Summer running sometimes gets a bad rap. Yes, the heat and humidity will slow your pace, sap your motivation, and can make you feel like you’re just slogging through every run. And the risks of heat-related illnesses and sunburn are always a concern. But while spring and fall are absolutely my favorite seasons for running, I’ve been thinking lately about the advantages of running in the summer months.
If you need some encouragement to go for a run outside, here are some reasons to love summer running.
1. More Hours of Daylight
With more hours of daylight in the mornings and evenings, running outside is more convenient and safer. You don’t have to worry about suiting yourself up with reflective gear and a headlamp.
And waking up early and motivating yourself for an early run is a lot easier when the sun is already up, so you’re less likely to blow off a morning run.
2. It’s Safer to Run Outside
Summer provides more opportunities to run in the fresh air. More people are walking, running, and biking in parks and on recreation paths, so there are fewer safety concerns with running alone.
Snow, ice, and frigid temperatures make it nearly impossible for some runners to run safely outdoors in the winter. When the weather warms up, trails that may be snow-covered in the winter are accessible and provide much-needed shade for longer runs.
3. More Options for Racing
Summer is a popular time for local races, so you’re sure to find local 5Ks and 10Ks in your area.
If you’re training for a big race in the fall, shorter summer races are a good way to boost your motivation and check your training progress. You can use them as an opportunity to fine-tune racing skills and run on a supported course with water stops (without having to carry your own fluids!).
4. Long Run Prep is Simplified
Runners spend a lot of time and effort to plan out gear for long runs in the cold weather. You need to worry about layers of clothing, vest vs. jacket, gloves vs. mittens, hat or not, and which socks to wear.
Warm weather runs are a lot less hassle, since the idea is usually to wear as little clothing as possible. And no layering also means a lot less laundry!
5. You Can Run Someplace New
Summer vacations are the perfect opportunity to mix up your training and run someplace new. There’s no better way to explore a new city or view beautiful scenery than to run through it.
6. You Have to Do Some Easy Runs
To avoid injuries and overtraining, runners should be doing most of their runs at an easy, comfortable pace. However, some runners like to run too hard or long for most runs, and don’t give their bodies a chance to recover properly in between intense workouts. But when you’re running in the hot or humid weather, you’re forced to run at an easy pace!
If you have a hard workout on your training schedule, you could always do it on the treadmill. Then run outside in the hot weather for easy runs, so you know you’ll run slow and controlled.
7. Post-Run Recovery is Fun
One of the best ways to recover from a run is to put your legs in cold water and the summer provides plenty of opportunities to do that.
For the ultimate cool down, end your long runs at a pool or body of water so can jump in and get refreshed. Make sure you also have some perfect, hot weather post-run treats such as a popsicle, iced coffee, or huge slice of watermelon.
More on Hot Weather Running:
- Best Summer Running Gear
- Tips for Surviving Summer Marathon Training
- 9 Tips for Running on the Beach
- Best Running Sunglasses
Running coach, avid runner, and fitness writer Christine Luff is an RRCA-certified running coach and ACE-certified personal trainer. Founder of the website Run for Good and author of the book Run for Good: How to Create a Lifelong Running Habit, she coaches runners, from beginners to advanced, who are training for races, from 5Ks to marathons.
