Summer Running Must Haves
It’s finally SUMMER! YAY!
If you’re like me, you are guilty of signing up for a fall race meaning you’re now stuck training in the heat & humidity…
I’ll be training for the Berlin Marathon this summer! I’m pretty excited since this will be my second marathon ever!
But as a runner who has ran through many summers, I’m here to give you some advice, tips and product recommendations (products that I actually use and love!) So whether you’re new to running or looking for alternatives to what you are using, you’re in the right place.
So let’s get into it! *All links are affiliate links where I earn a small commission, so if you chose to buy through the links thank you!
Anti-chafe is needed year round but especially as it gets warmer! Anti-chaffing lotion, stick, or whatever form is so so helpful if you’re like me and love the cute flowy shorts but have thighs that make the shorts ride up. Though bike shorts also chafe at the ends sometimes too. My tip for this is to lather it on and you should be good. And when you do chafe, showering is going to suck! Also put some neosporin on it to help the healing process!
My favorite anti - chafe is Chamois Butt’r but I also don’t mind Body Glide. I just find that Chamois Butt’r works better & for longer. Also Chamois Butt’r is a lotion so it’s easier to apply in my opinion. However, deodorant also does the trick! To be honest it really is a trial and error kind of thing to find what works best for you.
Moving on to sunglasses. The first few years of running I didn’t wear sunglasses because I didn’t want to buy a pair and then drop them and have them break. I drop EVERYTHING, so I just suffered as I ran directly into the sun making it impossible to see. Really it’s a miracle I wasn’t hit by a car. Then I came across running specific sunglasses and let me tell you, a lot of them were crazy price - or at least to me. I’m ballin’ on a budget so price and durability are two main factors. My favorite (only pair) of sunglasses is from Goodr. Relatively cheap - about $25 - and pretty indestructible. Love these! They don’t bounce and stay in place even when I’m sweating ALOT. Tip here is to find ones you like - sport/active specific so they have less of a chance of bouncing or falling off your face. Don’t go without sunglasses because seeing is important especially running on the road and dodging cars because apparently people still think texting and driving is a good idea.
Hydration is incredibly important! (probably should’ve been the first thing on this list, oh well…) When I started running I ran with no water. I’m talking up to 8 - 10 miles with nothing - no fuel and no water. DON’T do this! It’s dumb. At the bare minimum carry a water bottle (fueling is a whole other thing). Also bad things can happen if you become too dehydrated and especially in the summer heat. You definitely don’t want to get heat stroke!
I have a belt with two little 10 oz water bottles - this one - and it works really well! Only complaint it the water bottles are tough to clean ( I am the dishwasher so...). As for carrying more water, I LOVE my 1.5 liter Nathan hydration vest - this one - it’s carried me through plenty of long runs and my first marathon back in May 2023! My only complaint is the tan lines I got from wearing this which has nothing to do with the amazingness of this hydration vest. There are plenty of options out there, I just personally uses and love these two. I’m always looking for great products that also don’t break the bank so these are also on the more affordable side.
Tip for staying hydrated on runs is to honestly always bring water with you. My personal rule of thumb is anything over 4 miles, but if it’s really hot & humid I’ll bring water even if I’m only going a few miles.
Another incredibly important thing is sunscreen! Wear the dang sunscreen! Yes, you can still get that nice summer glow wearing sunscreen. It is so so important! The sun damages your skin and its just safer to wear it. So find a brand you like and put it on regardless of season but especially in the summer! I personally like Supergoop. There’s this one for your face - it’s a stick so I find it way easier to put on plus it stays even when you’re sweating like crazy! Then for the rest of my body I use - this one. It’s specifically for being active and sweating so perfect for running! Whatever you use try and aim for something that is meant for being active - so it doesn’t sweat right off - and has 40 to 50 SPF.
Those 4 things are probably the most important things you need for training in the summer! Running in the summer is no easy task. The heat & humidity make running that much harder. But good news! Summer struggles & challenges bring Fall PR’s!
Let me know if you want one about my go to summer running outfits!
Now go out there, stay safe and have fun!
