Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Favorite warm weather running gear

Linking up with AprilPatty, and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run.


This week's topic is "Favorite warm-weather gear."

Ahhh, this topic feels like a distant memory right now. I think the last time I ran outdoors in shorts was back in September. Temperatures have struggled to get above the 50s here in Chicago. Although, it is pretty atypical for Chicago to even have spring, altogether. Usually it goes directly from winter to summer without passing go and without collecting $200.


When summertime eventually does arrive (and it will, with a vengeance), here are some of my must-haves:

Saltstick Capsules
These are electrolyte replacement capsules that you can take during or after a run.


After long runs in hot weather, I used to struggle with lingering headaches. Often, the pain would render me useless for the rest of the day. Sports drinks did not always solve the problem. Sometimes it would give me a stomachache - and there is nothing worse than a simultaneously piercing headache plus an upset stomach. I wanted to avoid consuming all of the accompanying extra calories and sugar, as well.

Enter these capsules. I swear by them for preventing or alleviating post-run headaches. During the summertime, I always keep a few of these capsules in both my running belt and my gear check bag.

Bodyglide
It goes without saying that chafing is extremely unpleasant. It is an awful feeling to get into the shower after a run only to feel like the water is a burning match being held next to your skin.


Blisters are a pretty nasty nuisance, too.


Enter Bodyglide, the miracle anti-chafing balm. This is another staple in my gear check bag on a year-round basis. Per the instructions, I use it liberally. 


Hat
A hat is essential for keeping the sun and my hair out of my eyes. The ideal hat is one that is adjustable, lightweight, and breathable. I also look for hats that can be machine-washed without becoming absurdly deformed.

Here is my idea of a really great running hat. Look at how it reflects the light!!!


I am joking, of course. (I do love Mickey's sorcerer hat, though. =) )

This is my go-to hat:


Handheld water bottle
I currently use this 8 oz handheld water bottle:


I think it's the perfect size - enough water to keep me going as needed, but not so much water that I feel like I'm dragging a sloshing brick around with me. I also like using the little zippered pouch for my keys, salt capsules, and GU.

Towel
A small or medium-sized towel is so versatile. Use it to wipe off sweat; soak it in some water and it becomes a cool compress; use it as a seat protector in your car. I've also seen some folks use (larger) towels to maintain their modesty while changing out of their running clothes.


Did I miss anything? What are your warm-weather running gear essentials/favorites?

20 comments:

  1. Towel! I need to remember to put one of those in my car for after my runs, I always forget!

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    1. Yes, I've actually started keeping a fully-stocked running gear bag in the trunk of my car during the summertime! You never know when you might be out on the road and have the opportunity to go for a run. =)

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  2. I have that same exact water bottle but for some reason my little pouch keeps slipping off. I have since just removed it!

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    1. I hear you! I've had to tighten up the pouch thing to keep the bottle in place, too. I think the elastic starts wearing out after awhile!

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  3. I'm looking to invest in a hand held water bottle for the fall. Texas has a spring but it's short, then summer will override fall until Halloween.

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    1. I was torn between handheld water bottles and the ones you wear around your waist or on your back. Ultimately, I thought the handheld was easier to use - but I know some people swear by the waist packs or the backpacks! Ah yes, Texan summer is quite lengthy, I can imagine!

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  4. I need to try those salt stick caps or just start adding more salt to my water. Our swimming coach was telling us all about the important of salt intake in endurance sports just last night!

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    1. How about eating more salty snacks like pretzels, too? That's my preferred method of getting extra salt! =D Anytime they have bags of crunchy, salty snacks at a race finish line, those are always the first thing I go for!

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  5. Body Glide is an absolute must in warm weather! Great list!

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    1. Thanks Leana! Yes, BodyGlide is a lifesaver!!! I've learned the hard way to never forgot to use it!

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  6. Great tips! The hat, water bottle and body glide are my favorites. Another reason for the hat is to keep the sun off the top of my head to prevent sunburn. Can't be too careful these days! :)

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    1. Completely agree on preventing sunburn with the hat! I've gotten scalp burn from being out in the sun too long without protection, and it is super painful. Yikes! Sunscreen would be another great item to add to the list.

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  7. I am ALL about hats when it gets warm outside. I think they make a huge difference! As do sunglasses, though that's not necessarily just a warm weather thing, but an all-the-time thing. I also do love Body Glide, though I've never had any success in blister prevention with Body Glide. Keeps the chafing away, though, and if I had to pick one or the other, I'd rather prevent chafing than blisters.

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    1. Yes, hats make a HUGE difference - not just in warm weather, but also in cold or rainy weather, too. Sunglasses are definitely an all-the-time thing for me, as well! I see some folks that run without sunglasses in broad daylight, and I wonder how they don't get headaches from squinting for hours on end? Admittedly I do sometimes get blisters even when I wear BodyGlide, too - but I think that the BodyGlide takes away the brunt of the force, at least. Every little bit of protection helps!!!

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  8. Hats are essential during the warm weather- that sun! Great list!

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    1. Thanks Patty! All hail the running hat. Blessed be thy running hat, for it is good. =)

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  9. Great list. I can't run without Saltstick Caps. I had a recent epic fail when I forgot to transfer them from my bag to my pocket. I doubt I'll make that mistake again.

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    1. Thanks HoHo! I totally understand! After having an epic fail where I forgot to put on BodyGlide and paid the price DEARLY for it, I'll never make that mistake again either. This is why experience is so valuable to all of us runners!!!

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