Usually by May I am complaining about the heat and humidity in Baltimore, but not this year! I have still been wearing capris and long-sleeved shirts for most of my runs. I have a feeling that all of sudden the heat will hit us, but I am actually sort of excited about it.
I know I always complain when it gets hot, but it’s different from my cold-weather or wind complaints. Running may feel harder, but it’s still more enjoyable for me to be out running when it’s warm. So for today’s post, I thought would share some reasons why I am excited for summer running!
1. We had a rough winter. Ok, it really wasn’t THAT bad and could have been much worse. But it dragged on, and was really random. We had a mild December and then a couple of 70 degree days around the holidays. Then a massive January snow storm that limited my outdoor running for a few weeks. It seemed like the weather was constantly teasing us by warming up and then getting cold again. Lately we have had SO much rain. I think there has been alot of wind too. So at this point, I am sick of all of those types of weather and am ready to deal with sun and heat and humidity!
2. Summer running clothes. I’ve said this before, but I prefer shorts and tank tops to tights and jackets. Plus, less laundry!
3. Lots of sunlight. I probably got a vitamin D deficiency or something throughout the winter because I felt myself just craving the sunshine. As we get closer to June we approach the longest days of the year! This means the sun will be up just about as early as me, and will be out later in the evenings too for the nighttime runners.
4. More races. I tend to race the most during the months of May-November (for obvious reasons). I have been slow to sign up for stuff but it’s nice that there are races all the time and I can just sign up at the last minute.
5. Post run activities. I am so much more motivated to get out the door in the morning when there are fun things to do later in the day, like sit outside and enjoy a drink, or go to the pool for a few hours!
All of that being said, I don’t expect summer running to be easy. There will be days when it is a real struggle and I will be missing cooler temperatures. However, I always remind myself how much LESS I like the cold weather!
This chart helps to keep things in perspective. It’s totally normal to slow down in the heat!
A few other tips for summer running: try using coconut oil to avoid tangles in your hair, wear sunscreen, and use body glide!!!
A few years ago I wrote this post about my appreciation for summer running! Summer Running: It’s Not All That Bad
How do you feel about summer running?
Are you running in shorts and tank tops yet or is it still cool where you live?
I’m joining the coaches’ corner link-up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs!
[Tweet “Anyone else as excited for summer running as @runningoutowine?! #running #coachescorner”]
One quick thought – Vitamin D deficiency is really a thing (my Lisa has issues with VitD and Calcium absorption), and so taking a supplement during winter can actually help. Generally it shows itself through achy bones and losing more hair/ brittle hair, etc.
We are not quite there yet – it remains unseasonably cool here, with only two days where I could wear shorts, and no days where I haven’t at least had light gloves on. This morning is mid-30s so I am still in hat and gloves and so on. Blech. Done and ready for ‘shorts, t-shirt and go’ weather 🙂
I’m not sure if I really had a deficiency or if it was just mentally being over the winter, but I didn’t have any symptoms other than being annoyed about running in the dark every day.
I really can’t believe how cool it’s been. Hopefully the warmer weather will get here soon!
I’m also just looking forward to throwing on a tank and shorts to go out in the morning!
I hate having to check my phone every morning to see what the weather will be!
I always think of you in the morning when I head out for my run and think about the weather! lol . I was realizing the other day that it’s usually warmer by now, I am slightly ready for those warmer temps but know it will take me time to adjust to it! I am just so glad the winter is over and the sun is shining so early (when it’s not raining!)
I hope there is a day when I can stop complaining about the weather! It will definitely take us awhile to adjust I think. It’s raining here again today and I am so over it!
I am excited about watch tan lines. I love them. I don’t know why, but I do!
Any kind of tan lines make me happy!
I love running in tanks. Something about having my shoulders and armpits free to the air..ha! And I definitely crave cold beers after a hot run.
It’s so much better than trying to run in all the layers!
I am all about the daylight! Yes it gets hot but it’s light really early so I can get out then. I struggle with Vit D deficiency so the sun is crucial for me and it’s done nothing but rain lately.
I’m so over this rain! Even though the sun is rising earlier I feel like it’s always hidden by the clouds lately.
Ohhh thanks for the tip about coconut oil on hair tangles! I am 99% sure I’m going to chop my hair off very soon, but just in case I’ll keep that tip in my back pocket!
