There are certainly benefits to the warmer months, but there is an ugly side of summer running. Heat, humidity, and sun bring their share of less-than-sexy side effects and conditions, and I’m sure most of us runners can relate. Sores, burn, swelling, and irritations are all part of the summer running game, but we don’t have to let that ruin our miles.
Sweat
While we covered how sweat isn’t the worst thing in the world, it’s also not a favorite, either. Your mileage may vary, but in our Florida summers, sweat starts the minute you walk out the door. Even a quick three-miler can leave you soaked. Ick. Stay hydrated and shower after your runs.
Chafing
Sweat and rubbing can lead to chafing. For those of us who have experienced this skin irritation, it goes pretty much hand-in-hand with warm weather running. I’ll spare you photos, especially because I’m suffering from a pretty nasty case of this right now. Keep your skin as dry as possible, and wear moisture-wicking clothes while working out (no cotton!). Make sure that your elastic and spandex items are in good condition – an old sports bra can cause all sorts of chafing issues. If you have parts that rub, be sure to hit them with a bit of Body Glide or similar lubricant to prevent soreness. And just know that if you do chafe, it’s ok to cry in the shower (if you know, you know).
Blisters and Hot Spots
Again, I’ll spare you photos, but blisters and hot spots are more items on the ugly side of summer running. Both of these painful and inconvenient conditions are caused by rubbing, moisture, and swelling. Make sure you are wearing high-quality running socks that are in good condition, wick, and don’t slip around. Additionally, make sure your shoes are a size to properly accommodate any extra swelling brought on by the heat. You can use moleskin, kinesiology tape, or medical adhesive to protect any blisters or hot spots until they heal.
Sausage Fingers
Water retention from the additional heat and humidity is another attractive side effect to wish we can look forward. Sausage fingers are annoying, sometimes painful, and absolutely unattractive. Again, keep drinking water, get enough electrolytes, and try to avoid wearing rings that can get stuck. I prefer a silicone wedding band stack if I need to wear jewelry while running.
Sunburn and Runners’ Tan Lines
Since I am allergic to sunscreen, I try to cover up as much as possible and run when the sun is not quite so strong. It’s important to protect yourself the best you can, with hats, sunglasses, and clothing. That being said, I sport a banging runners’ tan, with very distinct lines at my sock, shorts, and sports bra/tank lines, and a nice spot on my wrist where my Garmin sits.
Unhappy Hair
My hair is miserable in the summer. Even on lower activity days, I have to wash it daily to avoid it getting greasy or stinky. There is no amount of dry shampoo that can handle this weather. Add to that more time in the sun, and pool or beach time, and we are looking at some super unhappy tresses for the summer months. I try to limit use of product, cut down on blow drying and flat ironing, and embrace the messy bun until things calm down.
Every season brings its own challenges, and this is what typically comes with summer.
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What things do you not appreciate about summer running?
Catrina says
Oh yes, sausage fingers! I also get swollen feet when I sit too long . If I get up every 40 minutes and walk around it isn’t that bad. I think I need to set an alarm!
runswithpugs says
Whatever works! If movement makes it go away, I’m all for it!
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
Summer running definitely brings alot of challenges! I need to wash my hair just about every day in the summer too. Unless Im not going anywhere, then I might skip it 🙂
runswithpugs says
I can’t skip the hair wash! Some days I try but nope.
Darlene says
Yes it’s a challenge and I guess it is a lot worse in Florida so I should be grateful.
Still I love the sunshine birds flowers and long evenings.
I’ll be sad when fall arrives.
runswithpugs says
There are definitely positives, but I’m also a hot mess right now, too!
Deborah Brooks says
summer definitely brings its own sense of challenges. When is fall again? 🙂
runswithpugs says
For me, it comes in February!
Jenny says
i’m surprised there’s a hot weather running malady that I haven’t had- sausage fingers? Other than that, all these apply to me! I really slather on the Body Glide (or Squirrel’s Nut Butter) especially for my longer runs. And yes- a three mile run will leave you drenched in sweat! That’s okay- that’s what showers are for. I just wish I would stop sweating sooner so I could shower and get on with my life- after a super hot run it seems like it takes me forever to stop sweating!
runswithpugs says
Oooh, the sausage fingers are bad!
Denise says
I sweat when I run all year long, I can’t imagine how I would survive Florida humidity. You must hydrate constantly. 😉
runswithpugs says
I’m like a camel. I can’t stand hydrating or drinking.
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
All very true…my least favorite thing about summer is wearing sunscreen AND being super sweaty…you just end up a wet mess at the end of a run! And good to know I’m not the only one who gets sausage fingers, lol!
runswithpugs says
It’s so gross! Plus, with my sunscreen allergy, it makes things extra unpleasant.