Summer Running Leads To Winter PRs!

As we struggle through the summer, it’s important to realize we’re sweating buckets with one goal in mind: Winter PRs! Yes, riding this struggle bus can absolutely lead to amazing things in the running realm, and we’re going to tell you how!

Running In The Heat Makes Cold Weather Running Easier

In my experience, oppressive summer heat works to wear you down. Of course, more temperate regions may not have such extreme results, but for me, there is a huge weight lifted once the temperatures start dipping. Not only am I physically able to speed up and stay out longer, but my mood is much improved.

Consistent Summer Running Boosts Your Fitness Efficiency

For the most part, the hot, heavy summer air has one benefit: boosting your fitness efficiency. Your increased plasma volume improves your blood flow and cooling, while the stress helps your heart become more efficient. Even your lungs work harder to take in oxygen. When things cool off, all of these lend themselves to helping you run faster towards those winter PRs, and who doesn’t love that?

Summer Running Makes Your Legs Stronger

True story! When you run through the summer, your muscles have to kick it into high gear. They work harder and that means when the cooler weather rolls around, your legs are ready to fly! You can help the process by adding hills, inclines, and speed sessions to your workout, too!

Summer Is A Great Time To Work On Base Building

Since going fast isn’t really the best summer running plan, it’s a good time to work on building your aerobic base. Slow and steady always wins the race, so if you keep pushing through the summer months, you’ll be well positioned come winter.

Summer Running Makes You Tough

It takes a lot to force yourself out in the steamy weather, and that mental toughness has lasting benefits through the year. If you can make it through a few miles on a 90ºF day, you can do just about anything. You can learn great pacing practices and how to be comfortable with the uncomfortable, and those will carry you through to your goal of winter PRs.

Summer Running Helps You Perfect Your Fueling

Hydration and fueling is always important, but even more so in the summer months. When you run and train in the midst of summer, you learn timing and techniques that you can take into the winter. I know that I’m much more likely to neglect my fueling when it’s cold outside, and summer is a great time to get regulated and back on track. A well-hydrated and fueled runner is a runner who their way to PRs!

How does summer running help you with your winter goals and PRs?

Join us next week —> How Do You Protect Your Hair And Skin In Summer?

Link Up With Tuesday Topics

This year, I am joining up with Zenaida, of  The Running Teacher for Tuesday Topics! Please join us every week for a new topic!