I don’t mean to brag but I’ve been getting in some seriously good runs lately. Since temperatures in London have reached over 30°C, I looked online for tips on running outdoors in the heat. Some pointers which I came across include:
- Invest in light & loose-fitting clothing
- Wear sunscreen to protect yourself from skin cancer
- Run with a hydration belt
- Choose a route which involves rivers, lakes, and ponds as it’s usually cooler by the water
Another surefire way to beat the heat is to run early morning or late evening. When I stepped outside on Monday evening, it was still way too hot. I took it as a sign to indulge in some retail therapy and satisfy my frozen yogurt craving, even if the latter meant running the risk of suffering a stitch during my run. You learn something new everyday and on Monday, I learned that fro yo makes excellent workout fuel ;).
Chocolate & Natural Swirl – SNOG
Running on a treadmill is another solution for summer running but I just can’t do it anymore, nor do I want to. Honestly I don’t know how I once ran 16 kilometers at the gym– kudos to me 2 years ago ;). Aside from the obvious reasons (i.e. better scenery & more entertaining), I’ll tell you the real reasons why I prefer outdoor running to the dreadmill treadmill:
- You can people-watch without things getting awkward: you’re gone by the time the other person realizes
- It’s an easy way to top up your tan
- Provides you with Instagram content
- You can plan your route so that it ends right outside a supermarket…or Starbucks
- It’s a breath of fresh air…literally
- Efficient way to sightsee
- When others screech “You ran in this HEAT”, you can answer a smug “yes”…and feel more bad ass than ever before
How do you stay cool when working out outdoors?
well with Big Ben as an Insta contentwhy run inside?
Sadly I now fear running outside as I have gotten wayyyy to comfy with my dreadmill.(cars-cabs etc scare me)
I still dont think i could do a 16K….wow to that.
That yogurt lookes yum.
You can’t beat the safety aspect of the treadmill in terms of transport 🙂
I 100% agree with EVERYTHING!! I get a mini-depression only by the thought of a treadmill. I sometimes to sprints for 20 minutes with LOUD music and that’s the only thing I can accept in connection with a treadmill 🙂
And I LOVE running outdoors. Especially early in the morning, this is the time I mostly run. I ran in so many different places in the world and every run was a special experience. I love nature, the fresh air, the variety in trails, that you can stop and do strengths exercises in between anywhere – and it just feel SO good when returning back home.
We should run together one day!!
That would be awesome…although not too fast so that we can chat while we run 😉
i absolutely hate running the treadmills but sometimes I just do it when the weather is unfavorable. I enjoy late evening runs and yes having yogurt zone around and sight seeing really helps.
I used to be a morning runner but I’m starting to embrace evening runs lately too!
I actually used to prefer the treadmill because I found it easier to run on it, but now it’s the opposite: my stamina is so much better outside! I haven’t been running outside lately though because it is just way too hot – even in the early mornings!
I’m totally with you- we’re one of the few who find it easier to run outdoors…my pace is also noticeably faster outdoors! 🙂
The only way to stay cool during an outdoor workout in Miami is to wake up SUPER early! The mornings are absolutely beautiful – there’s even a breeze if you run by the water! AND not as many people are out so it’s pretty peaceful too!
Running first thing in the morning on empty streets might be one of the most peaceful starts to a day!
I’ve been avoiding the outdoors as much as possible lately – humidity is supposed to hit 45 degrees today! Way to much to even be outside, let alone exercise in it…I go for 15-20 minutes of intervals on the treadmill. I can’t do distance on it anymore though! Any more than 20 minutes and I kind of want to cry.
45 degrees?? And here I am whining how hot I am and it’s only 32*- shame on me!!
Hahaha love that you said it provides you with instagram content! I haven’t been running much lately…the humidity here is crazy. A run that ends at a supermarket or Starbucks sounds like a fabulous run to me!
Haha it’s all about finding insta-tunities 😉
Running outside is AMAZING! I hateeee running inside these days. I do struggle in the heat though, so I gotta get out there early, or if I am only running a 3miler I can go in the heat, but want to die when it’s done! Ending a run at the store is the best…
And carrying the bags home gives you a good strength training workout to end the workout 😉
That’s awesome you’re getting in some good runs! Not bragging at all;)
I love your reasons for running outdoors and while I’m not a runner I totally agree with them all for walking.
Love walking just as much as running…and the same defo applies 🙂
Although I prefer cycling, I would rather run outdoors than on a treadmill. I think I’ve only on that dreadmill 3x ever since I started my fitness regime years ago.
Learning how to cycle is on my summer bucket list- here’s hoping I can tick it off 🙂
I love running outdoors for the planning the route reason also. I have been making a habit of running to my gym just in time for Zumba classes. I don’t need to warm up by the time I’m there :D.
Would you recommend zumba? The studio I go to in Mumbai offer classes but I’m yet to try them out!
I recommend Zumba :D. It’s not just Latin styles of dancing. Many instructors infuse some Bollywood in their classes too. I bet the classes in Mumbai might have even more Bollywood influence :D!
Thanks for your feedback- will definitely give it a try 🙂
16 km on a treadmill….. thats gutsy buddy! I’d be lucky to make 5 haha!
By the way, its so refreshing to read KM instead of Miles :p No maths calculations here!
Haha thanks to running, my 1.6 times table is up to mark 🙂
Now I seriously can’t wait for our fro-yo date today!!
I used to purposely run during the peak of the heat in Perth. Only, our average summer temperature is 40-45C, so *slightly* hotter than this. What a nut. I did it because I thought if I could run through that, I could run through anything. I used to run with a bottle of water and fill it up along the way. I wouldn’t even drink the water, just pour it over my head, and I’d be dry about 60 seconds later.
Can’t wait to catch up later today…be excited: salted caramel is on the menu ;)! I should try your water-pouring trick during my next run!
Omg this is such an amazing post! LOVE it!
I’m definitely going to have to try out the froyo as workout fuel 😉
I also love running outdoors! It’s great to feel that you actually went someplace, and the scenery is always so much more beautiful than staring at a white wall haha. And I love the idea of ending at a starbucks – perfect place to refuel! 😛 I’ve thought about running to the grocery store, but then I wasn’t sure I would have enough energy to walk back with my groceries! I’ll have to have my mom or someone meet me there… hehe.
Haha glad you enjoyed it, Alex :)! I take a single note so that I don’t end up going overboard and getting stuck carrying so many grocery bags!
I’m so bad.. i don’t workout outdoors… it’s 97 degrees in NY. OMG.. it’s crazy! I can’t even breathe. Yeah, i do indoors.. but it’s smart to run by water, it’s always cooler. Love the big ben photo. 🙂
Ahh b-b-but you have Central Park at your disposal!!! 😉
I prefer to run outdoors too, but the heat lately has been brutal. I, foolishly, did a mid-afternoon run and really struggled. I should have went for ice cream instead. Next time.
Ice cream > running…always 😉