Summer Running Essentials

I live for summer running!!

Seriously, one big reason I run all winter in the snow and cold is because I want to be ready to race at my prime when summer comes. I don’t want to spend the summer getting into shape because the racing season here is really only May through August, which doesn’t give me much time to run fast.

While the weather is nearly perfect for running in the summer here (50s and 60s with low humidity), I’ve done my fair share of hot and humid running in the Midwest. I remember many days of sweating it out at the beginning of cross country camp, getting heat exhaustion because I didn’t bring water on a long run, and doing many runs at 90*+ F. Now the heat has become such a novelty since it barely gets above 70*F here, so I soak it up and run at the hottest part of the day when I have the chance.

Here is a list of some of my favorite summer items that are essential for a successful run in the summer.

My most favorite pair of running shoes got an update! The Brooks Launches are on their 5th edition, and they are a softer cushion than the previous models. While this pair of shoes isn’t a necessity for summer running, I do love how lightweight they are for track workouts and feeling fast during tempo workouts.
I tried on this tank when I went to the Oiselle store in Seattle. On the hanger I wasn’t overly excited about it, but then I put it on, and I was smitten. It is really lightweight, doesn’t cling to your skin, and has a mesh back on the upper half for added ventilation.
A lightweight hat is a must in the summer to keep the sun off your face and the sweat out of your eyes. I have had this hat for years, and it still has held up through hot days, many rainy runs, and even in the falling snow. Ha! I will say, however, a hat can be hotter if the temperature is too high, which then makes a visor the better option.
Of any running apparel item, I am by far most picky about my shorts. I have tried more pairs of shorts than I can count that all too often leave me disappointed. By far my favorite brand of running shorts are those by Lululemon. I’m sorry; I just can’t find anything that compares! I love, love, love these shorts, and a close second are the ones pictured above. Both do not ride up around my waist or between my thighs, have pockets for your gear, and are super lightweight and dry quickly. If you want a pair that are a little longer, I have heard awesome things about these Lululemon shorts.
With the higher temps, you are going to lose a lot more nutrients and will need to replace your electrolytes after a heavy sweat session. These Nuun tablets are great to throw in your water after a workout. I also love the flavor that they add to your water, which helps me to drink more water as well.
And to go along with the Nuun tablets, a fun water bottle helps me drink more water too. I’ve had this water bottle for over a year now and still love it. I use a baby bottle brush to clean it, and I love the small opening when I’m driving in the car. Plus the double-walled insulation keeps my drink cold for hours!
Do yourself a favor and get these sunglasses! Running sunglasses that do not bounce or slip off your face, and they are also polarized. I wore mine in Hawaii and loved them. The color options are endless, so you can justify buying multiple pairs at $25. (Just ask Craig.)
I have been eyeing this sports bra for a while now, and if you run in just your sports bra, a cute, fun sports bra is the only way to go. I love the other sports bras from Oiselle that I’ve had, and they do not disappoint. I also have this Brooks Running sports bra, which is great because it has padding for some modesty. (Thanks breastfeeding.) And this sports bra is super cute (in the Fiji color) and on sale.
Thin, lightweight, sweat-wicking socks are the only way to go in the summer time. These are hands-down my favorite socks. They have a tab in the front as well as the back for your heel, they fit like a glove since they are left and right foot specific, and they do not fall down.
If you race often in the summer, I think it is worth it to invest in a pair of racing flats. I like these from Brooks because they are super lighweight and have a little bit wider toebox than some other racing flats I’ve worn.
This Garmin watch isn’t a summer-essential, but if you are on the market for a running watch, get a Garmin. Don’t even consider any other brand. Garmin makes amazing running-specific watches that can do so many things such as giving you a suggestion for number of hours needed for recovery, being able to add your workouts into the watch, and showing your cadence on a run.