Tips For Surviving the Summer Humidity on Your Next Run

2022-07-23 00:59:34 By : Mr. Andrew Wei

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Don’t let muggy weather stop you from working out.

Running in heat is hard enough, but when you add humidity to the equation, getting those summer miles can be downright exhausting. Test Editor Amanda Furrer stops by the Runner's World Clubhouse to share her tips for surviving those extra muggy days.

You can avoid the worst heat of the day by getting your run done early, or waiting until later in the evening. Just like in winter, remember to visibility or reflective gear when running in lower light times of day.

Sweat has a cooling effect on your body when it's able to evaporate, pulling moisture away from your body, but when the air is already humid, it prevents sweat from evaporating. Wear lightweight, sweat-wicking materials so you don't overheat.

Summer heat and humidity doesn't come without a scorching sun. Protect your skin by applying sunscreen before your runs, and don't forget to wear at hat or visor, too.

Pro Tip: Soak your hat in ice cold water before heading outside.

Staying hydrated is key in muggy weather. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your run.

Humid air slows down your body's ability to regulate its temperature. Setting a PR isn't worth the heat stroke. Use humid days to turn down the pace a notch. Adjusting the pace of your workouts will allow your body to keep the blood flowing to your muscles, and offset GI issues that can arise when you start to overheat.

Lastly, seek shade. Staying out of direct sunlight can help you find minor relief, so find shaded streets, or hop onto a trail. And if it's really hot outside, run inside on the treadmill.

Here’s what to do the night before and on race morning so you’re not hunting for a porta-potty.

We ramped up the speed on a treadmill to see how many more steps we’d take per minute.

Should you actually pass on a pasta dinner the night before your next race?