It’s summertime here in Atlanta where I live, and while temperatures this week have been mostly mild, the really hot, muggy, humid weather isn’t far off for us.
Depending on where you live in the world, you may need to make adjustments to how, where and when you run — or you may not. (Especially if you live in places like the Pacific Northwest or northern parts of Europe, where it doesn’t get nearly as sweltering as it does here in Georgia!)
How do you change how, when and where you run based on the season? Do you change what you eat, or how (or how often) you hydrate? Do you commit to training for longer races in the summer, or do you scale back the miles/times you run? I love to hear all of your thoughts. — Terrell
Did two virtual halves in May here in South Florida … jog/walk … out by 5:45am … by 9am, it’s 85. Any jogging from now thru September will be after dinner … f we’re luck, breeze helps during first two miles them, the breeze dies, and the humidity sets in. Looking forward to Jack & Jill in North Bend, WA at the end of July.
I bet you are! The humidity would kill me! It's only 58 degrees in Redmond, WA at 10AM. We get lucky today--going up to 70 with a few light showers. :) I'll be out on the Trail about noon!
I live in Las Vegas & really enjoy running here fall, winter, & spring. Summer is tough though. As I write this it is 8:44 am & 95 degrees out with a high of 108 today.
I’m lucky to have summers off as a teacher, so I’m up at 5 am & try to be out the door running around 6 am. My longer runs are the hardest in the heat, but I do my best to stay hydrated & carry Salt Stick fastchews with me. During the school year I run after school & in the hot months (Aug-Oct & May) use my treadmill. Anything over 100 is just too hot for me now.
I drench my hair & tank top in the summer & stop home for cold water, Nuun to rewet my hair, etc. I even have sweet neighbors who offer me water & one neighbor leaves his garden hose out, just in case I need it.
If I have any races in the summer, they are in cooler places, not my desert home. 😊
Winters are cold here, but no snow, no ice, no sleet, not even rain. I just layer.
I have two dogs and live in Southern California. Summers (recently) have been brutal. I'm out the door with the younger dog at 5am for our "run/sniff adventure run". That lasts about 1hr and then I come back to walk my older dog with my wife. Of course the younger dog wants to go with us, so my wife takes one dog and I the other. We're usually back before 8am to get ready for the day/work. I think the temp is supposed to hit around 100º today. I've run marathons in 90 plus degrees... not my cup of tea. I'm a bit more discerning now and try to schedule races in cooler temps. By the way Nilima - I've done the Monterey Half a few times and it's an excellently run and beautiful half to participate in!
Well, what can I say. It does get cold and rainy in the winter here in Redmond, WA, but spring and summer make up for it! This year is colder than normal, but the cold and rain have moved into June and it's perfect. . . I can hardly wait for summer runs, though they have been put on hold temporarily. I've had to get to the Farmer's Market on some days, so running has to wait!
Down to shorts, top and shoes! I can go for miles when summer hits. It's cold for June this year, about 10-15 degrees below normal, but still in the 50s and 60s. 73 the other day and it did get to 80 degrees, once. I'm personally glad. Hope it hangs on. . . last year's heatwave was just too much. It meant I had to get out by 9AM for decent temps.
I'm not training for any specific races yet. Still toying with the Monterey Half, but it is more a matter of travel than running.
Same trails here, but everything changes as the seasons roll on, so there is always something to appreciate. Added another year to my life the other day ( Revolution around the Sun ;) ), but fortunately, I still feel great! So happy I was a summer baby!! :)
Five of my seven marathons were fall marathons so used to fun pretty hard through the summer & I learned what routes had water fountains. Most racing I do now is in the spring & I find it much easier to prepare for. Just know your layers.
I live in Italy and can get very hot. In summer only runs in very early mornings are possible or later in the evening. Hydrating gels are key and runs become shorter when is really warm. As I learned from Terrell I do not have to feel guilty if sometimes the run is a mixture of running and walking when extremely hot. Missing winter 🤣
I live in Phoenix and as the summer heat hits (June - Sept.) with temps of 110 - 116, I run at 5:30 -6:00am. Rest of the year, I run at 8:30 - 9:00am (I am retired, so flexible schedule).
I broke down and purchased the pricier LMNT for the season vs. relying on Nuun the rest of the year. Marathon training in the Jax summer last year made me sort of brave but I still go out as early as humanly possible as avoiding the sun is key for me. I have to run a virtual half tomorrow so will be loading up on water and electros today. I don’t really vary my food but definitely fuel during the runs, early and often. I also go as slow as needed and ratchet down my Galloway intervals if I’m feeling fatigued.
With summer comes early days and being retired less time constraints. I am generally out the door before 6AM so the heat is not a big issue. I do alter my route to add more tree covered area. Still willing to run about any distance, but race availability is generally shorter distances in the summer. I am doing several 10K and a couple of multi distance events with two or more races over a period of time in one day. Half M's start back in the fall. What is it that the guy in the beer commercial says, " Stay sweaty my friends."? That may not be quite right!
