Give yourself some slack–> RUNNING IN THE HEAT!

The walkers group is back together again (still looking for people to recruit because so far only my sister and i have signed up).  We hit up the trails to explore when it was 5,000 degrees out and had a great time.  We only heard one rattle snake the entire time.  Not bad.  

IMG 4207

In the morning I went to pump with Sara.  Friends that bring cookies to give you at the gym= sure sign that they are keepers.  

IMG 4192

Each week I have a snack that I absolutely love and need and then I eat it so much that I get sick of it and I have to come up with a new snack for the next week.  

For the week of 6/29-7/5 the snack is toast with almond butter and thin apple slices on top.  

IMG 4214

I finally got my very own Costco membership and Brooke and I celebrated by getting samples, spinach, chicken, gum and a TV FOR MY NEW APARTMENT (I am starting from scratch, I left pretty much everything in California when I left). 

No more bumming off my mom and friends to go to Costco with them to get our necessities… we are really moving up in the world.

IMG 4227

I’ve really had a thing for popcorn lately too.

IMG 4234

We decided to have girls’ night at a house rather than a froyo establishment so that we could stay past closing time.  Real good idea.

IMG 4242

It is hot outside.  

It affects our running.  

We are runners and a big reason we care about or pay attention to the temps/storms/weather is because we know it will change our running (for the better or the worse).  

I don’t think we really realize how hard running in the heat is on our bodies and we get in our brains and we are really hard on ourselves for slowing down and not hitting our normal paces and distances when it is hot outside.  I run MUCH better in the fall and even the winter compared to the summer… my body thrives in colder temps when running.  

 5 Ways Heat Affects Running Performance is an awesome article that goes into detail about WHY it is so hard to run in the heat.  It is so important for your physical (and mental) game to learn about how different temps affect you so you realize you aren’t slowing down just because you sweat more or you are dehydrated when running during the summer… it is a lot more complicated than that.

“As temperature increases exercise costs more energy and you’ll tire sooner.”

2 ways that I thought were really interesting about why the heat affects our running:

Screen Shot 2014 07 02 at 12 29 01 AM

Screen Shot 2014 07 02 at 12 30 14 AM

The article also talks a lot about how humidity really affects the body as it is trying to cool itself while running!

My tips for running in the heat HERE!!!!

———————————

What season do you run best in? 

How does the heat affect your running?  Do you notice a huge difference?

A snack you are really into lately?

Gum—>  minty gum or fruity gum?  Favorite brand?

You May Also Like

115 comments

Reply

So excited for you to get your own place!!!:):)

Reply

There have been some toasty runs in the last month- but the worst have been in high humidity! We have felt like we were swimming! The heat definitely affects me at the beginning of the summer- after a few weeks I do alright.

The fall is my absolute favorite- no allergies, less humidity, and cooler temps :)

Reply

I like running in the fall best. The temperatures are still warm but not as hot as summer here in Denver. I also love running and seeing all the change in colors that fall brings.

I’ve been training to get use to running in the heat this summer because I have a half on July 12th (and knowing my luck it’ll be 110 that morning). I use to just plod along when it got above 70, but now I feel more comfortable with the heat.

Reply

I run best in the COLD! No joke, all my PRs were 40 or below I think! This morning I did a run on a hilly route and it was HOT, terrible choice of route, but only 4 miles so I survived. I hate the sun beating down on me too when running.

I am into lara bars and a banana for a snack lately. Easy quick and portable :)

Reply

I’m a fall runner for sure. When it’s almost cold before the race and you are worried that your race outfit won’t keep you warm enough, I’m usually in perfect shape.

I definitely notice a difference in the heat. I just try to dial it back and take breaks when I need them instead of pushing too hard. I’ve come a long way with not being too hard on myself about variations in my running.

Lately, I’m in to making a little bit of plain oatmeal and mixing in yogurt and berries. Best snack!

Reply

I am an evening runner so I really like summer because it’s still light out when I go. I actually don’t mind the heat (t00 much) on easy days — definitely a killer on speedwork days though! The cooler weather during the winter is definitely better for speed :) I am already noticing a huge difference. Last night during speedwork I ran 25 seconds slower on the same loop I ran just two weeks ago… it was 16 degrees hotter and much more humid than that night when I ran faster. Boo!

