I am a fair weather friend when it comes to the cold, but I have learned a thing or two about running in the heat. I live in Southern California and visit Florida every June and December so I have had to get really friendly with running in heat waves, humidity and sweating until you feel like you’re drowning in your own bodily fluids.
This week I have been on Marco Island in Florida. It’s June. In Florida. It’s hot and humid. I’m Captain Sweaty Obvious.
The heat I can do, it’s the humidity that wrecks me (partially because I am not acclimatized to it at all). It’s like running on the equator. Kinda. A little.
The first time I came out to Marco in June I hated running here. I am used to my sweat cooling me off in Cali, not weighing me down like here. It was frustrating. But I had to learn how to roll with it.
Last week I got a question from a reader about this exact topic. She is frustrated with the heat says she is regressing. Here is a brief version…
“So…I recently found a way to start working in running, got a jogging stroller for the days I don’t have baby back up, and am really, really enjoying it! I had my first 5k on Mother’s Day and have signed up for a couple half marathons toward the fall. I was making great progress and was just recently up to 5-6 miles, and running 4-5 times a week, which is huge for me!
Well, summer has now officially “bitch slapped” Florida ( excuse my french! ) and humidity is 91% with it being close to 80 already at 6 am. I know you recently addressed summer running, but is there a way to overcome the regression in my training? I am finding now, that when I get to about 3 miles I can barely breathe and just can’t go on.”
Running in the Heat
When you run in extreme conditions = heat, cold, high altitudes, rough terrain
You are going to run slower.
That’s just what it is. And it’s okay.
It doesn’t mean you are regressing or losing your ability or suck or should retire from running and take up cardio knitting. Difficult circumstances make it harder to run so it feels harder. Hello.
So when you run in the heat (or hills or freezing or …) measure your run by EFFORT not pace or mileage or whatever you usually use.
Random Examples: You normally run 3 miles in 34 minutes.
When you run in the heat you can run out for 17 minutes and turn around and come back in 17. This way you’re running for the same amount of time even though you may not make it to 3 miles. Concentrate on EFFORT not distance.
OR
If you normally run at a conversational pace around your neighborhood for 45 minutes … Run at that same effort around the same neighborhood and don’t worry so much about how long it takes. Concentrate on EFFORT not pace.
Measuring by effort is important because your body may try to tell you when it’s overheating or dehydrating or hurting. Listen to your body!
Remember to pay attention to your hydration and fuel in the heat. But that’s another post for another day.
(source)
My drenched arm after today’s run…
This morning I ran (slowly) around Marco Island. I did a loop I thought was going to be longer, but it was 7 miles. That was a-okay with me as I’d prefer not to die today.
I played a little House Hunters Florida and stopped to take pictures when the mood struck me. 
Then, I ate cereal and eggs.
And now I’m enjoying the beach for a few more hours before we have to leave. I’m headed home tonight and then tomorrow morning it’s on to CO!
Question: Thoughts on running in the summer?
Disclaimer: Always consult your doctor before starting a new exercise program. Consult your psychologist before running in Florida in June because that’s crazy.
Great article!! Here’s another tip to help you stay cool when running in the summer heat…Kryoskinz Cooling Patches (kryoskinz.com). We’re a small startup striving to help athletes everywhere beat the heat and suffer smarter! Check us out!
I’ve now been in SoCal for almost a year and a half.Having run through a few hot swampy summers in NJ and visiting my in-laws in Florida, I can say a “dry heat” is far easier to run in than heat and humidity. Because of the low humidity here, it cools off overnight so even if it gets to 100 during the day it cools off into the 60s at night. Just run when the sun isn’t so direct and you’re set. There is little reprieve from humidity in the summer back East even at night or early in the morning (that was when humidity was higher actually). I’ll still gladly run in cold temps in the winter though…I loved long runs in the winter in NJ. You can always add more layers and don’t have to worry about overheating.
This is ridiculous. I actually read this blog for the running posts as that is what I am interested I’m, but I just had to chip in here.
These people who are commenting about Monica looking skinny and keeping her methods for doing so ‘secret’ simply seem to be missing the blog posts part of this blog.
Am I the only person who has realised from reading the blog regularly that Monica is doing wayy more races than she has in previous years?
