Old Navy running tank, $14.50 now $12.50
I’m still working out a routine for summer, building out from the baseball game and karate class schedules. While I haven’t exactly figured out how to grocery shop in a way that doesn’t make everyone cranky (because the kids hate the grocery as much as I do, apparently), I’ve managed to run 60 miles in the first two weeks of summer vacation. So go me.
I’m running super early in the morning, for a couple of reasons. I’m better as a morning runner, because I like to just get it over with — I feel better all day if I’ve already run. Starting the morning by crossing something substantial off my to do list makes the rest of the day go more smoothly. I also don’t like to be hot, which means that early morning is my only choice if I’m going to run (and some days, like today, even that fails me — it was nearly 80 degrees at 6:00 am).
I’ve dropped longer runs (anything over six miles) from my schedule, because they’re too hard to fit into my day. I’m leaving the house by 6:00 am to run, but getting up any earlier than that means waking Wade; running more than six miles means the kids are home alone after he leaves for work. Instead of trying to do two long-ish runs each week, I’m running 30 miles total for the week, in mixes of four, five, and six mile runs. I’m running six days a week this summer, but the distances are comfortable and I’m not feeling tired or achy, and having that 30 mile goal keeps me motivated.
I’m running more slowly this summer, too, largely because of the heat and humidity. Over the winter, I was running a 9:30 mile; this summer, I’m running something closer to 10:30, which is about right. According to Runner’s World, every 5 degrees over 60F slows your pace 20-30 seconds per mile. I’m also running slowly for the first half of my run — say, a 10:45 – 11:30 minute mile — to conserve energy for the last half of the run. Because I still want to run every step, and I don’t want to die. Starting out slow means I’m able to finish strong; it also means my overall pace isn’t that much slower than it used to be — I’m averaging 10:30ish for six miles, which is pretty good in this weather.
In addition to slowing down, I’m being extra careful about hydration. I’m drinking tons of water — at home, at the pool, when we go out — and limiting caffeine and alcohol. As a bonus, it’s easier for me to remember to get the kids drinking water when I’m already doing it myself, and since they’re out and about all day, we’re all benefiting from this.
I’ve also pared down what I wear to run. I’m not comfortable running in just shorts and my sports bra (although if it keeps getting hotter, I will probably have to go that route) but I’ve opted for shorts and a tank top, both in absorbent hi-tech fabrics. And I’m still putting sunscreen on my face, even at 6:00 am, because I’m crazy like that.
What are your strategies for beating the heat — or not losing your motivation to run in the hot summer months?
My biggest motivation is looking AND feeling good – I worked at a really intense summer camp at a prep school in New England for the last 2 summers, and I would be in a bathing suit every day teaching sailing with my fellow (ahem, male) counselors. Despite the 100 degree weather, humidity, and 18 hour days (I wish that was an exaggeration), I got up at 5:30 or 6 every morning to run, sometimes just 2.5 miles. But then all day I felt healthy, and ready to go! I drank more water, ate better, and looked leaner and more trim. I’m trying hard to get back on that schedule – it’s so hard!! Good luck with the running!
I have to admit that my biggest motivator this summer has been knowing that I will be putting on a bikini almost every day to take my kids to the pool. It’s worked like a charm.
I’ve dropped my pace too, both to ensure that I run every step and to remain aerobic throughout the run. Like you, I’ve gone with a tank top and shorts too. I still run in the heat of the day as part of my training for next month’s triathlon, since it will be 10-11am when I get to the run (a 10K).
Really interesting about the effect of temperature on pace – I didn’t realize it was so significant!
OMG, “summer” and “running”–two of my favorite words, put together.
I love summer running so much (not the extreme and humidity, but everything else) that I look forward to it all year. This year, so far, I’m injured , so I’m also heartbroken. (And TOTALLY envious of your 30 miles per week! OMG!) I don’t want the summer to pass me by before I can truly get out there and live my summer runs. (I run on country roads, trails, and in the woods and prairie, and it is too gorgeous for words.) You inspire me! Oh, and also–super cute running tank! I have 2 from Target but def. need a 3rd. Think I need that one. Pink is my color.
Argh! They’re out of the Smalls in both colors. And I even have an ON/Gap rewards certificate to cash in!
Thanks for this post and also thanks for your great reply to my similar post last week. I definitely have tapered off a bit on my running due to weather but also due to summer schedules. Yeah it’s usually almost 80 degrees here at 6am and crazy humid too, so I feel ya on that one. I haven’t yet tried running in a tank because most of them are snug fitting and I think I’ll still like my very loose tech shirts better. Plus the sun, oh the sun. Sunscreen even at 6am is a must. I have got to get more religious about that, I look like on giant freckle. People keep commenting on it too when I’m out and about. It’s been a big change since moving to the sunbelt, and at 34 my hands should not already be looking lizardy like my sun worshipping mother’s.
You are so good! Today is our first day of school being out, so I need to get into a new routine and get up early to run. The last few weeks were so crazy, I was a total slacker. New exercise clothes are always a motivator!
Also, I thank GOD for grocery delivery in the summer. It doesn’t completely solve my problem (eggs are usually broken and tomatoes are smushed) but it cuts down drastically on the time I spend at the grocery store. Just requires some extra organization on my part. (Always a challenge. But way easier than running 4 kids through the store.)
I HATE running in the summer. It’s just too hot here. I also hate the salt that forms all over me when I sweat in the summer. So, my trick is to run on the treadmill during the summer. I use sleeveless wicking tanks (usually Nike, New Balance) and my Lululemon running skirt.
Beat the heat? We haven’t had much of that here but when we do I got at night or early in the morning. I also slow down and keep the miles to a minimum if it’s blazing. Nice job running 30 miles a week. That is quite impressive!
Just a few days away from the marathon–I’ll let you know if I survive again!