Reply

I run the best in the Fall and early Spring for sure! My ideal running temp is anywhere from 45*-60*, but 50* is my absolute favorite!

Running in the heat is SO hard for me. I have talked about it a few times now on my blog, but it is so dang hot here in the South. It’s usually anywhere from 85*-95* every day and pretty much 100% humidity…it’s miserable. My speed slows down tremendously and I actually started cramping after mile 3 the other day so I just ran back to my house and called it quits. Not fun.

My favorite snack during the day is almonds just because I have them at my desk at work, but I love granola too. I am not the biggest snacker in the world.

I don’t really like gum but if I do chew it, I guess I prefer minty?

Reply

I run best in the fall, and hardly at all in the summer. I really hate when temps get into the 90’s-yuck.
I’m really into pita chips w/sea salt lately, can’t get enough of them.
Ice Breakers Ice cubes raspberry sorbet gum-I know it’s a mouthful, but that gum is the best! Kind of sorry I discovered it.
I’m excited for you and Brooke and your new place. Just another step in the healing process. Slow and steady wins the race!

Reply

I had kettle corn the other night for dinner! Yes – my whole meal. What can I say? It was skinny!

I always struggle mentally in the summer, because I feel like I’m failing, but I really just try to channel all my energy into staying consistent so that when the winter comes I’ll be flying through those formerly “tough” workouts. That helps me SO much. And yes, I’m a better winter runner! I love how I can sleep in and run in the evening because the temps are better. 40-50 degrees is my FAVE.

Minty gum all the way!

Reply

LOL! My running partner and I were just talking about this. It is so hot and humid here in D.C., and we were wondering why we suddenly felt so out of shape! Our times are slower, and running is just harder. I don’t know why it didn’t occur to me that it was the heat.

Reply

I think I run best in the fall after dealing with the heat all summer! It is so humid out lately I definitely notice my running is feeling 1000x harder.
I prefer minty gum…I only really chew it to freshen my breath!

Reply

I run best in the fall but since I live in Florida I pretty much always run in the summer, LOL

Apples with Almond Butter, delish!

Reply

Snack I am into is English muffin with melty pb and a banana on top .
Gum, usually minty, but that sour patch kid stuff i have been loving lately.

I ‘ll sign up for your walking club!

Reply

Minty when I know I’m going to talk to people, fruity for a treat.

I run on the treadmill most of the time. When I ran outside, I had to get up before 5 which made me exhausted by 4pm. Weather and darkness are no longer factors for me, but I do miss running outside.

Spring and fall temps around here are perfect for running, but we also have crazy winds.

Reply

What season do you run best in? – Spring & Fall…even though Summer is my favorite in general, I just can’t seem to handle the heat on my runs

How does the heat affect your running? Do you notice a huge difference? – Oh boy, YES it totally makes a difference. Like an idiot, I had putzed around all morning and recently ended up doing my long run this weekend during the hottest part of the day. I thought my insides were literally cooking and my time went down the tubes!

A snack you are really into lately? – carrots and hummus. It helps me get my veggie count up!

Gum—> minty gum or fruity gum? Favorite brand? – I was really addicted to Extra watermelon flavored gum for years…now I can’t stand it and I’m back on the spearmint bandwagon :)

Have a great day Janae! I really enjoyed this post!!!

Reply

Much as I love summer, I definitely run best in cooler temperatures. Fall is ideal. I’m training for another half marathon now and I definitely notice my pace is much slower and my breathing is harder.

Reply

I actually don’t mind running in the heat and humidity. It’s definitely harder than running in cool temps, but where I live it’s only cool a couple of months out of the year!

Reply

I run best in the fall but get to log more miles in the summer since I can get outside before my son wakes up or after he goes to bed since it stays light out!

Heat slows me down a lot but I don’t mind running I it. I just bring lots of water, wear sunscreen and a hat and listen to my body.

Mint gum all the way :) (although they just released Sour Patch Kids gum in Canada and I would love to try it!!))

PS Yay for Costco memberships. I’m all about paying 55/year for free samples and cheap ice cream cones ;)

Reply

this explains why I used to be able to run 10 miles at a time without stopping and now I’m like, “okay *panting* 1/4 of a mile in *panting* maybe not such a good *vomit noise* idea…” I run best in cooler temps, and humidity is the enemy.