AND that while her aim was 13 halfs, she has changed it to 13 races as she has done LOADS more full marathons than she anticipated/has done before?
Wake up call – Basically she HAS been telling you how she is losing the weight – on a daily basis, in the form of numerous race recaps and posts about running.
Twice the distance equals twice the calorie burn so assuming she eats exactly what she always has she is clearly burning tons more calories this year due to upping the running massively.
Hint to those that want the ‘big secret’ – how about every time Monica posts about a marathon/training run etc, mimic it and then see what happens?!
P.s. if you are reading as you are hoping to get weight loss tips, surely the bikini photos are INSPIRING?! I don’t understand the annoyance at someone being happy in themselves as they’ve reached their goal.
… I am the weirdo who actually LOVES running in the humidity. Crazy, I know. Something about the sweat. I just love it. Mind you, I was born and raised in New Orleans and it’s humid 11 of the 12 months. Maybe I’m just used to it?!
I do think your tips are great … because honestly, that’s what I do when forced to run in the cold or on hills 🙂 And YES to hydration!!!
Lots of water and a positive attitude are needed when I run in the heat. If I get in a negative mood about it being so hot, then I know I’ll quit my run early and be in a funk all day. So far we have been lucky/unlucky that it has been cold and rainy here in MN instead of hot and humid.
i’m a so cal girl, too, so i’m used to the heat, but not the humidity. kudos to you for braving that crazy FL humidity to run!
also, i just wanted to comment that you look really great! =)
That picture of your arm looks like my arm EVERY TIME I RUN…whether it is hot or not. When it’s super hot the sweat actually drips right onto the floor! Haha! Who would be a sweaty runner huh?! 😛
Ha ha! This post had me cracking up! I live in Chicago and get down to Florida a few times a year. This last time in April, I seriously thought all of my sweat was going to weigh me down. It is always SO hot and SO humid (we are on the south east coast) and because I”m on vacation and I never get out there before 9am. Have a great trip to CO!
I’m concerned about your weight loss. The fact that you don’t want to talk/write about it seems like it could potentially be taking a scary course into disordered eating/excessive exercise territory. Speaking from experience, I know that when I started down my path to anorexia, I could not deal with people commenting on my weight and I acted as if everything was great and I was eating/exercising normally. I am not judging, just concerned…
Hey Amy, Thanks for your concern, I know it’s coming from a good place. I am fine, just figuring out what works for me / what I’m willing to do to lose while staying happy. I am running more and eating relatively the same so it’s slowly coming off. I’m also still figuring out my thyroid issues. I’m okay though 🙂
Slowly coming off? I disagree but you look GREAT!!
Come to Chicago to run the Chicago Marathon. You will LOVE it here!!!
It is very simple – she runs more and eats less. Good for you Monica!
I grew up in the Tropics (very close to the equator) and I love running in the heat. But living in winter weather for so long has made me weak in the heat! I live for the summer. Bring it on!
Me too!!!
I tried running in Texas many years ago. I promptly moved back to California :).
You look great, and great job sticking to your training even when it’d be easier to stay in the air conditioning!
You look great! Thanks for the advice for summer running in the heat
I have been getting sunburned recently on my runs!
I’m the opposite. I can do serious cold, like -40F, without much problem, but anything over 80F and I’m dying. I currently live in a place that has highs in the 50s and 60s year round, so as long as I don’t mind the rain in the winter, it is perfect! 🙂
I agree you look great and it does seem you’ve lost a little weight, good for you (even though you didn’t really have anything to lose).
However, I do not agree with some comments people are posting that are just rude. This is your blog and you can post about what you want. It might be a “weight loss blog” but it’s also about healthy eating and running and I see a whole lot about healthy eating and running on here!
I’m an avid reader and while I would love to know what’s changed, I know you’ve commented on it before that you’re waiting or something. Or it’s all the Sricha sauce…LOL
It’s humid here in Manitoba…and I’m running my first half on Sunday but it’s supposed to a cool and a little rainy on Sunday 🙂 Perfect conditions I’d say.
yes. I agree. Ignore the haters.
Yep. You do your own thing and that’s what your favorite readers love about you. Happy running!
I just wrote a post about this running in the heat. Ugh, it’s agony! LOL!
I bring my Camel Bak nowadays for my runs.
