Don't struggle with these things this Summer (And a GIVEAWAY)

When it comes to running in the heat, there is not much that we (or any other runner) could probably tell you that you don't already know or that is not already common sense, like wear light weight clothes, put on sunscreen, wear a hat/visor, stay hydrated, run during the coolest part of the day, yada, yada, yada,!

It's summer, and it's just plain hot!  Most days, we have to get up and be on the road (or trails) before 7 am in order to get a cool run in, but it's summer and who wants to get up that early? Not me! So yes, some of my runs (when I was running) happened a little bit later.  My best tip about running in the heat in this instance would be to pick your route accordingly. We've talked extensively in our previous posts about finding SAFE routes that actually provide an adequate amount of shade. Sadly my favorite trail in the fall, becomes way to hot to run in the summer so I have to look elsewhere.
Some other places I've found that offer some shade during the day include:

College Campuses: I am fortunate enough to have one right down the road from me. Luckily it is lined with big shade trees, but unfortunately the campus is pretty hilly.

Campgrounds: There is also a campground near me as well. These are great places to run. They aren't very busy ( traffic heavy) mid morning/afternoon and shade is plentiful.

Cemetery: I know I've mentioned this route before and was met with varying opinions about it, but hey, it's safe ( no traffic) and most cemeteries are well manicure with nice big shade trees.


In addition to having a "Shade" issue on my runs, I usually have a hydration issue. Last summer when I was regularly doing 13 mile training runs, I would always run out of water at mile 9!  I never run by my house, so stopping for a drink or putting an extra bottle in the mail box was out of the questions. 

We recently received these O2COOL misting bottles that hold 20 ounces, so now I can be sure I have plenty of water and can mist myself when I'm feeling too warm. Win Win!

Speaking of Win, we are giving away one of these misting water bottles. Have you entered the giveaway?

You can enter the Giveaway HERE.

We are linking up with TOTR.

20 comments:

  1. Those water bottles look "cool". I don't know about the cemetery running though :)

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  2. You bring up some good ideas for ideal running locations, regardless of summer running. I will definitely keep the college campus and cemetery in mind. The closest campground site to me is at least an hour away, if not more. Thanks for sharing!

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  3. I agree that planning out when and where you run in the summer is your best bet. I find that if I go out early its usually not too bad, although the humidity can still cause me to slow down quite a bit.

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  4. Finding shade is a gift when it's hot out! It's hard to believe but it really does make a world of a difference out there!

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  5. Great ideas of places to look for a shaded path! We have a state park that's local to us and I enjoy running there during the summer! :)

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  6. I'm not so sure about running in a cemetery. Something about that idea just creeps me out!

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  7. I'm lucky to have two huge parks near my apartment that have nice shady trails (one of them has paved trails as well!) Shade is definitely our best friend for warm runs, and you gave some great tips on places to find it!

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  8. I'm still in awe over that bottle!
    We have a cemetery in our little town... but its like smaller then a half mile all the way around :) haha

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  9. The summer heat it killing me and my runs! That water bottle is such a genius idea!

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  10. I am too creeped out to run in the cemetery! But I also have to get used to the heat since I'll be running my half ironman part at about 12noon-1pm.

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  11. This mister bottle is genius! Just this morning I had day dreams about a fan with mister like those little ones at amusement parks. Love!

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  12. Yes, the summer heat is crazy. I have been sticking to the trail in hopes of some shade.

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  13. There was a flasher in the cemetery my granny used to visit so no bueno for me. Haha! That's a cool bottle. Who doesn't love a little mist?

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  14. Campus or Campgrounds are a great idea no matter what part of the country you live in, I think those are fabulous places to pick on routes because like you said they usually do have trees!
    Back east you guys are lucky because you have so many tree's, out west we don't really have that luxury as much as most parks and cemeteries although they do have a few tree's, not enough to actually shade:)
    But we do have mountains, and once you get up above 8000 feet you can pretty much guarantee 40-60's temps until almost noon:)
    On a side note: My parents were out near your neck of the woods the past few days, doing sightseeing and hiking, they haven't complained about the heat, probably because they are just loving all the cheaper gas prices every other state has but us, LOL

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  15. I have never seen a misting water bottle before! That is so cool! We don't have a lot of trees around here unless we hit the trails!

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  16. I've run a 5k several times that goes through a cemetery. I like it, even though it felt odd the first time.

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  17. Finding a shady route makes a huge difference! I like to hit the park with lots of trees/shade in the summer :)
    Karen @karenlovestorun

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  18. Shade can make a BIG difference. But, even then, I still hate running in the heat, haha. I'm partial to ANY park with trees, and I've found that wearing a hat so that at least the sun is out of my face makes a (small) difference, too.

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  19. I'd be worried I'd trip over something in a cemetery but I know lots of people who like to run there. Campgrounds are a great idea!

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  20. So true about finding a shady route. I usually avoid city running when I have to run in the sun because sun + hot pavement + no shade = pure misery. I need to look for more shady routes!

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Fairytales and Fitness is a personal blog authored and edited by us, Meranda and Lacey. The thoughts expressed here represent only our own and are not meant to be taken as professional advice. Please note that our thoughts and opinions change from time to time. We consider this a necessary consequence of having an open mind in an ever changing society. Any thoughts and opinions expressed within our out-of-date posts may not be the same, nor even similar, to those we may express today. Some links may contain affiliate links. Some links are just to pages we'd like to share.