Reply

I live in Boston so the Fall has the best running weather!

Oh I’m so bad at running in the heat & humidity…. I don’t even sign up for races in the summer!

My ‘go to’ snacks lately have been smoothies and Larabars :)

Reply

I’m so happy for your new place! And your own costco membership! They’re building a costco less than a mile from my house. Less than a mile!!
I think Fall running in Utah is pretty much perfection!

Reply

Running in the heat doesn’t bother me so much as the humidity.

Congrats on getting a new apartment!!!

Reply

There are things I like and dislike about running in each season, but I would say my favorite is fall. I really struggle in the humidity, and it’s been bad this summer. We’ve had a ton of rain and storms, it seems like every day is a sauna! My ideal running temp is probably 45 degrees.

I only like cinnamon flavored gum. I’ll chew minty and fruity on occasion if I’m in a pinch.. but otherwise it’s always cinnamon.

Reply

I love running in the Spring, because it’s not too hot yet. I did think about running today, but it’s going to feel like it’s 100 degrees by lunch time, so I’m doing a class instead. The heat definitely affects my running and I’m definitely slower!

I’ve been really into Cliff Bars as a snack (mostly before running). The chocolate brownie flavor is awesome.

Reply

It’s a toss up between the fall and spring- basically when the weather is juuuust right (not too hot not too cold).
Really into olive hummus, Food Should Taste This Good multigrain chips, watermelon and fresh brewed iced tea (the best!).

Running in the heat makes me hot, slow and miserable. I need to learn to embrace it!
Karen @karenlovestorun

Reply

i’m coming over to the new pad! ;)

Reply

I lived in the Philippines for 18 months and kind of got ‘used’ to ‘walking on the sun’ every day. I never thought I would say that or be happy about that–because adjusting was torture.

I went on a 3 hour bike ride w my cousin during the hottest part of the day (and it’s super humid here), and my cousin was out in 15 min haha. I hadn’t realized that I tolerated heat so well. Of course, nothing is better than that brisk energetic feeling you get on fall mornings. Thanks for the article/tips girl!

Reply

Definitely run best from November thru May. So basically autumn and winter. 50 degrees is my optimal running weather.

Here in NYC we get high humidity on top of heat. When the dew point creeps up I am miserable. I try and run slow and with friends and we stop for iced coffee mid way. :)
Yesterday it was 83 percent humidity and since I am returning to running after injury I forced myself to go 2 min slower per mile and found that the temps didn’t bother me as much.

I could eat sea salt potato chips and a nice ripe avocado all day.
Also dried apricots

I like orbit bubblemint. Sweet and minty. :)

Reply

As much as I despise the cold weather, my running is 10x better in the winter. It’s actually kind of mental bummer when you see your speed decreasing in the summer because you worked so hard to get up to a certain pace.

Reply

I’m really into sesame sticks lately!

Reply

I run best in the fall but my favorite time to train is early mornings of the summers. NOTHING better than a 5 mile run followed by a dip in the lake.

I’m into fresh figs these days!

I have minty and fruity gum on hand – depends on my mood.

Beautiful scenery for your walk! Can’t wait to visit Utah one day.

Reply

Oh my the heat has been KILLING me this summer! I’ve felt awful like I’ve completely lost all my running ability – but this made me feel way better! It’s been 85-100 deg and sometimes 80% humidity here in Texas, guess I shouldn’t be so hard on myself!

Reply

THANK YOU for this. The timing was perfect. This morning I dragged my tired self out of bed at 5 to attempt to beat the heat… 7 miles with 5 at a tempo pace was on the schedule. It was already in the 80s with 94% humidity. 4 miles in I just couldn’t keep up the pace any more. Even though the air felt like soup, I gave myself such a hard time for slowing down. Now I feel better, so thank you. :)

Reply

I’m missing the heat this year (crutches need to DIE, I am over this!!!), but I find that it does wonders for my fall fitness. Running in a hot, soupy mess is like training at altitude!

Reply

I definitely run better in fall and winter than in summer. Damn that summer humidity! My pace goes down my quite a few seconds per mile, and I just feel heavier and slower. I will say a nice night run in the summer, about 8-9pm, is the BEST. I haven’t done it in years though.