I hate running in the heat. I too live in SoCal and it can be brutal in the summer. Even if the temp is 10 degrees warmer it always slows me down.
Even though it’s hard to get up sometimes, running in the morning while it’s still a little cooler is refreshing, and it also prevents you from being sunburned, etc.
Thanks for the great advice on effort vs. distance. I grew up in Houston and it was the same struggle in the summer. So hard to run (or even sit!) outside for any extended amount of time. You start to get used to it after a while. However, you have to make sure you’re staying hydrated. Humidity can really take it out of you. Thanks again!
I considered myself a lifelong runner when I made it through my first ever summer of running in DC last year. I cut back the mileage, accepted the slower pace, and turned to the treadmill when it was above 90. For a labor day half that worked, for an October full this year… well, I’ll see.
And to reflect on what other people were saying, I don’t even have the guts to take a picture of me in my one piece skirted full coverage swimsuit let alone put it online. Perhaps one day. Or never. More likely never.
Although the presentation and compiling of material was not up to the mark, still the material was quite detailed and relevant!
Love running but hit the roadblock when trying 99% humidity in the jungle wet season of PNG
Hydration and perseverance!
Le sigh…I live in the equator!!!! It’s summer, hot, warm, humid here all year round. Anyway, do load up on ice cold isotonic drinks mid way thru your run – helps a bit.
It’s winter here now so I can’t remember what running in summer feels like;) I’ll have to re-read this post in 6 months time. You look awesome too!
104 in Albuquerque today, and DRY. It feels like jogging through a giant hair dryer. Maybe not worth it!
Katie, I live in Albuquerque too and a giant hair dryer is a great way to describe this heat and wind lately!
I learned to track my effort in the summer by heart rate. I try to keep it the same as it was in the spring/winter. In the end, I’m burning the same amount of calories, even if the run is slower. But ugh…still not a fan of sticky, humid weather 🙁
I live in Canada and I know people think we live in igloos we get the humidity pretty bad.In Ontario it can get pretty humid.
Yes I also want to know how you are looking so fab these days.
I like running in the heat…only problem is that reach a point when I’m so sweat soaked, chafing begins to occur, and have to stop when I still have gas in the tank.
That is really great advice to concentrate on effort rather than distance or time.
True deep-south runner here….I’ll run on pavement at noon in July. It just doesn’t bother me. I love to sweat. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!! I love Marco Island–glad you had a good trip.
I’m still a novice runner, and a couple weeks ago I did a 3-mile race around downtown Manhattan in 90-degree heat and some insane amount of humidity.
It was the first time in a long time I’ve run and thought afterward, “That may have done more harm than good.”
I had chills on and off throughout the run, which I’ve since learned are a not so good sign in hot weather, and in general just felt awful; sluggish, hot, headache, etc.
This past weekend I ran my first 10k and although it was much cooler I paid much more attention to my hydration before, during and after the race and although it was twice the distance I did much better.
Monica, I think your advice about focusing on effort is spot on.
I’ve grown accustomed to running in high humidity, from living in Savannah and now back in Atlanta…plus living in the South my whole life. I would suggest running actually when the temperature is slightly high and the dew point is low. If the temperature and dew point are the same or almost the same, its going to be extremely hard for your body to sweat and you can actually cause yourself more harm. Running in a wet blanket as I call it will get better, you just have to stick with it and take it slow and over time its just the weather you run in.
Really useful tips here. I live in a very humid climate and find running in the early morning and evening the best times for me. The absolute preference is early morning if I can force myself out of bed. It is quite sup rising how many people are out and about at 5am!!!
I despise humidity. That is why I live in Orange County, CA and not Orange County, FL
I just ran in the heat today. and i forgot my water bottle. my bad. 4 miles. and I felt fine. but the last mile I got major edema of the hands/fingers. i read it could be an electrolyte imbalance (hence I should have brought my water) or it could just be ‘blood pooling’ – something about my hands hanging down when I ran. Thoughts? Ever happen to anyone else?
Fortunately, i hear that i will live and is not a serious medical condition. 😉
btw, i noticed the bikini season being embraced on your blog – you look great.
