Hot weather is great for business but requires lots of caution, especially for runners. Not exercising with care may lead to heat-related illnesses, such as cramps, rashes, stroke, or fatigue.
Read more: Tips for Running in the HeatHereโs how you can stay out and about, and complete that virtual marathon challenge at The Running Bug when the weather is unforgivably warm.
Drink Electrolytes Beforehand
You may have lost count of how many times youโve heard someone tell you to drink your electrolytes, but understanding these chemicals could help you wrap your head around their importance.
Simply put, electrolytes produce electric impulses when mixed with water to help you maintain:
- Muscle function
- Nerve function
- Blood pressure
These chemicals also keep you hydrated and aid your post-marathon recovery, so drink some before starting your run.
Donโt Forget Your Water
Your electrolyte drink can only sustain you for long, especially during a virtual 10k challenge. Drink two cups of water before running, and take a bottle filled with refrigerated water when you venture outside. We recommend cold water to keep your body temperature low when your surrounding temperature is high.
If you sweat a lot during your marathon, you can have up to 16 ounces of water per 15 minutes. When youโve achieved your target, drink 16โ24 ounces of water with food for faster recovery.
Avoid Running on an Empty Stomach
While running on a full stomach has its drawback, weโd recommend you not, say, eat a burger before heading out, but running on an empty stomach is just as bad for your health, particularly in this heat.
Avoid heat cramps by eating a couple of dates, an energy bar, banana, or peanut butter sandwich before your run. Be sure to wash them down with water to add to your body’s fuel to cope with the heat.
Wear Breathable Clothes
Make it a point to wear something that allows circumvention and has sweat-picking properties in the summer, and keep the sun off your face with a visor, not a full hat, as it might do the opposite of keeping you cool. Moreover, if youโre wearing sunglasses, make sure theyโre the kind that stay on top of your bridge despite the sweat.
Whatever you do, donโt wear synthetic cotton and nylon. The heat and sweat these fabrics would trap would only contribute to your body temperature and bring your marathon to a premature end for reasons ranging from minor (cramps) to serious (heat stroke).
Complete Long-Distance Virtual Challenges with The Running Bug
Keep the above in mind and participate in three virtual running challenges to get a 50 per cent discount on the third challenge. Join our mailing list, whether or not youโre from the UK, to experience virtual challenges with medals. Select your virtual marathon challenge from our extensive list and start running now.
Get in touch for further assistance.