Sweating when running in the heat – how to make running more comfortable? 

Sweating during training is normal. Especially if it’s hot outside – then you can’t do without wet skin. It is a natural thing, but not very comfortable. That’s why in this article I’ll show you how to make sure that sweating when running doesn’t spoil your workout.

Sweating when running – the right clothes are the basis of comfort 

Running does not require you to buy expensive equipment. However, you need to pay special attention to what you wear when you go out to train. 

T-shirt made of suitable material

First of all, you need to make sure that you wear a comfortable T-shirt made of the right material. 

Very often runners make a basic mistake and choose a cotton T-shirt for their training. This is one of the most popular fabrics – yes, it is soft and pleasant to the touch, but unfortunately for a runner, it is not suitable. Why not?

• Cotton easily absorbs moisture and soaks up 
• Wet fabric can chill you 
• Wet fabric irritates the skin
• A wet T-shirt is more likely to be damaged.
• You will feel uncomfortable while running (which is what we want to avoid).

“All right, but if not cotton, what material should I choose?” 

A runner should choose a T-shirt that is made of technical thermoactive material. Here are some advantages of this material: 

• It wicks away sweat – this means that it does not allow the torso to overheat excessively. Moreover, it does not absorb water and does not get wet. 
• Durable and resistant to damage – the fabric is very durable and resistant to tearing, and stretching. Thanks to this, such a T-shirt will serve you for a long time and you will not have to quickly think about buying a new one. 
• Elastic material – it fits perfectly to the body. This allows you to train freely, and the T-shirt does not restrict your movements while running. 
• “Healthy” material – thanks to the fact that it wicks away sweat and does not absorb water, it does not clog pores. As a result, your body will begin to evaporate.

“Airy” running shorts

A T-shirt alone is not enough. You also need to choose the right shorts that are breathable and do not restrict your movements. In this case, it is best to choose clothes made of technical synthetic materials. As you already know from the previous section, this will keep your skin dry and wick away moisture instantly. 

Of course, you can also choose leggings or tight shorts to avoid chafing in the thigh area. If you know that you will feel uncomfortable in tight shorts, but you have a problem with thigh chafing, then choose 2-in-1 shorts – tight shorts combined with wider pants – this is an excellent solution.

Socks for running in summer

It doesn’t matter that it’s mega hot outside – you have to wear socks otherwise you will irritate your feet, and on top of that your run will be very strenuous and uncomfortable. However, what kind of socks to choose? 

• preferably made of merino wool or bamboo fibers, 
• should be ultra-thin, 
• short socks – long socks would make your leg sweat even more.

Avoid cotton socks. You already know from the section about T-shirts how this material works and what disadvantages it has for runners. Therefore, to avoid sweaty, smelly feet after a workout, opt for better-quality running socks when it’s hot.

Comfortable underwear for the summer runner

In this case, bet on seamless thermal underwear. This type of underwear wicks away moisture and eliminates the unpleasant feeling of sweat. 

Women should not give up their sports bra – even if it is very hot. A bra firmly stabilizes the breasts, and it is necessary to have one for the health of every workout, even at the smallest cup. If a woman wants to reduce layers of clothing, let her run in just a bra and no shirt, but not the other way around.

Opt for bright colors

When choosing sportswear for summer, reach for bright colors. I am convinced that you know why. Light colors do not attract the sun, unlike dark colors. Therefore, you will sweat less while running = more comfort during your workout. 

Sweating when running – will accessories help?

Yes, accessories will help you run more comfortably. When it’s hot outside, what should you choose and add to your workout clothing?

• Hat on the head – running without headgear in the sun can even lead to a stroke. From the head, the body overheats even more and faster. Therefore, always take a hat with you on your training runs. However, before you make a purchase, see if it is a cap for running in the summer. These types of products wick away moisture. That’s why it doesn’t run down your forehead and the sides of your head during training, and your hair isn’t as wet. 
• Headbands/Peak – if you run during the day when there is less sun, but continue to sweat during your workout, it is worth choosing a headband or peak for your head. They will wick away sweat and keep it from running down your face.
• Sweatbands – if sweat appears on the forehead it is a good idea to wipe it off so that it does not flow into the eyes. Many people do this with a T-shirt, however, this is not a good idea – firstly you will stretch your clothes, and secondly, you have to stop to do it. Therefore, it is worth investing in a sweatband. It will serve perfectly for wiping sweat from your forehead without stopping. After your workout, you can throw it in the wash once with the rest of your clothes.
• Fan – yes, a simple folding fan can come in handy during training. When you take a break while running, you can take it out, use it and at least cool down a little. 
• A small electric fan – if not a folding fan, then maybe a small fan that, thanks to batteries, spins and produces cold air to cool you down. Any ideas are good.

Refresh yourself during a workout 

You can refresh yourself not only after running but also during. You can use moistened wipes. It is worth taking them with you because you will be able to wipe your face, hands, or neckline. They do not take up much space, so you can take them in your pocket. It is best to choose antibacterial wipes that are designed for babies and are fragrance-free. Such products additionally do not irritate the skin, so you can use them safely and comfortably.

Are you refreshed? Wiped your face and neckline? Great, now it’s time to apply SPF cream. It’s always a good idea to put on such sunscreens so you don’t come back from a workout later with a red face, cleavage, or arms. These parts get tanned the fastest. Carry a small tube of cream or spray with you and apply it to your skin. 

The last point, but the most important, is water. It will be used not only for drinking but also for washing your hands or face. Carry a larger supply with you to refresh yourself.

Do you shower before your workout? Yes 

Probably many people think it’s not necessary – “After all, I’m going to get sweaty anyway and have to shower again.” That’s true, but by showering beforehand, you’ll remove the bacteria that would make sweat stink faster. Sweat itself doesn’t stink, it only does so when it combines with microorganisms. 

Therefore, if you don’t want to smell so much after your workout, bathe before. Then you won’t have to worry that someone will look at you crookedly and smell unpleasant.

Hydration of the body during training in summer

There is a lot of talk about hydration and drinking water. This is very important. Sweating when running is very good because that way you know you are not dehydrated. It would be worse if you did an intense workout and didn’t sweat at all. Because of this, overheating of the body could occur. 

Therefore, when you run in the summer, take a water bottle with you and stay hydrated. 

Inside the water bottle you should have – high-mineralized water or isotonic drink. Minerals are lost with sweat, the more you sweat the greater the loss, just water will not replenish them.

Drink more when it’s hot outside. It’s a good idea to take a couple of dollars with you to go into a store and buy water if you need to, so you don’t get dehydrated.

Plan your training – which part of the day to choose in the summer?

When the temperatures outside are high, that’s when you often don’t even want to leave the house. On such days, it’s best to do your workout first thing in the morning or late in the evening – then the temperatures are much lower. Never run in the midday hours – that’s when the sun heats up the most. Already from +25 degrees, it is better to forgive yourself for laughing outside, and from +30 there is no question of running outside at all. Such training can end badly. 

Then a better solution is to exercise at home or a treadmill. In the cooler air, surrounded by an air conditioner or fan, the workout will immediately be more pleasant.

As you can see, sweating when running is normal. However, you can somehow deal with the bothersome sweat to run comfortably. Buy the right clothes, choose good accessories, and go running in the summer!