Summer Running.

[TJFlute]

It's funny but when I started the c25k it was in the depths of winter January 2011. I really thought that I couldn't wait until the sun shone and summer time. Running in the sun, blue slies, birds singing. But in reality I just found it too blinking hot!! I struggled to breathe, hated the feel of sun cream and sweat, hated the sun in my eyes, felt thristy after 5 minutes, my legs felt heavy, like they were made of lead, struggling to put one foot in front of the other; I could go on but you get the picture.

So this year I am determined to do it differently, especialy as I have races to train for now.

1. Re arrange runs. Run very early, or very late, but not during the day if the temperature is going to be above 15.

2. Drink loads of water before and after. Invest in a belt to sip water during run.

3. Where sunglasses (oddly I was embarassed about this last year, strange I know!)

4. Keep hair out of eyes. (I've already changed my hairstyle to have a fringe...running has had an impact even at the hairdressers!)

5. Wear shorts and a top that keeps me cool.

6. Use better sun protection ie. stuff that soaks into the skin rather than cream which feels horrible.

7. Plan route carefully: shade is good for at least some of the run!

Wel, this morning I put these things into action and absolutely loved my 40 minute tempo run which would have normally been a nightmare.

Hope you all enjoy the Summer runs

[Muffintop Graduate]

I am only on week 2 of c25k and this mornings run was my first run in the sun and if found it much harder (may not have just been the sun it could be psychological because I was telling myself it would be harder), even though I tried to stay in the shade as much as possible.

If this warm weather carries on I may have to hijack my friends treadmill :).

[mair99 Graduate]

I feel your pain Theresa. I live in Australia and my very first run in January was on a 30 degree day! Talk about hot after the intervals... five months on and we are in the throes of winter (ish) and the days are only getting to 20 degrees now.

In summer i made sure i ran at dusk or dawn as these were the coolest times. I also wore a cap to keep the sun at bay, sweat contained etc. You have to constantly hydrate too, but thats a way of life over here, as soon as you start to feel thirsty you are already dehydrated!

Last weekend we had some sunny days, I did an early morning run and was amazed at how refreshing it was. The temp got up to about 12 while i was running and it is sooooo much easier than running in the heat. Its good to see you have contingency plans to follow.

Enjoy those sunny runs!

[SaCl Graduate]

Great tips - I'll bear these in mind - I've started running in the evenings when it is cooler. I'm trying to drink more water during the day as well as just before and after the run - seems to help.

[honeybee Graduate]

Thanks for the tips. I always run early morning and even at 6 am today, it was feeling very warm. I think I will invest in a belt that you have mentioned for a water bottle. I was thinking that I could do with my sunglasses today when I was half way through but will wear them Friday, should we be lucky and still be enjoying this lovely sunshine.

[mair99 Graduate in reply to honeybee]

What is 'very warm" honeybee? Are you going into summer?

[groovychick54 Graduate]

Yes! I was out at 6am this morning, it was fab and I never would have thought i would be running 5k before going into work, but I had loads of energy all da

[AliB1 Graduate]

Thanks for the tips. I am hating the heat (for running only) and had a complete nightmare last night as I was soo hot & couldn't get enough air which meant i had a disaster at run club. Let's hope its lashing down with rain next week lol. Oh to go back to running at 6am or before!

[Misstrolly Graduate]

I feel the same, for reasons of work today my only time slot was 6.15-7pm so went out there for an interval session (my first after graduation) by god it was a struggle! It took ages to cool down after i got back, even after a lukewarm shower!I think early morning/after 8pm runs and an investment in running capris and a sweat wicking running vest is the way forward! All my gear is far too wintry for this weather! ( as a plus, the sweaty Betty yoga pants I started out doing c25k with in the long gone cold days of February are not just too hot, they are getting too big for me and are starting to fall down when I run!! )

[Wigglesmum]

Heat is a killer and I don't do sun either as I'm so pale I burn quickly. Went running at 4.45 am today while the world was just waking up and it was wonderful. Highly recommended.