I love WATERMELON lately! I can’t get enough.

My go-to gum is 5 Colbalt (mint all the way).

Reply

I think string cheese is the best snack. I decided this when I was eight and have been eating it ever since.

Reply

Running in the Fall is my absolute favorite time to run, its just something about the air that makes me feel like I could run forever. The heat affects me a lot when it comes to running or exercising outside. It really gets to me, I live in South Carolina on the coast and the humidity is normally 90-100%. Although, I still make it out there!

It really just depends on the gum, what kind of food I just had. I mainly go with minty though!

Reply

Agree–I love running in the fall!!

Reply

Janae!!! I live in the south and running outside has almost killed me…a couple weeks ago I did a long run and had to jump right in the pool when I got home!!! I have been doing more treadmill, indoor running:-)
I stopped chewing gum because it makes me so bloated…I’m addicted to mentos mints!! Love the apples and almond butter on toast! One of my faves or I do banana and almond butter!!! Try it if you haven’t!!!
I just baked a bunch of chocolate chip cookies!!! Try this recipe I promise you won’t be disappointed… http://www.creamandvanilla.com/2011/09/i-was-restless-all-weekend.html
Happy Wednesday!!!

Reply

Ahh I’m so into the Sparkling Ice waters this summer! So many flavors!
The heat kills me so I have to run before sunrise in the summer.

Reply

Starting from scratch could have it’s pros and cons. On the downside it could seem daunting at times but on the upside…you can decorate any way you want to!

And I love your priorities…start with the TV…that would so be the first thing I would buy. I have no shame.

As for favorite snacks…I am living off chips and salsa and avocados. And if I don’t have time..I just take an avocado and eat it with a spoon right out of it’s own “bowl”.

I want one right now.

Reply

Fall/Winter…PR’s all season =).
I know you come to AZ on occasions. You’ve been here during the summer? Like now? 113? You gottah get your run in early, like 4am/5am early. Even at 7 or 8, it’s already hot. Usually, on my short runs, I don’t feel it. But on the long runs, I sure feel it the day after. I feel so weak. My snack right now is TJ’s inner peas and Perky Jerky. I try not to chew gum. I have a habit of swallowing it. And my mom used to say a gum tree would grow in my stomach =). Stay blessed Stay fierce J!

Reply

Janae I seriously love your blog! I have been reading it for a couple of years know and you are my favorite blogger! I love how real you are, and the advice that you have on running is amazing :) I look up to you so much! You are an incredible person :)

Reply

I will walk with you! I will have to get to Utah from Washington, DC, though :) I have started taking late evening walks because I am out of running commission due to resting my IT bands. It’s really peaceful to explore my neighborhood and city while I get some steps in.

I have had such a thing for Popcorn lately, too! I think it is the perfect snack. Have you ever mixed it with M&Ms? Also, I’ve really been into Pop Secret’s sea salt and homestyle flavors lately. I also always love kettle corn.

What season do you run best in?–Fall! I love the crisp air, the fall decorations, and the leaves.

How does the heat affect your running? Do you notice a huge difference?–I do. The difference is that I do not run in the heat very often…oops. My running graph dips REAAAALLY low in the summer. I just can’t do humidity. I can’t! You can’t make me!!

Reply

congrats on the new apartment and TV! exciting times. are you planning on going back to work, too?
the heat definitely slows me down, and i’m okay with it. it makes me feel faster come fall :)

Reply

Holy cow. I’m just starting to run again after having a baby and it is both good and bad that it is insanely humid here. 1. I don’t feel bad about going insanely slow because everyone seems to be suffering. 2. I feel like I’m dying and never going to be able to run fast again because it’s so humid.

I’ve been making my own pb with different things mixed in, so that on different things is my new favorite snack.

Reply

I usually run the best during the late fall (coming off of the summer of trail running and such).
Thanks for the little blurbs from the article! So informative :)

Reply

I grew up running in NM so the heat doesn’t bother me. I probably perform better at about 65 degrees, but I’m okay with the heat. Favorite snack has always been fruit and good cheese. Cinnamon gum is the best! I actually run and swim with it, it keeps my mouth moist.

Reply

Congrats on the new costco membership and tv!! Its so exciting that you and Brooke are moving into your own place soon!

