This has been an interesting month as I’ve navigated running during the Brood X cicada invasion which happens every 17 years. While I am not a fan of cicadas, they are harmless so I have continued to run while they have been around. (And now they’re almost gone!!) I’ve learned that there are other periodic cicadas that will be out in the coming years, although I’m not sure if it will be as bad as this. Curious if they’re coming to your state? Check out this resource. Here is what you need to know for continuing to run when the periodical cicadas invade.
5 Tips for Continuing to Run when the Periodical Cicadas Invade
1. Run early in the morning
I have found that before 6:30 am the cicadas are not really flying around. The later in the day it gets, the worse they get. Even if I run at 7-8 am I will likely have some flying into me. When I run in the morning they are still sleeping. Although be careful not to step on them and wake them up!
2. Find the best places to run
Try to figure out where you will encounter the most cicadas and avoid those areas. Anywhere with a lot of old trees seems to be bad. Open spaces (even running in the middle of the road) is a little better. When they first came out I didn’t see any in areas that didn’t have trees or that were built later. But eventually as they fly around more they end up pretty much everywhere.
3. Cover yourself up
Even though it’s hot, I am not running in just a sports bra these days. I’d rather not have a cicada sticking to my sweaty skin. It’s bad enough if they land on my arm. I’ve been wearing a hat and sunglasses later in the mornings too so they can’t land directly in my hair or on some parts of my face.
4. Run in the rain when the periodical cicadas invade
The cicadas don’t seem to like the rain and go into hiding when it’s wet out. So take advantage and get out there when it’s raining! And just know that after it stops raining they are really excited to get back out again.
5. Check yourself before you go back inside
The last thing I want is to bring any cicadas into the house. I make sure to check myself (and the stroller, if I’m running with it) before going inside. I also open and close the door quickly to make sure none of them sneak in with me. But don’t worry- if they make their way in they will let you know with their remarkable screeching sound.
I never thought I would be writing a post about running when the periodical cicadas invade. I wish I knew some of these things a month ago so I wasn’t so nervous about running through this. It’s definitely doable and not so bad if you know all the tricks! Now I will be prepared when they return in 2038.
You may also like:
Have you ever run with cicadas?
Would you avoid going outdoors during a cicada invasion?
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!
[…] what felt like forever, it seems like the cicadas are gone for the next 17 years. They were here for about 4-5 weeks, with the worst of it being for […]