It’s mostly the humidity that kills me too – but I never ever seem to be able to totally acclimate and I live in the south. Last summer I began to dread runs b/c they just felt miserably hard and I got really down on myself. It’s already happening again – slower pace, seemingly so much harder, looking like I went swimming instead of running. Just wiped out tough. I’m trying to remind myself that it’s ok to be slowing down – necessary and it’s ok to stop and take mini-breaks too. Last summer I also started wearing my HR monitor again to help gauge my effort levels and started going by lower HR vs anything to do with pace.
I prefer to knock out my runs as the sun is coming up in the summer. I definitely prefer cold runs to hot ones. Running caused me to develop a new appreciation for the cold. I do love the extra hours of sunlight in the summer, though!
I live in Chicago and have been in Sanibel Island, FL this week. Holy crap! I am in marathon training again and have barely squeaked out a 4 miler and a 3 miler. Brutal!
I despise running in the summer. Give me snow, give me rain and I’ll be ok. Give me the hit and the humidity and I’ll die!
Cardio knitting is my new favourite phrase!
Favorite workout song this week? “Everlong” by Foo Fighters. Never gets old :).
I hear ya, running in the heat is awful… to be honest some days I just prefer the treadmill in my gym if its too humid. I am not sure what I would do if I didn’t have my gym. I also have asthma so it double sucks! great job though!! you look great! 🙂
When running in the summer, I try to run in the morning on the weekends when it is cool so that I can train at a race pace. During the week, if I have to run in the afternoon and it is hot, I run (much slower than race pace) and I am ok with that. I am not trying to impress anybody and I’d rather complete my run then pass out! I see a lot of runners go out for a run without water. BIG MISTAKE! You’re not proving anything and you could get seriously dehydrated.
Love the bikini!!!
I spent a year in Alabama and came back from pretty much every run completely dehydrated (this was about 20 years ago – way before I realized how important water was). It wasn’t the heat that was bad but the humidity – YIKES!!!
LOVE Marco Island! That was my first trip on my inlaw’s yacht!
As far as living in the south with the heat and humidity… I go out at 5am to at least avoid the direct sunlight! It makes you a tough runner for sure! 🙂
That’s why I love being a triathlete – it’s season so I HAVE to get out there in the heat and humidity to train. Heat acclimation for the win!
…this comment fueled by a great runners high, may not apply in 19 days racing a half marathon mid-morning in 90 degree temps after a long swim and bike.
you look fabb 🙂
I wake up early to run in the summer to beat the heat, I’m in PA so it’s not that bad. When it’s too hot for me it’s just too hot to run or I take it in to the treadmill and work on speed.
Minutes into my run this morning it started raining with progressively got heavier throughout but I like the feeling of cool rain on summer runs 🙂
No comment on running in the heat. I’m suffering along with you here in VA. But I will say, you look SMOKIN’ in that bikini! Rock on, girl.
I can’t even imagine running in Florida in the summer – it’s getting too hot for me up in NY (and very humid)…have to start forcing myself to do it early in the morning! NOT looking forward to 2 races next month!
I’ve visited Singapore twice in the summer–and that’s pretty darn close to the equator. I’m a heavy sweater as it is (like I break out into a sweat walking to the garage), but I was a waterfall in Singapore! I was so drenched after a 5k that my clothes were falling off and I could wring puddles of sweat from my hair! Thankfully my fancy hotel had cold towels and water bottles outside, but it wasn’t any less embarrassing in the elevator!
Also, it looks like your weight loss has been gradual and healthy. Still, it’s kind of annoying how you flaunt it in pictures, but refuse to acknowledge it in words. You look great. I’m sure there’s no big secret, but a few words on the subject would be great. After all, this is at the top of your page: “Welcome to Run Eat Repeat. I am Monica and I am using running and healthy eating to lose weight and stop dieting! Subscribe to my RSS feed or Email Me for healthy tips.”
Everyone loves a good weight loss story. Don’t risk losing readership over something great!
I agree and this blog doesn’t have the same friendly feel it used to. I think it’s great Monica that you’ve lost weight, but I don’t read the blog to see you in bikinis everyday. I think the blog is taking a weird turn lately, or maybe I just need to move on.
I personally find the bikini picts inspiring. Looking good M.
Move on to other blogs. Monica is such a FRAUD!! I am surprised she is still being paid to write a weight loss blog when she has not said ANYTHING about her weight loss. It makes me believe that what she is doing is NOT healthy or legal and that is why she refuses to mention anything on THIS WEIGHT LOSS blog.
