Are you Suffering Defeat in this Heat?
Here are 11 Tips For You to Beat the Heat!
Guest blog by Kerri Somers, EP-C, CHKD Healthy You for Life, Exercise Physiologist
One of the greatest-known facts about Florida: it’s HOT. I’m a Virginia native and thought I knew hot summer training until the Sunshine State’s humidity changed the game. For this reason, our team at St. Pete Running Company has chimed in with our tried-and-true summer training tips—because running doesn’t get a summer vacation.
Tip #1: Hydration
“Stay hella hydrated and have grace with yourself when your runs are slower. Your body is having to work so much harder to run in the heat and humidity.” –Adrienne Berry
Tip #2: Slow Down
“Slow down and focus on effort rather than pace; with heat and high dew point it’s so hard to maintain a faster pace. Instead, dial in your effort and quantify your run in terms of minutes rather than distance.” –Cody Angell
Tip #3: Rise Early
“Get up early to beat the heat and enjoy the sunrise—a perfect way to start your day!” –Tiffany Stevens
Tip #4: Remember the Payoff
“Don’t do it… Just kidding— go slow, have fun, and hydrate a lot. Come winter and when races start back up, all of that slow and hot running will pay off big time.” –Cody Magda
Tip #5: Playlist Power
“Make waking up earlier for cooler weather fun by creating a pump-up playlist get you inspired and excited to tackle your run. I also love having a cold drink to enjoy when I’m done, whether that’s a smoothie, frozen coffee, or a giant glass of ice-cold Nuun Endurance.” -Kerri Somers
Tip #6: Back Off When Needed
“Be patient with your body while running in the heat/humidity. It’s okay if you need to cut back every now and then!” –Amber Hillhouse
Tip #7: Cross Train
“Cross train more—swim, yoga, strength work, foam rolling, stretching, etc. Focus on something you’re not as good at or tend to neglect in the peak of your run training.” –Janna Angell
Tip #8: Keep Pushing
“It may be hot, but don’t be afraid to push. Heat/humidity training will put you ahead for the fall racing season, so keep on top of it. Also, hydrate or die-drate.” –Mandy Hurley
Tip #9: Mix it Up
“Use this time to reflect on your “why” when it comes to running and mix up your routine based on why you love to run. Try running without tracking distance or pace, set a personal goal for a new distance PR, or shift your focus to strength training or cross training to stay injury free.” –Allie Hardwick
Tip #10: Focus on Form
“Focus on mechanics—hone in your form, spend more time on drills that you’re not 100% at, and cross-train.” –Greg Hodge
Tip #11: Preparation is Key
“Frontload electrolytes (Nuun/Koda tablets) before the run and be done before the sun is up.” –Mike Zwijacz
St. Pete Running Company is OPEN
We are working hard to keep our store clean and sanitized for you, our customer family. In accordance with county, city, and CDC guidelines, we require our employees to wear masks. Customers are also asked to wear masks when they come into our store. We provide hand sanitizer when you enter the store. And we are limiting the number of patrons in the store at one time.
Please feel free to call us with any questions at 727-800-5043.
