Summer Running Tips and My NIKEiD Shoes Arrived!
First of all, I would like to congratulate Brandy C. on winning my giveaway last week. Congratulations! Your prize is on it's way! Be sure to let me know what you think when you receive it! Also, another big giveaway is coming up in the next few weeks, so stay tuned!
In other big news, my NIKEiD shoes arrived this week. I had the privilege of participating in a one on one personal design session with the NIKEiD team to design these shoes last month and have been waiting for them to arrive ever since! They are so bright and fun! I love that they have my "Run Fierce" mantra printed on the tongue. Since they are a shoe built to simulate a more barefoot style of running I am working on building up my mileage in them. I ran one mile in them Wednesday, two miles Thursday and will take them out for some speed work later today. Have you checked out the NIKEiD design site yet? You can design so many different types of shoes, from running to tennis to sportswear, it's a really unique and fun way to spice up your shoe collection.
Along with my new shoes, the weather has begun to take a turn recently. As summer begins to creep up on us, we as runners need to change up our routine to accommodate the heat and change in weather. My routine changes significantly in the summer months. Here are some tips and tricks that keep me running strong throughout the long summer days and heat.
In other big news, my NIKEiD shoes arrived this week. I had the privilege of participating in a one on one personal design session with the NIKEiD team to design these shoes last month and have been waiting for them to arrive ever since! They are so bright and fun! I love that they have my "Run Fierce" mantra printed on the tongue. Since they are a shoe built to simulate a more barefoot style of running I am working on building up my mileage in them. I ran one mile in them Wednesday, two miles Thursday and will take them out for some speed work later today. Have you checked out the NIKEiD design site yet? You can design so many different types of shoes, from running to tennis to sportswear, it's a really unique and fun way to spice up your shoe collection.
Along with my new shoes, the weather has begun to take a turn recently. As summer begins to creep up on us, we as runners need to change up our routine to accommodate the heat and change in weather. My routine changes significantly in the summer months. Here are some tips and tricks that keep me running strong throughout the long summer days and heat.
- Hydration is key and drinking ample amounts of water before working out is very important. When it's hot out I never want to start a run already dehydrated. Along with pre-run hydration it's important to bring water bottles with you on your run. I like to add a Nuun tablet to my water during runs. Nuun keeps me hydrated and replaces the essential electrolytes that I lose when I sweat. With no extra sugar added, these tabs are great for keeping me running strong.
- Ice is essential in heat over 80 degrees. I find that putting ice in my handheld water bottle works great. It keeps my hands and body temperature cool in the early stages of my run and I can take sips of water as I run. I can also spray water over my head if I feel I am about to overheat. Ice is key! Keep your body temperature lower and you can run longer.
- Wear a hat! I know they aren't always ideal, but a hat keeps the sun off your face and can protect your eyes and face from harmful sun. Also, if you place your hat under cold water before your run it will keep you cool along the way. A visor is another great option if you don't like hats, it keeps the sun off your face while allowing heat to escape from the top of your head. A win-win situation.
- Wear sunblock. Do I really need to explain this one? You will still get a runners tan while wearing sunblock. How do I know? I am as white as Disney's beloved Snow White and I lather on SPF 100 sunblock and those pesky rays still get through. Do yourself a favor and protect your skin from harmful rays and wrinkles.
- Run in the early am. If you have to set your alarm two hours earlier, do it. It is worth it to avoid running in terrible heat. Get a friend to keep each other accountable and don't make your runs optional. The buddy system always works for me. Also, lay out your running clothes the night before, or better yet just sleep in them, no excuses!
Do you have any tips that make running in the summer heat more bearable? I'd love to hear them! Let me know in the comments below! Happy training!
~Karen