Running when it's hot

If you’re very fit you’ll sweat. A lot. This sometimes surprises people, many assume that they would sweat less, not more when they’re in better shape. But it’s the other way around. When your temperature raises your body needs to cool itself down by sweating, it does it quickly and more efficiently now when you’re conditioned to run or bike long distances. You may notice that you have sweat glands in places you never thought you’d sweat. Like on the tops of your hands, fingers, your chins, your stomach, your ears. I’ve had to stop to pull my earbuds out of my ears and find a dry spot on my shirt to dry them with.  Your body’s cooling system is full on here. It’s a good thing. It’s so you don’t get a heat stroke. I bring bottles of water in my FlipBelt. One belt has enough space for two bottles. One in front and one in the back. I love my FlipBelt! There’s a hook inside to attach my keys, space for poop bags and dog treats for my dogs and raisins for me. The best part is that it doesn’t bounce or chafe when I run. It sits snug around my waist and I don’t think about it. The bottles are flat and bent so they fit nicely around your body. The only thing I don’t love is that it’s a little tricky to push the bottles back in once you’ve taken them out. If you don’t mind stopping for water breaks it’s not a problem, but if every second counts such as during a race, it might not be your best choice. So, what about sport drinks? Usually water is sufficient, but if it’s one of these hot days where you’re plastered in sweat after a run I’ve found that I need something with more electrolytes. Coconut water is good, but it doesn’t have enough carbohydrates or sodium.  NUUN is my new go to for those sweaty runs. It comes in dissolvable tablets that you put into your water. They’re great. If I’m planning longer sweaty run, I pop a tablet in one of the bottles, and keep one bottle for just water. If it’s a shorter but real sweaty run, I might add half a tablet in icy water when I get home. By the time I’m done in the shower it’s dissolved. Happy Running! Summer is almost here!