In 2018, 2019, and now 2022, I have training for a fall marathon through the summer months so I have to do all those miles in the heat of summer. I generally try and get out early in the morning, although my run group does meet for a run on Tuesday evening. In 2020 I purchased a hydration vest, which is probably one of the best pieces of running gear for the summer heat. I make sure that I drink plenty of water. This year I am planning on bringing a collapsible flask to fill up and add an electrolyte mix to as I am a salty sweater. Previously that was supplied by my run group but since 2020 they have only been supplying water. For nutrition, I stick to the same routine regardless of weather. I take a gel about every 3 miles on runs over 6 miles. This has worked well for me for several years. Pace-wise I definitely slow down as the temperature rises. Although as the summer goes on I do become somewhat acclimated to the heat and start to run a little better. Luckily race day is usually a lot cooler and that makes it feel so much easier than the training runs were.
I remember running my first marathon years ago, and being so (pleasantly) surprised at how much energy the gels gave me. Very smart recommendation also on the hydration vest -- a must if it's really hot!
I see so many runners who don't carry any (or very little) water with them and I honestly don't know how they do it. I always have water with me, even if it is just a small hand held bottle, as I get thirsty when I run.
I'm in the PNW and definitely realize how spoiled I am in this part of the world. Lucky enough to run year round (lower elevation in the winter) and the weather doesn't usually swing too wildly (heat domes and atmospheric rivers aside). Mostly subtle changes are only required as we make our way through the calendar. Shed a layer, or add a layer. Stop for an extra bottle fill or a quick hop in the stream, or maybe an espresso to warm up. It's a lovely spot in the world and I love trail running here!
Orca Running"s Iron Horse in North Bend is fun. I've done that one. . . fast, all downhill. I think it is Mid August this year. Voted one of the best half marathons in the US.
You *are* spoiled, Adam! (Just kidding there 🤣 ) I can only imagine how nice that would be to spend a summer where you live -- I have to make it up there someday!
That's why it has gotten so crowded around Seattle. . . moving North to Bellingham or south to Vancouver in October. Not as ideal, but it's still the NW. :)
The heat gives me the ‘opportunity’ for early daybreak runs, which I never regret...once I’m in them. Like the empty road ahead...
Did two virtual halves in May here in South Florida … jog/walk … out by 5:45am … by 9am, it’s 85. Any jogging from now thru September will be after dinner … f we’re luck, breeze helps during first two miles them, the breeze dies, and the humidity sets in. Looking forward to Jack & Jill in North Bend, WA at the end of July.
I bet you are! The humidity would kill me! It's only 58 degrees in Redmond, WA at 10AM. We get lucky today--going up to 70 with a few light showers. :) I'll be out on the Trail about noon!
I live in Las Vegas & really enjoy running here fall, winter, & spring. Summer is tough though. As I write this it is 8:44 am & 95 degrees out with a high of 108 today.
I’m lucky to have summers off as a teacher, so I’m up at 5 am & try to be out the door running around 6 am. My longer runs are the hardest in the heat, but I do my best to stay hydrated & carry Salt Stick fastchews with me. During the school year I run after school & in the hot months (Aug-Oct & May) use my treadmill. Anything over 100 is just too hot for me now.
I drench my hair & tank top in the summer & stop home for cold water, Nuun to rewet my hair, etc. I even have sweet neighbors who offer me water & one neighbor leaves his garden hose out, just in case I need it.
If I have any races in the summer, they are in cooler places, not my desert home. 😊
Winters are cold here, but no snow, no ice, no sleet, not even rain. I just layer.
I have two dogs and live in Southern California. Summers (recently) have been brutal. I'm out the door with the younger dog at 5am for our "run/sniff adventure run". That lasts about 1hr and then I come back to walk my older dog with my wife. Of course the younger dog wants to go with us, so my wife takes one dog and I the other. We're usually back before 8am to get ready for the day/work. I think the temp is supposed to hit around 100º today. I've run marathons in 90 plus degrees... not my cup of tea. I'm a bit more discerning now and try to schedule races in cooler temps. By the way Nilima - I've done the Monterey Half a few times and it's an excellently run and beautiful half to participate in!
Thanks! I'll probably make it! I've had other people on this site, encourage me to run!
You should... Run it, walk it, run/walk it. It's worth the effort! Beautiful and fun course!
Will do! Guess I'll sign up and let the travel situation work itself out. Thanks!!
Good luck!!! (On the half & your travel arrangements!)
Well, what can I say. It does get cold and rainy in the winter here in Redmond, WA, but spring and summer make up for it! This year is colder than normal, but the cold and rain have moved into June and it's perfect. . . I can hardly wait for summer runs, though they have been put on hold temporarily. I've had to get to the Farmer's Market on some days, so running has to wait!