My favourite snack (on week days while at work) is a banana. It travels well and I can eat it quickly and its good for me. But if I had more time or was at home, I’m into cheese and crackers which isn’t so healthy but you know, #balance. haha.

Reply

Costco is a very dangerous place for me, but I love it. We have our go to items every time (Extra Gum, popcorn, jerky, cheese, Dungeness crab, and coconut oil). For some reason, heat doesn’t effect my running too much. I tend to plan my routes around drinking fountains and shade (if I’m running the heat of the day) which is helpful. I actually run best in the late summer/early fall because I am well trained and acclimated to the temperatures.

Reply

Yay for COSTCO!!! Not only do they have amazing things but they are such a fantastic company!

I love running in the summer and heat and humidity (thank goodness because it is HUMID here). I wouldn’t say that my best running is done during the summer, but I like it the best. I probably run fastest in the winter as long as there is no ice and fear of slipping.

My favorite snack these days is a mashed up banana mixed with some unsweetened cocoa powder and then put in the freezer for a little while. It tastes just like chocolate pudding!

I don’t chew gum. I have the worst TMJ and chewing gum makes my jaw pop like crazy. It’s gross and painful.

Reply

Heat and humidity definitely slow me down. I much prefer fall and even winter when it isn’t below 20 degrees….Fruity gum all the way – Extra Watermelon is my downfall…I love apples with peanut butter on toast and lately, it’s all about blueberries with peanut butter on toast!

Reply

These were exactly the words I needed to hear today! I had my hottest run of the year last night and finished seriously bummed out about it. I needed this today. Thanks!

Reply

I love mixing almonds/walnuts and raisins together. Yummy.

Fall and Spring are the best for running! Summer = too hot. Winter = icy dangerousness.

I love both kinds of gum. I guess it depends on what mood I’m in. A scientific study on the peoples’ gum preferences and their moods should definitely be looked into. :)

Reply

One rattlesnake is one too many!

Reply

I’m just insanely slow in the humidity, and I accept it and pretend that if I’m training for a fall race the nicer weather will magically make me much faster on race day. Now I use being pregnant as an excuse to do every run on the treadmill so I never have to deal with less than ideal weather conditions. Fall is probably the best weather-wise but then the school year is beginning again and I am readjusting to working full time so I’m exhausted.

My snack of choice/major pregnancy craving is cottage cheese. I just can’t get enough and eat it daily and have to constantly replenish my supply. Such a weird desire.

Reply

The heat absolutely effects me. I was in WI last weekend. The humidity there was a killer. Somehow I can handle 110 degrees, but humidity my body is not equipped to handle at all! Extra peppermint gum is how I roll. Don’t you love Sparkling Ice? I buy the variety pack at Costco.

Reply

I love running in the winter in AZ. It’s not too cold and never snowy where I live!

Definitely the heat here, will knock your socks off. Lets just say the coolest part of the day to run at is 4-5am and the temp is already 84 degrees!!!

Love minty gum!

I’m also into apples with yogurt and cinnamon on top, yummy!

Reply

I live in South Louisiana & the heat & humidity are awful. I try to run in the morning before work but it’s still brutal. At 5 am it was 78 degrees & 90% humidity. I run MUCH better in the fall & winter. I’ve never had sparkling ice but it looks good!

Reply

It’s weird having just moved back to New England from California because I haven’t had to think about how the seasons affect my running for the past 6 years! In Cali the weather is (nearly) always perfect for running but here in Boston its definitely much more enjoyable to run in the fall when the weather is more mild and it doesn’t rain as much as it does in the spring!

Reply

Fall is my favorite time of year to run…………….less heat, humidity, pollen, and bugs! But fall feels like it is the shortest season bc it gets cold too quick!

Humidity really makes it hard for me to breathe, when the air is thick. Heat does not affect my pace all that much, but usually a 5 miler feels more like a 10 miler in the heat!

Fav snack right now………………..smores, made in the microwave! Yummers!

Reply

Running in the fall is the best!

I do feel effects from humidity – makes me feel awful on some days. BUT – I also hate running in extreme cold.

Reply

Running in heat and humidity is so hard! I know how great I can run in fall/winter, so to get used to running much, much slower is difficult. However I do give myself credit for when I can still get longer distances in, even if that includes walking a bit. I’d rather be a smart runner then cause major harm to my body trying to push it.

