Exhaustion after a summer run is just absolutely encompassing. All you want to do is get home, get out of your sweaty clothes, and get in that shower. When it’s this hot, your run doesn’t actually end the second you stop your watch and unlace your shoes. There are a few steps required to transition from the blazing pavement back to normal. If you want to lower your heart rate, stop the endless post-run sweating, and feel like a human again, try my ultimate summer cooldown routine.
Shower In Stages
If you jump straight into a freezing cold shower the second you walk in the door, your body will actually fight back. Your core temperature is still sky-high, and the sudden shock can cause you to keep sweating long after you get dressed. Instead, make your approach in stages. Start with a glass of cold water and breathe while you sip to get your heart rate down. Hop in the shower to scrub off the sweat and salt. Experts recommend lukewarm water, but I prefer hot. It’s a toxic trait and I have no intention of changing. If you can stand it, drop the water to a cold blast for less than a minute, to trigger your body’s relaxation response.
Take A Brain Break
Hot weather running takes a lot of mental energy. Your brain spends the entire run reminding you how hot you are, checking your pace, and counting down the miles. Once you’re done, you need to clear that static. While you are doing your post-run calf and hamstring stretches, leave your phone on the counter or utilize your Brick or other app blocker. Spend five minutes in total silence just letting your mind wander. Think about what you want to eat, listen to your breathing slow down, or just focus on the physical sensation of the stretch. It resets your nervous system and transitions you out of run mode.
Elevate Your Hydration Game
Plain water is essential, but after a brutal summer run, it’s ok to spice it up. Plan your post-run drink so it’s waiting for you when you come in the door. For example, keep a tray of fancy ice cubes, made from coconut water or water infused with fresh mint and lime, in the freezer. Add those to your water with a splash of electrolytes or tart cherry juice to cool you down from the inside out.
The next time you wrap up a tough morning run, don’t rush the cool down. Give yourself 15 minutes to actively lower the temperature, both physically and mentally.
What’s your go-to way to handle the post-run heat? Are you team ice-cold shower, team iced coffee bribe, or do you just lay on the tile floor for a while?
Link Up With Tuesday Topics
Welcome back to Tuesday Topics, as Jenny, from Runners Fly joins Jenn at Runs With Pugs to co-host this link-up! Please join us every week for a new topic! Write on our weekly prompt or choose your own topic! Make sure to add your post to the link up, link back to your hosts, and comment on the other shared posts!
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