We’ve had a surprisingly cool summer so far in Chicago. A few humid runs and sticky days reminded me that I needed to brush up on how to keep cool in the summer. I copied Lauren’s great tips from her newsletter last summer to share and forgot to do so. Read on and then enter to win some of my fave keep cool summer running items.
10 Ways to Keep Cool (and Safe!) During the Summer from Nutrition Energy
“1. If you are exercising outdoors, try to take advantage of the cooler times of the day (early morning or late evening). Note that humidity often rises later in the day-so that just may be your extra motivation to get up and exercise EARLY!! Or take your training indoors at a gym on the hottest days.
2. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that is made of a light-weight fabric. The light colors reflect the sun’s rays and the loose fit allows air flow to cool your skin.
3. While you’re out of the house, draw curtains or close blinds to keep the sun out. Invest in quality sun-reflecting or sun-blocking curtains that minimize the amount of rays that pass through into your house.
4. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which are dehydrating. Instead, try mineral water or low-sugar carbonated drinks for a refreshing beverage.
5. When you are home, turn on your A/C and keep a fan on to circulate air. If you do not have A/C, try to spend the hottest parts of the day in a public space with air conditioning like movie theaters, libraries, coffee shops, and malls.
6. If you are going to be spending a lot of time outside, buy a small, portable, battery-powered fan. There are types that attach to a water bottle to spray a cooling mist, and even ones that attach to your phone!
7. Eat lighter summer fare as well as frequent small meals or snacks that include cold products, like fruit or dairy. Getting away from a hot stove or oven also helps keep the house cool, and lighter food includes vegetables and fruit which hydrate you!
8. Take frequent cool or tepid showers or baths. Try one before bedtime to relax and cool your body before you fall asleep.
9. Speaking of beds – ditch the comforter or duvet and sleep under sheets alone. Try a cotton pillowcase over a feather or down pillow as synthetic pillows retain heat.
10. To cool down quickly, divert attention from your whole body to your wrists. Run them under cold water or apply a cold compress for a minute or two and repeat as necessary. There is a main vein that passes through this area and the cool blood will travel and spread quickly through the rest of your body.”
I use #10 in races – if they have ice, I put some on my wrist until it melts. Many of these translate directly for running like run early, wear light and loose clothing and stay hydrated.
 Want to try some of my hot weather faves? Use the Rafflecopter below to enter to win an UltrAspire handheld water bottle, a GU visor, 2Toms Sports Shield, an Action Wipe, 6 pack of Cocogo and some lip balm. The giveaway ends 7/9. A winner will be selected and notified on 7/10. US addresses only, winner must be 18 or over and the offer is void where prohibited.
What are your tips for staying cool in the summer?
Please note: I received some of these items at no cost in exchange for reviews or promotions. This giveaway is not sponsored. All opinions are my own.