Whew…it’s hot out there! Here are a few tips to keep cool and run on all summer long!

1. Commit. Summer running is not easy, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. Make a plan to run as often as you would like this summer and hold yourself accountable.
2. Drink water. Lots of water. The most important factor in summer running is staying well-hydrated. Dehydration is dangerous and miserable. Dehydration while running is double bad. Prevent it by carrying a water bottle everywhere, don’t go an hour without sipping throughout the day.
3. Run earlier in the morning before the sun has heated things up, temps are a lot cooler. Plus, early morning runs are often quiet and more serene before the rest of the world has awoken. If you’re not an early riser, wait until evening when the sun has dropped. Longer days means more daylight, just try to avoid the hottest hours of the day.
4. Don’t forget the sunscreen. Sometimes it’s hard to remember the SPF if we aren’t hitting the beach or pool. The sun is just as strong when we’re moving outside, so lather up every morning you’ll be outdoors and find a good, breathable running hat for sunny days.
5. Let your body adjust. At first, you may slow your pace and shorten your mileage. Running in high heat can be really difficult on the body. Ease into it and increase your pace and mileage so that you slowly adjust to the heat in the safest way.
6. Dress accordingly. Running will heat the body almost instantly and body temperature only increases with every mile. Plan ahead and wear minimal clothing while remaining comfortable. Loose, light, and moisture-wicking is best.
7. Run through sprinklers! Do whatever you can to keep yourself cool. Channeling your inner child and running through sprinklers or pouring water on your head is totally allowed…and extra fun.
8. On that note, ENJOY it! If you don’t enjoy running in the first place, you really won’t enjoy running in high heat. Make yourself a kick-ass playlist, switch up your route, enjoy your surroundings, get a new running outfit, or do whatever you do that makes those miles enjoyable!

One Healthy Breakdown: run the summer, don’t let the summer run you when you can run the summer!