Reply

I’m in arizona this week and yesterday my run at 6am was in 84 degrees and it about killed me! I wasn’t hydrated for the heat. His morning after drinking water all yesterday I ran the same route and felt great- and it was 82 degrees. Even ran it 4 mins faster. I think the humidity affects my running more than the heat. Humidity prevents sweat from evaporating so it’s harder to cool down

Reply

I run best in the fall. I just hate running in the heat! I’m a minty gum chewer! I can’t stand how fruity gum loses its flavor after 10 sec.

Reply

I get super excited when you talk about your new apartment! It is such a good feeling to have a place to call your own. :)

My running is much better somewhere between fall and winter. I suck at running in the sun!

Reply

I still bum off my MIL’s Costco membership lol. I can’t wait til my son is older so Costco pizza and frozen yogurt can be a cheap dinner option. I hate running in the heat. Any temps from 40 to 70 are good for me

Reply

I love fall trail running the best even though I have to wear lots of neon orange for safety.
You got me hooked on the Sour Patch Kids gum! Although right now I’m trying to avoid gum and go with small mints like tic tacs instead.

Reply

Your snacks always crack me up! :)

Reply

I feel running in the heat and humidity sucks the life out of me!

I burn myself out snacks, too :) The flu just went through my family so no snacks have really done it for me lately… Though your apple almond butter toast sandwich sounds pretty good today!

Reply

I like spring the most, but I do like running in evening during the summer, I feel like I sweat all the crap from the day whether it be stress, Reese’s Oreos (they’re magical by the way) or whatever else it may be. Plus running amongst the fireflies is pretty neat and it’s not as hot.

I do get tired running in the hot, humid weather, but I feel like it pushes me. And makes room for those Oreos..

I’ve been addicted to more of a lunch time meal than a snack lately, but it’s a toasted English muffin with laughing cow garlic and herb cheese spread, walnuts, dried cranberries (craisins) and either deli ham or turkey on top… so good. Now I want one.. again.

Reply

That article was interesting! And so timely. I live in Portland, OR and it was 99 degrees here yesterday. That’s very hot for us! I thought it was really interesting that you don’t actually sweat more in the humidity, the sweat just doesn’t evaporate so it stays on your skin and feels like you’re sweating more. I’d never heard that before but it makes so much sense!

Reply

YUM! Almond butter with apples is amazing. Love it!!

My favorite season to run is by far in the fall! Maybe it’s just because I love everything to do with autumn anyways, but I feel like I perform my best then too! I actually really hate running in the summer unless it’s somewhere where there isn’t a lot of humidity- otherwise I just have to wake up extra early!

Definitely a fan of frozen bananas in my shakes!! So I kept hearing everyone using them and I was like well what’s the big deal anyways! Then I tried it and now I can’t go back! My shake MUST have a frozen banana in it! I also just love eating frozen banana chips with smears of pb on them- SO GOOD! Especially after getting my wisdom teeth removed!!

Reply

So funny you wrote about this. Yesterday I went on an 8 miler and it was over 70 degrees and I started to “fade” as I call it. But what saved me is I have a handheld and put water and Gatorade in it. I need electrolytes while I run in the heat. I always carry my handheld drink was so happy it wasn’t just water yesterday!
Latest snack tortilla chips and hummus. Gum minty trident.

Reply

I think I run best in the fall when it’s just around 60 or 65 degrees. I’m not a fan of the bitter, biting cold of the winter and also get very sluggish in the Kentucky heat and humidity in the summertime. I notice a big difference in my running times when I have to fight the heat and humidity.

Lately, I’ve been snacking on golden raisins and frozen bananas a lot!

Reply

I didn’t realize until this summer how much better I feel running in all of the other seasons but summer… The heat and humidity has totally kicked my butt… I thought there was something wrong with me! I wrote a few blogs about how I didn’t now what was wrong with me and I was literally ready to hang up my running sneakers…. It only took me 20 years of running to figure out that running in the heat and humidity dies in fact slow my butt down…. A LOT,

My current favorite snack it watermelon. I can’t get enough !

I love cinnamon gum…trident fire…..

