Summer is a great time to run outdoors, with crystal clear skies and warm temperatures, it would seem that summer is the perfect season to strap on that heart rate monitor, lace up those shoes, and hit the pavement. However, the warmer the weather, the more challenging it becomes to adequately cool your body, which could wreak havoc on your running pace and body. On a hot day, the body works double time when running, so it’s crucial to follow safety guidelines to ensure you’re not putting too much stress on your body. Try these tricks for beating the heat on your summer runs:

• Adapt! If you’re used to running in doors in an air conditioned gym, you’re going to need to adapt to running in a warmer temperature. Slow your pace when starting and allow your body to acclimate to running into the heat. Eventually, your body will gradually become better at cooling itself off in hotter weather, and you will be able to continue running at your normal and regular pace. Start with short runs, and work your way up once you feel comfortable enough.
• What you wear is extremely important during summer runs. Choose light colored and moisture wicking running gear, as most of this gear is designed to allow moisture to pass through them and be evaporated. Always wear sunscreen and opt for a hat or visor to protect your skin and eyes from the hot sun. Sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection are also highly recommended.
• Choose cooler times during the day to fit your run in. The morning and night are the coolest times, and can you avoid intense summer heat and still allow you to fit a nice run in.
• Hydration is important always, but especially during the summer. For normal runs and workouts that are shorter than 45 minutes, water is a perfect hydrator. However, in the summer, sports drinks are a better way to hydrate as they will replace any electrolytes that were lost during intense perspiration.

At HeartRateMonitorsUSA.com, we have the accessories you’ll need to keep yourself safe and on the pavement all summer long. From hydro flask bottles to the newest and most popular heart rate monitors, we have everything to keep you going.