My Summer Mileage Must-Haves

Is it hot in here?

Maybe. It is, after all, the middle of June.


As an avid outdoor runner, I find myself lacing up and hitting the road year-round, no matter how cold or hot the weather is. Even though it gets a bit extreme in Iowa (in winter AND summer), I'd much rather be outside in the elements than stuck inside on a repetitious machine.

That said, if I had to choose which extreme of the two I prefer, it would be summer. Granted, there's plenty of perspiration happening, but at least in the summer you have the option of actually cooling down by taking walk breaks (if needed). In the winter, you just get more cold.

So, I'm sharing my top five Summer Mileage Must-Haves. These are in no particular order, but they are the essentials that keep me happy when the temperatures approach the triple digits.

First of all, a good tank top, preferably in a bright color. I have a huge collection of short-sleeved tops from races, but I seldom wear them unless I cut out the neck (which is usually a tight-fitting crew neck) or modify them into tank tops (for a DIY demo, check out this post...Getting Crafty with a Race Shirt). Even on a cool early morning, you can either layer a long-sleeve top over the tank, or add arm warmers.

Next, I gotta have sunglasses. I have very dry skin (even in the summer), which means my delicate facial skin is wrinkle prone. I refuse to give those wrinkles  a head start by squinting...so I wear sunglasses on almost every run if there's a slight chance of the sun poking through the clouds. Not only do sunglasses protect my eyes from the bright sunshine, the lenses also act as a windshield to keep the bugs out. 

Another favorite must-have is a good pair of wool socks. That's right...wool socks in the heat of summer. Wool repels moisture, drawing the sweat away from your feet and your 10 toes. My go-to brand is SmartWool, but there are numerous other brands out there to consider. Bottom line, stay away from cotton socks!

When it's hot outside, you will need a hydration plan. I have started carrying a small (8-oz.) hand held bottle on most of my runs, even for the shorter runs (3-5 miles). In training for Grandma's Marathon, I tried (for the first time ever) to hydrate like I would on the race course...which means having a bit of water every mile or so (like I would at the water stations during the race).  I don't drink a lot of water, but a few sips are just enough to keep my thirst at bay (I seldom ever drink an entire cup of water at the water stations during a race either). Another option I have used is to circle back to my house every 4-6 miles for water (and/or a potty stop).

Last, and certainly not least, is a positive attitude. Yes, you will sweat (a lot). Your pace will slow down, If you do any racing, the odds are good your finish time will not reflect your actual ability (but that will be the case for most everyone else, too).  But, take heart in the knowledge that you'll be outside...seeing (and hearing the birds), smelling the flowers, and training in the very conditions you may experience on race day.

It goes without saying (but I'm saying it anyways), be smart. Ultimately, your safety and well-being should always win out over your ego. If you're out in the heat and start to feel light-headed, dizzy, or break out with the chills...STOP. Take a walk break, or sit down in the shade. It's always a good idea to have a phone with you in case you need to call for a ride.

Enough about me...what are some of your summer-running essentials? Do you brave it outside, or stay inside when the temps start to climb? Have you ever had to cut a run short and/or call for a ride?

** I'm linking up with Suzie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches' Corner

 **And with Nicole and Annmarie and Jen for the Wild Wednesday Workout

** And, since I'll be on the road Friday, traveling to Duluth for Grandma's Marathon, I'm also linking this with Meranda and Lacey and Rachel for the Friday Five 2.0.