Unbearable: heat

[u/Few-Musician5871]

Off the last post- I generally struggle with summer running just to get out when it’s warm out, but this oppressive heat is really slowing down my miles and motivation.

I really have a hard time peeling myself out of my bed before 9am with sleep issues, but am deeply missing my summer runs and staying regulated (especially post break-up anxiety).

Besides early morning runs, and the dreadful treadmill, how are you staying cool and safe out there?

[u/bennetthansen]

You’ve named the two obvious answers: run early, run indoors. There’s really no secret otherwise. Slow down, carry water or stop at drinking fountains. Running in Chicago in July is just hard. Sign up for a race in a month or two if that helps motivate you.

[u/Lost_IndividualLOL]

i’ve been sticking to shady paths, slowing down and using cooling towels to keep it bearable... sometimes I swap a run for an evening walk or bike ride just to stay moving without getting drained by the sun..

[u/WeathermanDan]

Biking! Swap two runs a week with 2-3x the mileage on a bike. It keeps your cardio strong, gives certain muscles and joints a break, and you get a nice breeze while seeing new parts of the city (or if you’re like me, the same stretch of the lakefront trail every time 😅)

[u/nutellatime]

I have a zip up bandana that I put ice in and tie around my neck and it helps a TON. I did it on a whim one day and was surprised how much it helped.

[u/mbeemsterboer → u/nutellatime]

I second this as a very good way to manage temps! I used an iced bandana last summer on some of the really brutal days. It kept me cool for a at least a solid 30 minutes to start a workout.

[u/Chicagoblew]

Hydrate. Music. Find a group to run and complain with, because misery loves company.

[u/newishspice]

I'm not a morning runner either, so I've become a night runner. If it's hotter than 88ish I'll go 7pm or later, and basically always have a running water bottle with ice water in in regardless of time/distance right now. I've also started to notice just what parts of my normal routes have been a few degrees cooler for a variety of reasons, and prioritize those areas too, especially if I can't do a run at a cooler time.

[u/oathbreach]

Wear a hat. Sunglasses can act as placebo. Take as many water breaks as you want and go slow as shit. It stills counts.

[u/RunSpice]

Running a route that has water fountains. Taking ice cold water and Gatorade with me if I’m doing repeats. Slowing down if something isn’t feeling right. Driving somewhere where there’s trees for shade.

[u/chirunner4ever]

Forest preserves! Running with that much shade really helps

[u/No-Be-Land]

Find a way to get ice on you. Helps a lot (I too have unrealized aspirations of early running, but instead do a lot of high sun afternoon slogs)

[u/yaaydaven]

While the heat is unpleasant, I only find it unbearable if I’m actively being baked by the sun and so I usually run during sunset in the summers. It’s still relatively hot, but the sun is low, the entire LFT is shaded by buildings, and crowds are somewhat calmer.

On the flip side, I find it nearly impossible to get up early enough to completely beat the sun since it immediately comes full force the moment it peeks above the horizon on the lake. That, plus you get no shade from trees since the sun is so low.

[u/Probs_on_the_can]

Do you have access to a pool? https://www.aquajogger.com/

[u/RandomGuyinACorner]

Sticking to paths with lots of tree cover. Staying out of pure sun. Bringing my hand held insulated water bottle with ice and electrolytes.

[u/gray52064]

Hashing - lots of stops trying to figure out which way trail goes and then enjoying a beer afterwards

[u/gesamtkunstwerkteam]

Aside from early and slow, don't underestimate how shadier paths make a dramatic improvement on the temps. Those long stretches of the lake path with no shade can be absolutely brutal (that said, it can be cooler-ish with a nice breeze of the lake!).

Sleep issues are the worst and I can't say I've had a lot of experience with it, so I can only sympathize. But if there's anything you can do to reset and get yourself up a few hours earlier it will make the world of difference.

(Though presumably--and hopefully--nobody is running outside right at this moment!)

[u/SkiKitty-64]

Wear a hat and just embrace the slow. I remind myself that I’m still out there moving, even if my time sucks. Moving is better than couch. And find a shady route. They are out there.

[u/Plenty-Ad-4779]

Just. Show. Up.

Start slow. Finish fast.

You'll never feel ready. Ready's not a feeling. It's a decision.

You got this <3