Have I mentioned before that I’m not a huge fan of summer? Give me a below freezing day over a sweltering hot day anytime. After all, I can put on more layers, but there are only so many things I can take off before someone calls the cops (or I end up with chafing in places no one deserves to chafe.) But I can’t let the weather shut down my training plan, so I’ve been getting all of my favorites ready for the summer. Some links below are affiliate links, which means I make a small amount if you buy through that link. Affiliate links are labeled as such.
- Handheld water bottles. I have several. I’ve been a long time fan of the Amphipod bottles, but I’ve recently branched out to some of the Nathan handhelds
. I’m very particular about which ones I use though – they have to actually fit my not very big hand. The last thing I want to worry about on a long run is hand cramps. Just sayin.
- Gym Girl Ultras. (affiliate link) Happy Girl is still my happy place when it comes to running skirts, but the Gym Girl Ultra is a close second. I ran most of the races at my recent series in GGUs. They are a couple of inches shorter than the Happy Girl, but still long enough to give me the coverage that I want (and that my inner thighs NEED.) The shorter length, lightweight material, and side slit all equal a skirt that’s perfect for the hot and humid Virginia summer.
- Visors. I always wear a hat or visor. Always. While some of my hats are ok for a hot summer day, I’ve learned to embrace the openness that a visor offers. Anything I can do to allow a little heat to escape is something I’m going to do.
- SaltStick FASTCHEWS (affiliate link). I was given some of these to try last summer and I have now bought some for myself for this summer. I don’t really use them during a run (I run with an electrolyte drink), but I’ve found them to be very helpful after. I used to spend the entire day after a hot run craving something salty. If I chew a couple of the Fastchews after a run, that feeling is nipped in the bud.
- Sunscreen. I’ve been loving the Cerave sunblock this year. I prefer to use a titanium/zinc based sunscreen, but I’m not a huge fan of the ghost look that comes from using many of them. I find that Cerave goes on easily and doesn’t leave a horribly white film.
- Sunglasses. Confession: My really nice Ryder sunglasses broke last year. I’ve been surviving quite adequately with the Ironman brand you can buy at CVS and Target. I’m sure that there are better high end running sunglasses, but these do the trick and it’s not a big deal when I inevitably misplace them. (I swear there’s an alternate universe where all of my sunglasses and reading glasses are hanging out.)
. I’m very particular about which ones I use though – they have to actually fit my not very big hand. The last thing I want to worry about on a long run is hand cramps. Just sayin.What are your favorite summer items? Got a mineral based sunblock that a hairy guy could use? The men in my family are not as enamored of Cerave as I am…
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I need a pair of sunglasses when was in the summer do they bother me when I run so I stick to hats or visors. But sometimes it would be nice to have nothing on my head!
Sorry! I hit reply to early. I was trying to say that I need a pair of sunglasses for summer running. I may have to check out CBVS! It would be nice not to have something on the top of my head when it’s sunny!
I’m not good about wearing sunscreen. I have issues with sunscreen melting into my eyes and it’s just a mess in general. I try to plan my summer runs in the shade or early in the morning.
I use chemical sunscreens while running, but mineral on my face during the day. I’ve just tried the Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 bought at Wal-Mart for about $12.00. So far so good – it goes on really nice and is good under makeup! I’m not sure how it would hold up to sweat, though. I need to give Cerave another try!
I had two Nathan insulated bottles that I hoped I’d love but the membrane in the cap literally disappeared, rendering them useless after just a couple months. Just bought an Amphipod bottle and used it in Utah. I think it’ll work!
I do use saltstick fast chews on the run! And just drink water.
I use COOLA spray sunscreen — no ashy residue. And no sunburn this vacay, either.
I buy sunglasses at target. They work just fine. I also often buy them at race expos — it’s my go-to purchase!
I have often wondered about getting a visor. Doesn’t it also allow the sun to beat down on your head though?
I like my handheld water bottle for shorter runs in the summer.
I have never tried running in a skirt, but when summer comes round for me again (winter now!!), I think I will give it a go!
I love visors, too! I actually wear sunglasses and a visor, which I know might be overkill, but I hate the sun my face. I like Headsweats visors because they really mop up the sweat on my forehead.
I use Neutrogena sunscreen because it doesn’t make me feel greasy like some other brands. I can feel gross enough with sweat, when it’s hot enough, I don’t need greasy and sweaty.
UGH IM SO SO SO NOT ANYONES FAVE TEXAN THESE DAYS.
I hate the summers now…I think it was leaving and returning?
for me it’s the constant SHOWERING as I try to train for the next marathon.
Im drying me out 🙂
Great list! I’ve been thinking about getting a new handheld water bottle…my Nathan is struggling these days! I’ve tried SaltStick but wasn’t a fan of the chalky taste. I am realizing that I like wearing hats so I may try to do that more often this summer!