Down to shorts, top and shoes! I can go for miles when summer hits. It's cold for June this year, about 10-15 degrees below normal, but still in the 50s and 60s. 73 the other day and it did get to 80 degrees, once. I'm personally glad. Hope it hangs on. . . last year's heatwave was just too much. It meant I had to get out by 9AM for decent temps.
I'm not training for any specific races yet. Still toying with the Monterey Half, but it is more a matter of travel than running.
Same trails here, but everything changes as the seasons roll on, so there is always something to appreciate. Added another year to my life the other day ( Revolution around the Sun ;) ), but fortunately, I still feel great! So happy I was a summer baby!! :)
Five of my seven marathons were fall marathons so used to fun pretty hard through the summer & I learned what routes had water fountains. Most racing I do now is in the spring & I find it much easier to prepare for. Just know your layers.
I live in Italy and can get very hot. In summer only runs in very early mornings are possible or later in the evening. Hydrating gels are key and runs become shorter when is really warm. As I learned from Terrell I do not have to feel guilty if sometimes the run is a mixture of running and walking when extremely hot. Missing winter 🤣
I live in So. Cal, so I go out early to beat the heat. If I'm doing a long walk, I make sure to have electrolytes with me in addition to extra water.
I live in Phoenix and as the summer heat hits (June - Sept.) with temps of 110 - 116, I run at 5:30 -6:00am. Rest of the year, I run at 8:30 - 9:00am (I am retired, so flexible schedule).
Phoenix... now *that* is a hot city. What's the temperature like when you start out at 5:30 in the morning?
Usually around 80. With low humidity it’s “comfortable”.
I broke down and purchased the pricier LMNT for the season vs. relying on Nuun the rest of the year. Marathon training in the Jax summer last year made me sort of brave but I still go out as early as humanly possible as avoiding the sun is key for me. I have to run a virtual half tomorrow so will be loading up on water and electros today. I don’t really vary my food but definitely fuel during the runs, early and often. I also go as slow as needed and ratchet down my Galloway intervals if I’m feeling fatigued.
Good luck with the virtual half tomorrow, Sarah!
With summer comes early days and being retired less time constraints. I am generally out the door before 6AM so the heat is not a big issue. I do alter my route to add more tree covered area. Still willing to run about any distance, but race availability is generally shorter distances in the summer. I am doing several 10K and a couple of multi distance events with two or more races over a period of time in one day. Half M's start back in the fall. What is it that the guy in the beer commercial says, " Stay sweaty my friends."? That may not be quite right!
"Stay sweaty my friends" -- I love that!
Put it on a shirt with your logo. I’ll buy one.
In 2018, 2019, and now 2022, I have training for a fall marathon through the summer months so I have to do all those miles in the heat of summer. I generally try and get out early in the morning, although my run group does meet for a run on Tuesday evening. In 2020 I purchased a hydration vest, which is probably one of the best pieces of running gear for the summer heat. I make sure that I drink plenty of water. This year I am planning on bringing a collapsible flask to fill up and add an electrolyte mix to as I am a salty sweater. Previously that was supplied by my run group but since 2020 they have only been supplying water. For nutrition, I stick to the same routine regardless of weather. I take a gel about every 3 miles on runs over 6 miles. This has worked well for me for several years. Pace-wise I definitely slow down as the temperature rises. Although as the summer goes on I do become somewhat acclimated to the heat and start to run a little better. Luckily race day is usually a lot cooler and that makes it feel so much easier than the training runs were.
I remember running my first marathon years ago, and being so (pleasantly) surprised at how much energy the gels gave me. Very smart recommendation also on the hydration vest -- a must if it's really hot!
I see so many runners who don't carry any (or very little) water with them and I honestly don't know how they do it. I always have water with me, even if it is just a small hand held bottle, as I get thirsty when I run.
I'm in the PNW and definitely realize how spoiled I am in this part of the world. Lucky enough to run year round (lower elevation in the winter) and the weather doesn't usually swing too wildly (heat domes and atmospheric rivers aside). Mostly subtle changes are only required as we make our way through the calendar. Shed a layer, or add a layer. Stop for an extra bottle fill or a quick hop in the stream, or maybe an espresso to warm up. It's a lovely spot in the world and I love trail running here!
Assuming Pacific Northwest … Jack and Jill is my next half.
I just looked it up and it sounds very cool! Best of luck with it!
Orca Running"s Iron Horse in North Bend is fun. I've done that one. . . fast, all downhill. I think it is Mid August this year. Voted one of the best half marathons in the US.
You *are* spoiled, Adam! (Just kidding there 🤣 ) I can only imagine how nice that would be to spend a summer where you live -- I have to make it up there someday!
Do make it up here to the PacNW! You'd love it!
I really want to! I think I would too!
Talk your family into it for a vacation. I don't thin they would want to leave!
Nobody wants to leave once they come hahaha
That's why it has gotten so crowded around Seattle. . . moving North to Bellingham or south to Vancouver in October. Not as ideal, but it's still the NW. :)
I'll take you out when you make it here 😉