Reply

I just have to make sure I am more forgiving with myself when it is hot. Heat slows you don’t. some days you have good days and some bad, but in the end I just try to remember to be thankful to run!

Reply

I actually love running in the heat! It’s great to get super sweaty and then to go for a swim! It can be tricky to keep your salt levels in balance in the summer which is something that I am working on.

It looks like you have some wonderful friends!

Reply

I like spring, summer, and fall for running. I HATE running in cold weather. I love cinnamon trident gum, but I also love the fruity stuff, too! I am constantly chewing gum!

Reply

Thanks for this. I live near Houston where it’s been pretty warm and really humid. My runs lately have been really disappointing. It is really hard to convince myself I’m not moving backwards in my training progress when I feel like I’m running slower than ever with higher effort!

Reply

Congrats on your own Costco membership!

Reply

Even though it only gets hot here for about 1-2 months, it definitely limits my running. I am a wimp when it comes to the heat and feel like the walking dead in anything hotter than 20 degrees (68F) so I am always amazed when people manage to run in way hotter. Give me some -10 degree workouts though and I will be all over it! ;)

Reply

I run best in early/late winter. In between it’s too cold, but I love running in 40 something degrees.

I notice a HUGE difference running in the heat. So much so that I slow down a lot during the summer (both in physical speed and frequency of running).

I’ve been super into Jiff peanut butter on celery sticks. :)

Minty gum! Wrigley’s. :)

Reply

Bah…the heat was AWFUL this morning, and I was really upset with my performance, so I’m glad to hear it isn’t me :). I personally love running in the spring because it is finally getting warmer after the winter, and the sights are beautiful here. As for gum…my flavor is fruit, especially the zebra stripe one! The gum isn’t great, but the tattoos on the wrapper are so much fun!

Reply

Summer running – ugh! So hot. And I don’t even live in a very hot part of the country! I think I like fall runs the best. Cool, crisp air and pretty scenery = perfect! Lately my snack has been an apple + sunbutter + kale. It works.

Reply

Love Costco! I wish they had one right in the middle of Manhattan :)

http://nyviewsnikeshoes.com

Reply

Running in Florida in the summer= running on the surface of the sun!!! But we are out there doing it, just very carefully!!!

Reply

I like to run in the morning before it starts warming up or in the evening when it cools down. However, the days are longer so it gets late when the weather starts to cool down. Since I’m from Seattle, I’m not used to dealing with lots of heat so I try to avoid working out in it as much as possible.

Reply

Girls nights are the best!!

Reply

Seriously…Thank you so much for posting this reminder. I do tell myself during every run in the heat, that it’s ok to go slower or shorter. But I don’t always believe myself and get annoyed that this run wasn’t as good as the last ones. It’s good to hear it from others. Thanks!

Reply

Have you tried the sour patch kids gum yet?!?! I think of you every time I buy it! Yum!

Super excited for your new place! I need a nice little apartment, I’m so over living in the basement! Take me with you!

Reply

I never thought about heats effect on muscles, though I know I don’t function well in heat, and I now understand why. I’m sure being a red head and burning easily also makes me succumb to overheating easily. Also minty gum for sure.

Reply

I run best in the winter. I am SUPER SENSITIVE to heat (and especially when I’m exercising), and get heat exhaustion/mild heatstroke really easily. To me, there is no better run than one that is in the frosty cold with grey skies overhead. :)

My snack of choice lately has been the petite vanilla scones from Starbucks (I work there), because I brought home a bunch that were leftover and going to be thrown out the other night. All the sweets have been making me feel like garbage, so time to start snacking better!

Mint gum always. Unless it’s cinnamon. <– That's the best.

Reply

Great info about blood and sweat. I don’t run in heat – I can’t run in heat when I am already drenched in sweat just putting on my shoes. Sometimes, I’ll see runners in the park at midday and wonder if we are the same species.
I’ve been eating ice pops from the freezer. Gone through an entire bag since Sunday.
I love fruity gum. I only eat minty gum if I am desperate and someone offers AND they don’t have fruity gum :-)

Reply

Running in the heat/humidity sucks everything from me, especially when the sun is out. I run the best in the Fall, when it’s cooling off but still not too cold!
I like fruity gum!

