BY LISBETH HOY (PT, DPT, CSCS)
Believe it or not, summer is on its way! And while this summer running may look a little different, masked, and solo, we still have to be prepared for the increasing temperature and humidity. Below are some key warm weather essentials to keep yourself cool.
1. Wear a hat with a brim: A wide-brimmed hat will help keep the sun off of your face and some sweat out of your eyes. Try to avoid a cotton hat and opt for a technical fabric with ventilation. This will help heat escape and keep you cool.
2. Sunglasses: If hats aren’t your thing, grab a pair of sunglasses to help protect your eyes. This is especially helpful when running near any body of water since the light will reflect off the water’s surface. Two of my personal favorite running brands are Goodr and Knockaround. Their glasses are designed for sports and they have affordable polarized options.
3. Choose an outfit made of wicking fabrics: Wicking fabrics are made of technical materials and unlike cotton, draw moisture away from the body, and don’t absorb water. This will help keep you cool on hot, humid summer days.
4. Try to avoid dark colors: I know, I know…New Yorkers don’t know how to wear a color that isn’t black, but lighter colors will help keep you cooler since darker fabrics absorb heat.
5. Sweatproof headphones: As our runs remain solo for the foreseeable future, and you want to bring some music or podcasts as company, now is the time to invest in a good pair of sweatproof headphones. Make sure to continue to be aware of your surroundings for safety. You can try leaving one earphone out, or use a brand like AfterShokz that doesn’t actually sit inside your ear. It allows you to hear both your music and what’s going on around you.
6. Bring water: Hot weather causes us to sweat more, losing water and electrolytes in the process. It’s extremely important to replace them during a run to prevent dehydration. For now, public water fountains are off with no set date of them being turned back on again. You have 3 options when it comes to carrying water: handheld water bottle, hydration pack, or fuel belt. They each have their own pros and cons and what you use is entirely up to what is most comfortable for you. Just make sure you run with something to keep you hydrated, especially in hot and humid temps!