So come on Monica, what are you really waiting for?
Wow way to overdo it on the HATERADE. I’m sure she’ll share when she’s ready. If you’re not happy with the direction of the blog, there are tons more to read in the blogosphere. 🙂
Amen, Shannon! EveryBODY is different and what works for Monica may not work for others. At my advanced age of 44, I’ve learned that this shape/figure is the one I am stuck with. I can lose a little here and there, but the heavier parts of me (where my body chooses to store extra fat) will always be that way.
Meanwhile, I’ll focus on being healthy and eating the best I can. The rest will (or will not follow); I run for lots of reasons. This body gets me through a lot and it birthed two babies. I don’t need to look good in a bikini. I need to be the best mom, wife and Christian possible.
I read this blog for humor and a little running inspiration. That’s it. Let’s not put so much heat on HOW Monica has trimmed and toned. The girl logs miles like a beast–if I had time to run a go-zillion miles, I might look like that too.
Keep going, Monican!! 😀
Where in Colorado are you headed? I moved to Denver last summer and, while the heat is on here as well, that added on top of the altitude has made it fun for my seemingly still adjusting lungs…yikes!
Blergh, I ran in what was basically 100% humidity this morning. It was a bit cool and foggy at first, but then the sun shone through and it started warming up quickly. It was quite a struggle compared to when the weather is much cooler and drier.
Getting used to adverse conditions will only make you a stronger runner 🙂 Last year, I survived 100+ temps in St. Louis (when I stupidly ran at 4pm!), so 70 degrees and humid isn’t too bad. It’s all relative.
I live in Ohio, where humidity can be surprisingly brutal. Sweaty arms on an “easy” run are my marker for when the weather REALLY sucks. This morning, for instance – 60 degrees and ninety-five percent humidity. 3 miles, wet arms. Seriously?
Ohh boy keeping my motivation up when it’s a billion degrees is going to be a fun little challenge.
I grew up running in humidity on the east coast in brutal temps in August. A huge part of it is getting used to it. Do more activities outside without A/C and running will feel easier. Doing regular physical activity outside everyday gets your body used to it!
After moving to Alabama from New Hampshire last August where it was 110, I knew running was going to be a bit different for me. I have switched my long runs to focus more on speed work and tempo runs until I return back to NH. Even so, humidity has me sweating within 2 minutes of my run, and is a lot tougher when the blazing sun is added into the equation. Thanks for the tips!
I don’t know how anyone runs in crazy humidity like that. I remember doing it a handful of times during last summer’s heat wave here in PA and one time I legit passed out on my front lawn and had a neighbor come nudge me with their foot to make sure I wasn’t dead. True story.
My only advice for summer running is, forget sleep and get up at a time you would normally just want to be going to bed and run before the sun comes up! Or, buy a treadmill. I have done both but will likely be ‘milling it up in my basement more this summer to get a couple extra hours of sleep in!
You look great! As a member of the “running in the south” club, I can attest to the fact that humidity sux!
Gosh summer running sucks in humidity! Whats the weather like in the San Fran region in December? Is cali always sunny and not muggy?! AND are you joining for the north face half?!? I have another blogger / friend I convinced to travel with me from DC to San Fran to run it!
I’m a bit north of San Francisco, but December is usually really really wet where I’m from (Humboldt Co.).
haha! I’m that guy running on asphalt at noon in the 105* weather! lol… I LOVE running in the heat! I don’t know why… maybe I should have my head checked! 😉 Although if it were truly 105* out I would probably opt for the treadmill but if it’s 80-90 I’m all for it!
Humidity here in NY in the summer is killer. I just run earlier and earlier to avoid it as much as possible. I do notice that it takes a few runs to adjust and then I deal a little bit, slightly, better. I can’t win – its either freezing or hazy hot and humid. We lost a few seasons here and seem to go from winter straight to summer and then straight back to winter.
You look great!