Reply

Living in Arizona, I’ve learned my times get slower and slower the hotter it gets. I had to throw out all expectations during summer. I consider every run a win for just showing up on that blazing asphalt! Great post….I had to do a lot of reading about the science behind it before I finally convinced myself it’s true.

Reply

Congrats on the apartment and Costco card. You are awesome. In every way and deserve the best! I’m so glad you believe in yourself. Keep it up…so many look up to you.

Reply

Great timing on this article! I am having a tough time adjusting to the heat this year than past years and was feeling a little down on myself for my last couple of long runs being slower and having to stop for water and Gatorade when I haven’t had to in the past. My snack of choice: coffee with diet hot chocolate…yum! Not to be drunk in the heat though lol!

Reply

I can get used to running in the heat, but humidity is really the killer- it’s so draining! If I am properly hydrated I can do it, but otherwise it’s game over. Sometimes, if it’s reallllly sunny out, I can coerce myself into running longer because then I’m multitasking (exercising AND tanning!), but only on dry days.
That being said, I think I run best in the spring!

Also- so many snacks I’m into right now, but one I’m loving is Wasa cracker + goat cheese + avocado. so good!

Reply

Okay, LOVE your tips for running in the heat! I needed to read these!! :) Also, I do the saaaame thing with snacks- and food in general. When I find something I love I totally eat it until I get sick of it! Great minds.

xo

Reply

SNACK:
–Add nutritional yeast to popcorn!!! +++Added protein!

Reply

Great idea! THANK YOU!

Reply

WOW! I think San Diego is gorgeous and then I see pictures like that and I’m like WHOA! I need to visit Utah! :) Even you mentioning NOT having a fro-yo date makes me a want fro-yo date.

Reply

My favorite running is in the fall. There’s something super crisp about the fall that I just love, and the cooler temps are great to run in!

The heat kills my running. Like, I want to die. Ok, maybe that’s just the humidity, but it definitely slows me down!

I have been snacking on berries like crazy right now, summer fruit is the best!

Reply

Fall running is the best. After months of dying in the heat, nothing feels better than the cool fall breeze. My favorite snack right now is anything covered in or dipped in Peanutbutter and Co.

Reply

Running in the fall and in the winter are the best ever. I miss that cool air and the way it smells here in NC during those seasons :)

Reply

Running in the fall is my favorite. I live in Ohio and summer is hot and incredibly humid!! And you can definitely feel it when you run. I will run in the afternoon if that is my only free time but typically, I run early morning or late evening when it’s a little cooler. When it’s that hot and humid, it just feels harder to breathe. It’s a heavy feeling.

I am obsessed with my current favorite snack. I slice up an apple (I like them crunchy!), drizzle/smear almond butter on it, top it with sliced honey roasted almonds and a few mini choc chips. ❤️

Minty gum but no particular favorite brand.

Reply

Oh man,
Just wanted to say that you talking almond butter this and almond butter in that, I finally found and tried some yesterday. Turns out, IT’S AWESOME.
Thankyou for introducing me to another awesome thing to include in my life…

Reply

I always hate it when I slow down in the heat. That just happened to me the other day. Yay for the new membership :)

Reply

Thank you so much for this Janae. I’ve just got back from a SLOW long run and was being really hard on myself about my pace and the fact that I cut it short by a mile! I felt hot and dehydrated by mile 1 (of my planned 8!). I’ve realised I prefer running in cooler temps too. It’s scorching here in London- it’ll probably only last a day though :)

Reply

Minty gum all the way! Orbit Sweet Mint has been my jam for about 4 years now. I run best in the Fall. I love just a bit of a breeze when I run. andddd favorite current snack is greek pineapple yogurt with pb mixed in!

Reply

that gum is the BEST! my fave, too.

Reply

Definitely running….and cross training (my DREAM is an ultra 50 miler :D )…and just haging out with my husband, cool kids and 2 dogs! Lol

Reply

I am so excited for you and your new apartment! I cannot wait for you to post pictures of how you decorate it. I know it will be fabulous!

Reply

So excited for your new apartment! I bet it is going to be amazing!

And I love those sparkling water drinks. A co-worker didn’t like certain flavors and she gave them all to me. It was like Christmas in July.

Also…thank you for that running in the heat info! I am always telling my running partner that running in the heat makes a huge impact on performance. And now, proof that I can give to her.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *