BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Embrace Summer Running

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about three obvious things. We live in Missouri. It's going to get hot. It's going to get humid. Maybe even, like tomorrow and then it will snow the next day right? But seriously, happy hearts always make us run better so let's look at the great things running in the summer will do for us so we can smile in the midst of our sweat, salty shoulders and sunburns. 

Okay so here’s another obvious thing. Training for fall races like the Bass Pro Marathon and the Dogwood Canyon trail runs require summer training. And since that "official" training brought to you by OMRR begins on July 23 in the heat of summer, let's look at some reasons to love summer running so we can be ready to go when those training groups start up!

1. More Hours of Daylight. With more hours of daylight in morning and evening, running outside is more convenient and safer. You don’t have to worry about suiting yourself up with reflective gear and a headlamp. And waking up early and motivating yourself for an early run is a lot easier when the sun is already up, so you’re less likely to blow off a morning run. And the best part? You don’t have to wear layers!!!! Yay!!

2. It’s Safer to Run Outside. Summer provides more opportunities to run in the fresh air. More people are walking, running, and biking in parks and on recreation paths, so there are fewer safety concerns with running alone.

3. More Options for Racing. Summer is a popular time for local races, so you’re sure to find local 5Ks, 10Ks and half marathons in your area. If you’re training for a big race in the fall, shorter summer races are a great way to boost your motivation and check your training progress. You can use them as an opportunity to fine-tune racing skills and run on a supported course with water stops (without having to carry your own fluids!).

4. Long Run Prep is Simplified. Runners spend a lot of time and effort to plan out gear for long runs in the cold weather. You need to worry about layers of clothing, vest vs. jacket, gloves vs. mittens, hat or not, and which socks to wear. Warm weather runs are a lot less hassle, since the idea is usually to wear as little clothing as possible. And no layering also means a lot less laundry! 

5. You Can Run Someplace New. Summer vacations are the perfect opportunity to mix up your training and run someplace new. There’s no better way to explore a new city or view beautiful scenery than to run through it.

6. You're forced to Do Some Easy Runs. To avoid injuries and overtraining, runners should be doing most of their runs at an easy, comfortable pace. However, many runners run too hard or long for most runs, and don’t give their bodies a chance to recover properly in between intense workouts. But when you’re running in the hot or humid weather, you’re forced to run at an easy pace! If you have a hard workout on your training schedule, you could always do it on the treadmill and then run outside in the heat for easy runs, so you know you’ll run slow and controlled.

7. Post-Run Recovery is Fun. One of the best ways to recover from a run is to put your legs in cold water and the summer provides plenty of opportunities to do that. For the ultimate cool down, end your long runs at a pool or body of water so can jump in and get refreshed. My friends and I will do this at our local spring. It not only refreshes our bodies from the long run and shortens recovery time but gives us a great reason to spend more time with our running buddies. If you really want to have fun, bring a blanket or large towel and then grab a recovery nap by the water. I actually look forward to these!

8. Summer is a great time to do practice night running. If you've never strapped on a headlight and run through the night, you're missing out friends. Hitting the trails after the sun goes down is a great way to experience running in a new and fun way. You'll hear the sounds of nature's nocturnal animals, view the starry sky, experience the peace of a summer night, and feel your senses come alive in ways you've never experienced before. And while this is something you could do anytime of the year, it's way more enjoyable in the heat of summer. 

9. You can break out of your mold and find some crazy runs. For instance, over the 4th of July weekend, my friends and I are getting together to do the Goggins 4x4x48 challenge at a local middle school track. For 48 hours we will run four miles every four hours, resting and fellowshipping in between sets in the summer heat. This would not be fun in the winter and is something everyone can enjoy. The laid back nature of races like this mean walkers won't feel rushed too. 

So there you have it friends. There are so many reasons to embrace summer running. So break out your tank tops, shorty shorts, hydration vests, and chafing cream and get out there! Summer is on the way and there are races to be run and training to complete!

Happy Running!