I looooove running in the summertime early in the am. Pittsburgh doesn’t get too humid until later in the summer, but yesterday was nearly 100% humidity and only 75 degrees. My run was slooooow, but I still will take the sun and warm weather for a run any day over a foot of snow and freezing temps. 🙂
This is SO something to consider if you’re a destination racer too. I train in the Midwest and was not the least bit prepared for the dramatic effect Southern high humidity would have on me when I came down South to do a race. It was crippling! (Especially bad for those runners with exercise-induced asthma like me) It was a good lesson in being patient and forgiving with myself and patting myself on the back just for finishing, not for finishing in a specific time (that goal was out the window after mile 3!). Just something to keep in mind if you’re considering signing up for a race in the South or somewhere with high humidity this time of year!
I would much rather run in heat than rain!!!!
When I went to Dallas last year I went for a run in nearly 100 degree weather (and it was mid morning too!). I took a water bottle, stuck with streets that had trees and some shade. I paced myself. I also had to make a pit stop mid-run back at the house to refill my water and cool off a little in the AC before heading back out!
It’s 100 degrees today in Colorado (Denver Metro area) and gonna be upper 90s all week – but it’s dry heat!! However, you will battle altitude here instead of humidity. Imagine how fast you will feel when you get back to running in So Cal.
I’m interested to hear your take on CO running too, Monica. It’s hot as balls this week. Please let us know which is more tolerable:
Running in heat and humidity
Running in dry heat at altitude.
It’s always interesting to hear the dry heat vs humidity debate. I’ve run in both and say dry heat is by far easier.
I live in SF but originally from Brisbane Australia and running in humid hot weather is all I knew and never bothered me now I have been spoiled by SF running weather – it is like heaven on earth and probably why I run amazing PB’s! At the moment we are on vacation in Arizona and I did a measly 3 mile yesterday and felt like i was running a 12 minute mile and thought I was going to die! Thank you for reminding me that the weather does really affect your performance to be so hard on myself for running like a girl :-)!
Hey Trudi….I’m from BrisVegas too!! Yes, humidity is all I know. It’s like a warm, comforting blanket of sweatiness.
I’m glad, I live in Texas close enough to the Gulf that I get all the humidity I need. I moved here last year from south Florida and its just as bad but a little worse in the actual temperature department. I’m going back in 3 weeks to run a 5K and see family and friends. It’s not easy running in 80 degrees + 75% or higher humidity. I’m glad you shared on how hard it is and to tell your readers to not get frustrated over there time or distance. We all must respect the sun and heat! Thanks!
This will be my first summer actually running in the heat. Because I wasn’t a runner before lol. I live in hot ass flawda so I’m not excited. I’ve been on a hiatus for 5 weeks and start back running next week. Nervous would be an understatement but I appreciate this post. I am def going to listen to my body and not worry so much. Only think sucks is I will start training for my half in August. Hottest florida month ever. I might have to suck it up and do some work on the dreadmill!
I already deal with some crazy nutrition/fuel issues without heat but it intensifies x100 with heat! I end up with migraines/flu type symptoms almost everytime no matter the distance. It sucks!
Try living here year round! Training here is brutal as we have 300 days of summer. Swimming in the Gulf is like swimming in a hot tub, biking is like riding in a sauna and running … well you found out it’s like running with a wet towel over your head. Yet we have many world class triathletes who train here year round.
How about doing one of our halfs? Naples Half, Hooters to Hooters Half or Everybody Runs Half. Or one of the Naples Tris?
I agree with everyone who says you look great…SHARE THOSE TIPS, LADY!
As for running in the heat, I just take my time and pour water on my head when able. Also, drink those electrolytes!!!
I’m with you on the fair weather running although I’d much rather run in heat/humidity than freezing cold temps!
Nice post. I am not ready for summer running in NYC. I’m hoping our temps stay nice and low all summer. Lol. Wishful thinking.
Monica, Your RRCA training is paying off. Great info. Also remind your readers to wear the appropriate clothing, moisture wicking materials. light colors. They will lose a lot of fluids. Electrolyes become very important in the heat along with water and/or sports drinks.
It was a beautiful morning in So Cal today. Got 7 miles in with an athlete I’m working with for an upcoming triathlon. BTW, if you are going to CO and you are in Boulder, stop by the Newton store which is their headquarters. I hope to run with you soon. Peace Out and Train Focused.
Focus on the effort but remember that the work you put in (BY EFFORT) over the summer will pay you back tenfold when it cools back down. You really will see big gains in the fall. So just be careful, but stick with it.