I am not a fan of summer running during the early months that we’re in now where I’m not acclimated yet, but by the end of summer I find that I don’t mind it too much!
It definitely takes awhile to get used to it but you are way ahead of the rest of us up in the north who are still running in 40 degree weather every day:)
Yah!! I think I am as excited as you for summer running! 🙂 I love running in my skimpies. I feel free and fast. I have had a lot of shorts and tank top runs already- very thankful for that!
I am hoping to be able to wear my favorite summer running outfits soon! Lately its been long sleeves most of the time but some days its been warm enough for shorts!
There have been a few short and tshirt/tank days here already! Granted for me those are mornings in the 60s but summer seems to have arrived in Seattle. I love wearing shorts for running and hiking—feels so good!
Most of my morning runs have been in the high 40s. If its in the 50s I’ll wear shorts, but due to the rain/wind I have felt like I still needed a long sleeved top.
I’m like you that I love running in tank tops, even in the winter. I’ll bundle up to head to the fitness room, and then I’ll run in a tank top and capris. I have some short-sleeve shirts, but most of my running shirts are tank tops.
If I work out inside I definitely wear a tank top, even in the winter. I have a few t-shirts that are good for running but not many.
I definitely love the fact that it’s less laundry when it comes to summer running! I love your pic with the compression socks and Sam Adams–definitely my favorite way to recover from a long run! Or after a long day at work, let’s get real.
Yep, it’s definitely the perfect way to recover from running or work:)
Coconut oil!! Genius.
Yeah I personally cannot WAIT for summer. You’re right — it wasn’t a bad winter but it was really strange. Hot, cold, warm, cool, etc etc. I just would like a warm summer. Is that too much to ask? 🙂
I’m really starting to worry that it may never get warm!
I much prefer running in the summer. I hate bundling up too in the winter. I’ll have to try using coconut oil. There are many uses for that product.
Coconut oil is great! It has definitely helped to keep knots out of my hair.
I’m not the biggest fan of heat and humidity but there are definitely some things I look forward to about summer running. Top of that list is definitely the shorts/tank top wearing 😀 Closely followed by the longer day fact…which means it will be light out both before and after work hours and definitely gives more options to the runner who hates running in the dark!
The longer days really are nice! And I know I will complain about the heat and humidity but I think I am just ready for summer and everything that comes with it:)
Totally spot on about the less laundry thing. It’s been so sunny and warm here, it’s crazy. I’ve already got crazy tan lines. When I’m naked I look like I’m wearing a white unitard and white socks!
Please send some of that sun and warmth our way!!
im glad someone is happy about summer weather! its already stupid humid but i guess i should be happy it has waited until may sometimes it gets this way as early as april. texas didnt really get a winter at all this year so counting the blessings its not ridiculously hot already.
I wish that we could take some of that warm weather off your hands:) Usually by now its really hot here too so Im not sure whats going on this year.
I’m in shorts and tanks now although the weather here in the NE has been really wacky as you mentioned. Even though it’s hot, I do love summer running. The bright mornings are the perfect way to wake up! I know marathon training won’t be easy in the summer sun, but it’ll just motivate me to get up and at ’em 🙂
Yep, the heat definitely motivates me to get out the door as early as possible!
I like summer running for the same reasons as you! Less clothes, less laundry. But I won’t lie, I love my fast paces in the cooler temps!
So true- I think thats why I race well in the fall! Cooler weather but I’ve benefited from all the summer training.
I agree with all this! I used to like winter running more, but I must be getting old because I’m so much more excited about summer running than winter running now. And yeah, these cool mornings are awesome!
I used to be much better about running in the winter but I think I am pretty much over it at this point!
It is still a bit chilly here some days, and I have packed my long leggings away back at the beginning of April! I’m ready for shorty-shorts and tanks!
I agree with you, we need some sunshine here already!!
I hope we can wear short and tanks from now on! And some more sun would definitely be nice:)
I am a huge fan of summer running! The heat definitely takes its toll but shorts and tank tops are the best! I also think it makes those fall races seem a lot easier, because I’m used to training in horrible heat and humidity. I’m sick of the cloudy weather and rain too, I think it’s about time for a sunny week!
I definitely agree about the fall races feeling easier after training in the summer heat!