Keep Your Cool

As summer pushes on, have you found yourself sidelined by the heat?  Do you dread running when it’s hot outside?  If so, read on for great tips to help you keep your cool:

Be an Early Bird

Run as early in the morning as possible.  Summer days are some of the longest days of the year so it gets light earlier making it safer to run in the early morning.  You’ll be able to combat the combination of heat rising from the pavement and the sun beating down which make running virtually impossible.

Plan Your Route

Pick a running course near the water, where there’s a nice breeze or where there’s a lot of shade to help you stay cool.

Take a Sponge Bath

Carry a sponge during a race or long run.  Wet the sponge at water stops, sponge off, then place the cool sponge in your hat to keep your head cool.

Trust Your Heart

Use a heart rate monitor.  In extreme heat you may feel like you are barley moving but your heart rate monitor can tell another story.  Trust the monitor to tell you how hard you are working.

Be Inventive

Escape the heat by heading to the gym.  Run on the treadmill for half your distance then hit the pool for some aqua jogging.  Or run to the gym, cross train, then run home.  Whatever you do keep it fun!

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/darkpatator/311595258/

August 7th, 2009 by Aspen Streetman | Posted in Tips, Training | (0)