I can’t believe it’s already that time of year for fall training to begin. It’s always around this time when I start to see more runners out and about the Baltimore area starting to train for the Baltimore Running Festival. Although most races aren’t until October or November, training needs to begin when it’s still summer, which means it will be hot out in most places!
I’ve always been a fan of fall races because I like training in the warmer months and (hopefully) getting a cooler race day. So although you may be training for a fall race, you really need to be prepared for summer running throughout most of your training! In many areas it’s still pretty warm well through September.
So what will you need to start training this summer? Here are a few summer running essentials.
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Sweat-wicking running clothes
You want to make sure that you are running in t-shirts/tank tops and shorts that won’t get soaked from sweat and weigh you down during your run. Here are a few of my favorites:
Oiselle Long Flyte Shorts
Nike Dri-Fit Racer Tank
Feetures Elight Light Cushion Running Socks
Remember that even though you are training in shorts and tank-tops throughout the summer, your race day wardrobe may be different. Make sure to plan some time to practice running in whatever you plan to wear on race day.
Body Glide
I never make it through a summer without some chafing! Make sure to have some Body Glide to use before your hot summer runs. Common places for chafing are the inner thighs, under your arms, or around your sports bra.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must especially when running during the daylight hours. This summer I’ve been using Babyganics Mineral Sunscreen and Bare Republic Mineral Face Sunscreen.
Check out this post for more information about sunscreen safety!
Hat, visor, or sunglasses
Make sure you have something to block the sun from your eyes! I always run with sunglasses during the daytime in the summer, but some runners prefer a hat or visor.
Coconut oil
I actually use coconut oil in my hair before runs to keep it from getting tangled! Otherwise, it becomes a whole other workout just to get the knots out of my hair after a humid run.
Water bottle or Hydration pack
If you are running for more than about 45-60 minutes, you will likely need to hydrate while you are running in the summer. Some areas have water fountains available, but keep in mind that they may get turned off at some point this fall! I don’t have access to any water fountains where I run so I carry water with me. For shorter runs I use a handheld water bottle and for longer runs I wear my Camelbak Hydration Pack. It holds 50 ounces of water which is plenty to get me through my run! I usually add some ice to make sure it stays cold for as long as possible.
Electrolyte drink
Before, during, and/or after a hot run it’s helpful to use an electrolyte drink to stay hydrated. I’ve been using Nuun for years. I love the flavors and it’s easy to drop a tablet in a glass of water or water bottle.
Many of these items will be needed throughout all or most of your training, so they will be a good investment! Plus, you will be prepared for future years of summer training.
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Are you starting to train for a fall race?
What are some of your favorite summer running essentials?
Do you carry water with you when you run?
I’m linking up with No Guilt Life, MCM Mama Runs, and Marcia’s Healthy Slice for Tuesdays on the Run and Running on Happy, Crazy Running Girl, Coach Debbie Runs,and Train with Marc for the Coaches’ Corner.
I’ve never used coconut oil on my hair. Do you use the stuff in a jar and slather it on before you braid your hair or do you use the spray stuff?
Yes, I use it from a jar and just put a tiny bit on my hand and it liquifies pretty quickly. I rub it into my hair when it’s already in a ponytail and then braid it.
And then sometimes, I need the good ol’ treadmill. Our air quality in Denver has been bad since last week. We’re getting the smoke from the CA wildfires, and there were days I definitely felt it.
Yes, the treadmill definitely comes in handy when it’s super hot!
I’ve never heard of coconut oil for the hair…does it wash out easily? I have learned (the hard way LOL) that braids are much easier to deal with post-run than a knotty pony tail. Usually, though, I have my hair twisted up in a messy bun because that keeps it from swinging across my back.
It does wash out easily and I actually think it makes me hair softer! The bun sounds like a good plan but for me they tend to fall out while I am running. If I dont use coconut oil my braid turns into a huge knot!
I think my favorite summer running aid this year is shade! We’ve had days here where the temps haven’t dipped below 80 overnight. Ugh. I wear sunglasses AND a visor. Guess I’m an over achiever. :p
I will have to try coconut oil in my hair before runs-never heard of doing that. thanks for the tip
It really helps! I don’t know how I survived summer running before knowing about this.
I never thought about putting something in my hair to prevent tangles. I’m definitely going to have to try coconut oil!! This will help me so much!
Definitely give it a try! It’s really helped me a lot.
Great tips!!!! OMG I forgot glide the other day and regretted it for a week – HURT SO BAD!
I’ve been much better about remembering body glide lately! I think I learned my lesson earlier this summer.
Body Glide is always my must have for summer running. If I don’t use it, bad things happen lol
Yes I totally agree!
Okay, coconut oil in the hair is a new one for me! May have to give it a try.
Yes definitely try it! It’s been so helpful for me.
Great post! I’m starting to train for fall races and if I don’t run early enough, it’s off to the treadmill!
The treadmill is a good option to have on really warm days!
Great list! Sunscreen is a summer must-have for me in summer (or really, any time of year the sun is out). I do love training for a fall race – those sweaty summer runs are worth it once the weather cools down.
Yes, I’ve always said I prefer fall marathons to spring ones!
Ok so the coconut oil thing… that’s pretty genius. I’m not sure it would work in my hair, though. I’m gonna try!!
It’s worth a try!
I am contemplating a fall race, so I am trying to stay in training (I just finished a HM).
I don’t always carry water on my runs because there are multiple water fountains along my running route. I wish I wouldn’t mind running with a handheld bottle, but I don’t like it much.
P.S. I think I pointed it out before… I had someone else’s info pre-loaded in the name/email/website fields again when I commented. I don’t know if there is anything you can do about this, but I wanted to let you know.
I’m not sure about the pre-loaded info! I think that my comment box gives people the option to save their info. I wonder if someone before you clicks that if it gets messed up and shows you the info? I don’t really know what to do about it but that is really annoying!
Coconut oil is a must try! I don’t deal with a lot of the heat problems that the rest of the country does, but hydration is important no matter where you live. I like the hand held water bottle for the shorter runs but still trying to figure out something that doesn’t annoy me for the longer runs. Maybe the hydration pack would work. I will have to check it out.
Not everyone loves wearing a hydration pack- they can feel heavy and add weight on your run. But I like having all that water and I’ve gotten used to running with it.
Great tips for handling summer running! Coconut oil is amazing, I like using it in my hair too! I am always looking for good sunscreen recommendations, that’s probably one of my least favorite things about summer running, slathering on a bunch of sunscreen that gets all slick and sweaty!
It’s so hard to find a good sunscreen, especially ones that are reasonably priced and don’t have parabens or other weird chemicals. I am so glad I learned about using coconut oil in my hair- not sure how I survived summer running without it!
I wish I’d seen the coconut oil tip somewhere previously. Would have been a huge help, although my go-to of putting some conditioner in has worked relatively well. One of these days I’m going to remember to body glide the top edge of my sports bra. Seems, botton I do but haven’t yet learnt my lesson with top.
Training for 10M at the end of September/15K early December. Hoping to use the 10M as baseline and hopefully better temperatures to improve for December
I would think that conditioner would work well too for preventing tangles! Good luck with your training!
Great post! I am also a Nuun fan.