Summer running gear – what accessories are essential for good training in the heat?

Summer is fast approaching. And what does that mean for runners? Increasingly higher temperatures and running in the heat. That’s why you need to protect yourself from the rays of the sun so that you don’t meet with an unpleasant accident on the route by overheating your body. 

What summer running gear should you equip yourself with? What to buy before you hit the road in the summer heat? See how to take care of your safety when training in the months when the sun heats up hard.

Before you start running in the summer, remember…

Be sure to choose early morning or late afternoon for your workouts. Never run around midday. That’s when the sun heats up the most and such exercise can be dangerous to your health and sometimes even your life. 

Don’t have time for afternoon workouts? Try getting up earlier and doing your training in the morning, when the air is still crisp and there are fewer people on the trail. Even if you choose a time when the sun doesn’t heat up so much anymore, remember to take your running accessories with you. And what should you equip yourself with before the hot days arrive? I will tell you right away. Read on! 

Running cap – protect your head 

Have you bought sunglasses already? Great, but that’s not all. Not only your eyes need protection, but also your head. This is an essential accessory if you want to run safely in the summer. The best solution will be a classic running cap. It is also worth choosing one that is made of soft and flexible materials – so you can freely take it off, fold it, and put it in your pocket. 

Why should you have a baseball cap when running in the summer? 

• protects your eyes and face from sunlight, 
• prevents overheating of the head, as well as sunstroke, 
• will hold your hair, which will not stick to your wet face,
• will stop sweat that may run off your head onto your face, 
• if you run under trees, it will protect your head from bugs.

Summer running gear – sunglasses are a must! 

In summer, when the sun, even in the morning and late afternoon, strongly affects the world, it is important to protect your eyes from excessive UV radiation that can damage the eyeball. 

You also want to see what’s in front of you. If the sun is glaring at your eyes, you will have to squint which will not be pleasant or comfortable. On the trail, you have to be alert and careful not to run into or onto something. Therefore, by choosing good sunglasses you can prevent this and run safely. 

What kind of sunglasses to choose for running in the summer? 

You probably have some sunglasses at home that you bought at a bazaar or chain store. Such accessories, however, won’t do you any good if you want to ensure running comfort and the safety of your eyes while running. It’s worth investing in sunglasses that will be certified and provide better protection for your eyes. 

What should you pay attention to when choosing good sunglasses?

• special glasses for a runner are lightweight, do not slip off the nose, 
• temples – flexible, durable, and pressed against the head,
• characteristic layout – so the lenses under the influence of high temperature do not evaporate when you run,
• should have a polarizing coating – they reduce UV radiation that reaches your eyes, 
• UV filters in the lenses.

What tint of lens to choose for running in the summer?

• black – they do not change the color of the environment, you can use them every day not only for running. 
• gray – does not change colors, and will work well in sunny weather.
• brown – improve the quality of vision, increase contrast, and will work well in strong sunlight. 
• green – will bring relief to eyes that are exposed to sunlight, the surroundings and colors are softer.

Bumbags/Waistpack for runners 

When running, it is a good idea to keep your hands free. For good running technique, they must be open and elbows bent (90 degrees). That’s why if you want to take extra things for training, it’s worth buying a waistpack. 

You can put your phone, keys, a small sunscreen, and moisturizing wipes in it, which will come in handy when running when it’s so hot. 

This accessory will also be useful in your daily life and if you do other sports.

Wristbands – wipe the sweat off your forehead

When doing physical activity, you sweat. When it’s very hot outside, your body produces even more sweat. I’m sure you’ve felt it running down your forehead more than once. 

Want to wipe away the sweat that runs down your face and makes you uncomfortable? Purchase wristbands, which will help you wipe your face. They are not an essential accessory for a runner, but they certainly make you run comfortably. 

Don’t wipe your face in your shirt – you’ll stretch the clothes, plus you’ll have to stop for a while to do it. 

How to take care of the wristbands after the training? Simply throw them in the washing machine with the rest of your clothes after a workout – that’s all it takes to get them ready for your next workout.

Take a water bottle with you – remember to hydrate while running in summer

In summer you should take even more care of your hydration. You sweat more so you can get dehydrated faster, especially when you run. That’s why you should always have a water bottle with you. Without it, it will be hard to complete your designated workout. 

It’s best to choose a water bottle that is lightweight, transparent, and has a convenient drinking spout. Thanks to the transparent color, you will be able to control how much water you have left. In larger cities, you can find places with spring water or drinking fountains. If you’re low on water, stock up. 

A water bottle is best attached to your running belt, if you don’t have it, it’s worth getting one.

Running vest – easier transportation of water bottles

If you don’t want a running belt, why not bet on a vest? It is very roomy and you can put up to two water bottles in it. You can conveniently take a drink out of it and drink water without stopping. 

Such an accessory is especially recommended for people who plan long routes and know that the route will be far from the city (in the middle of nowhere). There it is more difficult to find a source of water to replenish your supply. That’s why it’s a good idea to take two bottles with you or even more.  

You can also find vests or backpacks on the market that have a tube for drinking water. It is placed on your shoulder and when you want to drink, you just have to open its spout. This is a gadget that makes life easier for many athletes while running.

Other important accessories for every runner for the summer 

During any workout, you’ll need a few things without which you can’t do your workout decently. If you have a waistpack, it’s a good idea to put a few useful items in it: 

• UV sunscreen – it’s best to choose a waterproof one. You can buy a large version for home and a small one for your waistpack. The cream can be waterproof, but when you want to rinse your face from sweat in the summer it’s a good idea to reapply the sunscreen afterward. 
• moisturizing wipes – with these you can wipe your face cleavage or hands. 
• bug spray – when insects attack it’s worth having a spray with you. Spray yourself with it and ward off insects that bother you during your workout.

What’s more, always take a charged phone with you to your workout. Yes, I know that nowadays practically no one leaves home without a smartphone, but some runners leave it at home. Take your phone with you so you can contact someone at any time when you suddenly feel unwell. Summer is a time when you may get weak through exertion (even if you are experienced). If you feel sick immediately call someone and give them your precise location. 

Now you know what summer running gear you should stock up on before the hot weather arrives. Remember to always take all these items with you, because they will not only make your run more enjoyable but most importantly safer. What’s more, choose the right clothes to keep you comfortable. Remember to apply sunscreen on your shoulders and arms and neckline, as these parts are most vulnerable to sunburn. If you run in the morning, prepare all the elements the night before, and in the morning just get dressed and grab all the necessary accessories. Run safely and have fun!