Running in the heat (Read 845 times)

Its starting to heat up down in Texas and I'm trying to adapt to running in the warmer temperatures. Can anyone suggest anything that can make running in the heat easier? Ive seen hats, bandannas and other gear that claims to keep you cool but I'm not sure if they are worth the money. Thanks in advance for any help, Adam

Also a Texas runner, here. I avoid running mid-day like the plague. I do the majority of my running later at night - like after 9pm. Not only does this let you avoid the direct sun beating down on you - but when July and August roll around - it's a (relatively) cool 85 or 90 at that hour instead of the 100+ of the day. Regardless of where you live, hydration is important. In the hot Texas summer - even more so. Make sure to drink plenty of water all day. I recommend a hat to keep the sun at bay as well as to keep the sweat out of your eyes. Or at least most of it anyway. I like the dry-fit / running type type hats - it lets more air in - dries faster - and won't fall apart as fast as your typical baseball hat. IMO - the dryfit type hats are worth the money. My most important piece of running gear, after my shoes of course, is my water bottle. I use a hand-held one for everyday running and also another one on a belt for long runs when I'm not sure my 20oz bottle will make it between water fountains or convenience stores. MTA - Regarding shoes. Make sure you have at least two pairs to rotate between. There are lots of other reasons that shoe rotation is good. But in the summer - the most important reason for me - is that my shoes get completely soaked with sweat. It's really nice to have a dry pair of shoes for the next day's run. Less funk, no blisters, etc.

Its starting to heat up down in Texas and I'm trying to adapt to running in the warmer temperatures. Can anyone suggest anything that can make running in the heat easier?

I'm in the DFW area. I had the same problem this week. I've been running in the afternoons, around 5pm or so and it's been fine up until the latter half of this week. I ran this morning at around 8am and it was 57. I plan to switch to running in the morning from next week. Derek

When it gets really hot in the Summer I wrap ice in a bandana/scarf and tie it around my neck. Keeping my neck cool helps. I like the Under Armor "heat gear" too. It works pretty well. Also, I got this shirt on sale (Columbia Titanium with UV protection) which has little ridges which are supposed to wick the sweat better. Run in the shade if you can to save 5-10 degrees and your skin from the sun. The brand of sunscreen you use does have an effect on how hot you feel. One time I used some very heavy, oily sunscreen and I felt like my face was on fire and I was suffocating. I spent the extra money on Neutrogena brand next time around. That stuff really works well for me.

As a runner in the Deep South, my tip is to wear as little as modesty allows. Like others have said, keep your runs to first thing in the morning or right before dark. Hydrate during the non-running times of the day and plan your water stops during your runs. I find a hat makes me hotter despite how vented it may be. Others differ on that opinion so you'll just have to see what works for you.

I live in Atlanta. Through the winter I was a lunchtime runner, but the spring and summer turns me into an early morning runner. My upper threshhold is around 84 degrees which usually hits around 9 or 10 am during the dog days. If properly hydrated a good hot run can feel good, as long as there are some trees and not on black asphalt. But in the summertime here, my 5:30 AM runs are right at the dewpoint so humidity in the 90's, temps sometimes into the high 70's. And still air - it's too thick to move. MTA - during the peak summer weeks, I find it impossible even to run in the evening, as it will not drop below 85 till 9 or 10 PM sometimes. At which point I've given in and had dinner and/or a couple of beers.

This year, I am going to try running with cool wicking clothes! I just hate washing more clothes. Any of you notice fabric softeners reducing the cool wicking properties of your clothes?

I've never noticed a problem with the wicking part but like a lot of people here have said it's the smell.. No matter how much I wash them as soon as I start to sweat in some of my oldest stuff it gets this nice 'funk' by the end of the run.. People have mentioned special detergents.. Think I'll give one of those a try with my new stuff if I can remember to get it..

Marcus, it's no longer "Town Lake," but "Lady Bird Lake," in case you make a trip back there!