As we quickly approach the start of summer running season, there are a few logistical things you can do to get prepared! These summer running tips will make sure you are ready for those hot, sunny runs so you can continue training and run your best. Here are 5 reminders to help you prepare for summer running.
5 Reminders to Help You Prepare for Summer Running
1. Check your water bottles
If you’re like me, you may not have taken water with you as much during the winter months. There were some years I stashed away my bottles and hydration vest in October and didn’t take them out again until May or June. If you use a bladder in your hydration vest, it’s a good idea to take a look at it to make sure it’s not moldy. If it is, you can purchase a separate bladder for your hydration pack. Prepare for summer running by taking some time to go through any handhelds and give those a good cleaning as well.
2. Make sure you have summer running products
Sunscreen and body glide are summer running staples around here. Check your products from last year and make sure your sunscreen isn’t expired. It’s always good to have some back-ups on hand too in case you run out. Another great summer running item is lip balm with SPF. I recently tried out BEAMMCO which is great, and you can save 20% with the code RUN20.
3. Replace any electronics or batteries
Think about all the electronics you use when you run and see if any of them need to be replaced or get new batteries. Even though I don’t use my headlamp as much this time of year I like to have it ready to go just in case. Are your headphones in good shape, or do they need to be replaced before you start running all the miles this summer?
4. Don’t increase mileage too quickly
It can be tempting to take advantage of summer running and run all the miles. If you have backed off this winter/spring, make sure you ease back in slowly. You don’t want to risk getting injured, especially during this time of year! Prepare for summer running by slowly increasing your mileage and keeping up with strength training and prehab work.
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5. Adjust your summer running schedule
You may want to consider moving your runs to earlier in the day if it’s hot were you live. It can be hard to beat the heat completely but your best bet is running before the sun comes up. Late in the day is the second best option. If at all possible you probably want to avoid running outside in the middle of the day.
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Summer running can be tough, but it’s also nice to have so much light and to not have to wear all the layers. In order to make the most of it make sure you are prepared by following these summer running tips before the peak of summer arrives!
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What do you do to prepare for summer running?
Do you like summer running or would you rather run in cooler weather?
I’m linking up with My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida for Fit Five Friday!
Carrying water is the one thing I have to get used to doing again! The only other thing I’d add to your list is anti-chafing prep, lol
Oh yes definitely! I actually had that in my head when I was thinking about writing this post, but I must have forgotten to include it. That is definitely a must-have for summer running!
Yes, I’m ready for summer and all its glory! Most know I thrive in the heat, so I’m all about the warmer temps headed our way. Since my iPod died, the only thing I need to charge is my Garmin…which I don’t use on a daily basis, so it sometimes gets left on the bathroom counter (#oops).
I am excited for warmer temps too!
Thanks for the reminders.
My water bottle is still in my trunk from last summer.
Just got back from Florida. Good on sunscreen. And know what it’s like to run in extreme heat. Lol
You are probably acclimated already, so that’s great!
I will be adjusting to an earlier running time shortly. Not happy about getting up earlier but it gets way too hot so it must be done!
Yes it just gets way too hot later in the day! I think even my stroller runs will have to start happening a little earlier.
I was JUST yesterday thinking I needed to not only locate and clean my water bottles, but also SUNSCREEN! I have to put it somewhere where it’s seen otherwise I will forget!
great post!!
Yes, definitely! I keep mine on a table right near the front door!
Cooler weather would be nice but I still love running in the summer- I love all the daylight. In Florida the temperatures in the winter fluctuate from “sorta cool” to “still pretty warm”, so summer running gear doesn’t change too much!
Good point! But I definitely agree about the daylight- I think thats my favorite part about this time of year!
Now you’ve got me thinking about my water bottles – it’s been quite a while since they’ve seen the light of day. Thanks for the reminder!
Its always interesting to pull mine out for the first time each spring!
These are great tips, Lisa! I am not a fan of summer running, so not so tempted to run all the miles, LOL!
But I do love not having to run in all the layers!
And I am definitely slowly moving my runs earlier in the day. Although it was darn cool up until about today (not that it’s really hot, but compared to what it was, it is).
Our weather has been all over the place so we’ve only had a few really warm days so far. Soon enough it will be hot pretty early in the morning!
Since I live in the land of eternal summer, I’m always ready for the heat and sun. However, this is the time where I adjust my expectations, and know to be more conservative with my pace, and more aggressive with my hydration and recovery.
That makes sense! It’s definitely smart to make some adjustments at this point in the year.
Great tips! I don’t take water with me because my runs haven’t been that long. I replace my sunblock every year so I already took care of that. 🙂 I agree about not running in the middle of the day. I learned the hard way. I thought I was going to pass out. Never again!
As tough as it can be, its so important to get up and out the door early in the summer months!
All good tips! I prefer running in cooler weather, but I do love when it gets light super early in the morning!
Same here! This is my favorite time of year for that reason!