Thursday, May 19, 2022

Bring On Summer!


 

It's no secret that I love Summer. 

And, I love summer running. I can say, in all honesty, Summer is my favorite season for running, as well as any form of fitness that I can take outside.

While many find the heat (and humidity) of the summer months too much to bear, I find it invigorating. After all, I'd rather be too hot than too cold. Call me crazy.

I doubt I'll be able to persuade any heat-haters to come over to my side (and that's alright), but I will share a few reasons why Summer is my jam.


For starters, you don't have to worry about second guessing the weather. Even though the humidity may vary, and there will be an occasional "cool" day, the temps are going to be comfortably warm for the most part. Even rain won't be a big deal-breaker (it may actually be a welcome refresher).

As far as the temps go, you can say goodbye to multiple layers. It won't take as long to get dressed before you head outside, nor will you need to ponder the need for gloves or a headband. It won't take very long to feel warmed up, either, once you get moving.


Taking a walk break, mid-run, won't leave you freezing as you catch your breath. In the dead of winter, a simple walk break isn't as comfortable. In fact, pausing for short walk intervals may actually enhance your performance (race day or not) if it's an especially hot day.

And if it's a windy day, the odds are favorable it will be more of a balmy breeze than a freezing cold wind chill. Besides, you'll probably be sweating...a little wind may feel nice.


If you have any fall races on the calendar, training in the summer heat will give you an edge come race day. Sure, you can opt inside, with a fan blowing in your face, and sweat it out on the treadmill. You'll still get the mileage done. But, what if it's unseasonably warm on race day? All those air-conditioned treadmill miles won't be your best weapon. Running outside, when done with care and caution, can be its own reward.


Let's not forget the extended daylight, both in the morning and evening. It's no secret I love my sunrises, whether I'm running, walking or biking. I can assure you, I enjoy them more in the summer because I have more time in the earlier hours (before heading to work).


In all fairness, I can assure you that I enjoy fitnessing outdoors, year-round. I love the freshness of Spring, the crispness of Fall and the tranquility of Winter. I simply love the heat, sunshine, and simplicity of Summer more. No hard feelings.

Anyways, that's my story. We all get to do this fitness gig our way. I'm lucky, and quite grateful, the heat doesn't seem to affect me as much as it does others. Besides, we all know how I feel about running indoors ala Milly. Even my time with Sebbe (my stationary bike) is about due for a sabbatical (absence makes the heart grow fonder, right?).

Your turn...what's your favorite season for running?  Do you make it a point to get outdoors, even in the extreme heat and humidity?

A few related posts:

I'm linking this with MichelleReneeDarleneJenn and Zenaida for the Fit Five Friday Link-up.




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15 comments:

  1. For running/exercise in general, early fall is definitely my favourite. Where I live in Eastern Canada, it tends to be the nicest mix of what you describe above - long days and relative mild day-time temperatures, but less wind, lots of sunshine, with an underlying crispness to the air that just makes me feel the most alive and vibrant. If I could live in only one month of the year I would pick mid-September to mid-October (a bit of a cheat, perhaps, since it spans 2 months?!).
    I love summer, but don't like a lot of heat (and really dislike winter) so find September/early October are just the best of both worlds.

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    1. I was just thinking recently that this (right now) is my favorite time of year. It's warm, but not oppressive yet and the days are getting longer and longer. And, it's going to continue getting warmer and brighter for the next several weeks. I kind of wish it could stay "late May" year-round ;-)

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  2. Summers were so brutal in TX -- yes, I still got outside, but that's when we bought the treadmill -- and I didn't run yet! So that might give you your answer, LOL! Yup, we all get to enjoy it our way.

    I do love not having to run in ALL the layers, for sure.

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  3. while it is true that you don't have to worry about layers, the summer here can be brutal. The humidity just zaps my energy and makes it much more challenging to hit paces. I will need to run in the summer to train for fall races but I won't like it :)

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    1. The humidity definitely is tough to bear! I've learned to deal with it, but I don't enjoy it...

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  4. I grew up in the midwest and was just like you- I LOVED summer, and the heat never bothered me at all- the hotter, the better. So then I moved to Florida and all was well for a while... and then I hit menopause. I never had hot flashes or anything like that (wait, am I getting off-topic here?) but somehow my tolerance of the heat went way down. I would say I'm more on the level of a "normal" person now, i.e. grumbling and complaining when it goes over 80 degrees. I would still rather be hot than cold, so I make it work! And I do love running in the daylight, and wearing as few layers as possible.

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    1. As tough as the heat can be, I'm still finding the wind to be my nemesis (year-round). Yesterday's run, after work, was brutal...it was 90F (with the heat index) and the wind was 23mph! YUCK.

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  5. Here's the thing - I don't tolerate heat very well for running BUT I love summer dearly. So this year I'm opting inside for the hotter days but loving the outside when I'm not running. Yes to not having to bundle up in layers, yes to no ice and snow, and yes to extra daylight.

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    1. You have a solid plan! It's nice when we can figure out our strengths and weaknesses (with the weather conditions) and have a plan of action at the ready.

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  6. Great to read about your running. It's coming into winter here and I found summer this year so hard with the humidity.

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    1. It gets pretty humid in Iowa, too. I'm not a fan of it, by any means, but I'll gladly deal with it since I love the heat of summer MUCH more than the cold of Winter, LOL.

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  7. You've definitely mentioned some great points but Fall is still my favorite. :-) And I agree, I'd rather be hot than cold.

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  8. Well you know how I feel about running in the heat and humidity. I wish I had your tolerance for it. My favorite season to run is the fall. If I could run in October conditions all year round, I'd be a happy camper lol.

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  9. I'm so glad you're happy. We are just melting in misery with this humidity. I didn't miss it.

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