The Kidless Kronicles
Thank you Monica for answering my question, you are the best! If anyone knows of some great sunscreen that won’t roll into my eye balls please let me know 🙂
Elta MD sport is the best!! You can get it from dermatologists and it is wonderful. Apply 10-20 minutes before you head out and you are good to go. I absolutely love it and have never had a problem. Hope that helps!
Timing is impeccable as yesterday I headed out for a run around 6pm (cooler but still warm for my blood), and said “just go for 60 minutes, don’t look at your pace or distance”. I walked when I needed to and just went for time. All in all, it wasn’t too bad considering I didn’t quit!
In summer I will go late (after dark) on weeknights or super early on weekends. I also don’t push miles too far over 8-10 in summer just because I’m not training for anything specific. Next up is LB half in October to get my Beach Challenge bling-bling.
Safe travels…!
Love Marco Island! When we go in March we usually run very early before it gets too humid. I run with a cool rag draped around my neck to help stay cool. My husband loves running on the beach which is cooler but more difficult for me to run on. I too run with a camera because we always run through the Estates to see how the other half live. I live in Indiana so I am use to the humidity and running in it during the summer. Last summer temps were well over 100 degrees with the humidity. Drink lots of fluid, especially watermelon NUUN and salt packets help as well. Hope you enjoyed your visit to Marco!
This Indiana girl (where we have summer heat & humidity too) agrees. Do what you can & focus on your effort. Also – if your schedule permits – go earlier or later in the day when it might not be as hot and/or humid.
I have been hit by the summer slump here in southern OK too. With all of the storms lately, our humity was outrageous! This week is dry, but close to 100 already. I have been going out later for runs, but I’m hoping to drag my rear out of bed early enough to go in the mornings. I have had to learn to run with a bottle of water or gatorade. I get really tingly around the end of my 3 mile loop, so I know I need fluids. Running in the heat is HARD. I agree with your questioner, my thoat closes off like I can’t breathe. You just have to make sure you are hydrated and fueled before you go out, and stay hydrated while you’re out.
Keep running! Nnnnever give up, nnnnnnever surrender!
I am in Florida and went out to run 6 miles and thought I couldn’t breathe. It was hard to find that groove where your breathing is easy. Sad to admit that it will be like this for a few months. Oh well, when the rest America is freezing in December, I will still be wearing shorts!
I live in PA, so humidity = awful. Just run really early or late and make sure you hydrate …
thanks for the tips- Summer has slapped me in the face in Oklahoma also- getting up at 5:30 to get my miles in and I do not like it. I am a much better after work runner!
Every summer I consider quitting running because of Fl humidity. It’s brutal and is a whole new kinda sweaty! I’ve started working in some treadmill time, finding shady roads, and accepting that I won’t be breaking speed records.
Great tips to keep in mind, Monica! Will keep in mind for when we MOVE BACK NEXT MONTH YAYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!
OK, I gotta ask: you’ve been posting a lot of bikini pictures lately (ballsy, yo) and you look a lot skinnier than you used to, even when you aren’t sucking it in (SORRY, BUT THAT BEACH POSE WAS KIND OF LOLARIOUSLY VICTORIA’S SECRET POSEY). I wish I looked like that in a bikini, truth.
So, what gives? Your blog has been focused a lot on weight loss in the past, and now that you’ve lost what appears to be a fairly significant amount of weight, we want to know what changed! C’mon Monica, don’t leave us in the dark.
I was going to ask the same thing – you look GREAT!
You know I’m definitely an avid reader, but I’ve been wondering the same thing for awhile and am confused about the (skinny) elephant in the room. I think a lot of your readers (and people in general) are right there one the fence regarding weight loss, like you were- just a few pounds off and we’re good to go. So, specifically, what’s been working? It’s bikini season… help a girl out!
With bikini season here I keep hoping for some tips too. Unfortunately all I’ve read so far about that topic is jokes about eating Sriracha. :-/
it’s a secret.
I agree that it’s kind of annoying how you post (perhaps overly flattering) bikini pictures of yourself, and then don’t share how you lost the weight. Apparently this is a “weight loss” blog.
With that said, it’s clear from Monica’s blog she has struggled with emotional eating. I don’t think there is one secret that she did to lose the weight – I think anyone who runs as much as she does and eats reasonably healthy would be quite thin.