30 Reasons Summer Running Doesn't Suck

Written by
Megan Harrington
There’s no denying that summer running has its challenges, but it also has its perks—lots of them, in fact. Mid-day runs may be out of the question, but there’s plenty to love about the dog days.Here’s a thing or 30 that’ll change the way you think about the warm season.
1. More daylight hours.
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With earlier sunrises and later sunsets, you'll have no excuse for running in the dark—unless, of course, you want to.
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2. Tons of weekend race options.
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Without the threat of icy roads or bad weather, race directors come out of the woodwork with oodles of races to choose from.
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3. Running buddies are easier to find.
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Ask a friend to join you on a frigid, icy run and you might hear crickets. Summer running is a whole different ball game.
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4. Letting our feet breathe.
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Wearing sandals (or going barefoot) post-run feels amazing.
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5. Shaded trail runs.
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Peace, quiet and a welcome break from the sun.
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6. The feeling of a good, sweaty run.
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Sure, sweat can be a little messy, but it also means you worked hard.
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7. More outdoor cross-training options.
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Hiking, kayaking, cycling—summer is the perfect time to get outside when you need a break from running.
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8. Relaxed schedules.
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Whether you've got the summer off (hello, teachers!) or your office offers "Summer Fridays," you'll probably have a bit more time to run.
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9. Evening races.
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If you love running at night, summertime has a plethora of options just for you.
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10. Rain in the forecast?
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Otherwise pesky showers are a welcome reprieve during a summer run.
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11. Fourth of July races.
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While Turkey Trots might get more press, plenty of towns hold Independence Day races. Log some miles, then refuel with your favorite cookout fare.
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12. More time.
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During the winter, we often find ourselves waiting to run until it warms up or the ice melts. But it's the earlier the better after summer arrives. When you finish your run before most people are even awake, it will feel like you have the whole day ahead of you!
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13. Post-run ice cream.
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Or popsicles or snow cones…
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14. Finishing a sweaty run with an ice cold beer.
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The benefits of beer for runners are numerous. It's science.
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15. Wearing less clothing.
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The less we wear, the less we have to wash.
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16. Running fast and short.
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Many areas offer summer track meets for adults. Try something new and sign up for a short summer race like the mile or 400 meter dash.
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17. Low-key training.
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Summer is the sweet spot between spring and fall marathon training. If you've got your eye on a fall marathon, you won't be running your biggest mileage and toughest workouts yet.
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18. Putting pace on the back burner.
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When the weather is hot, it's best to focus on effort rather than a specific pace. On the hottest days, just getting out there is a major accomplishment.
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19. Healthier food choices.
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With an abundance of fruits and vegetables in season, salad will seem more appealing.
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20. Mid-run sprinkler stops.
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So revitalizing. So refreshing.
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21. No frozen toes, fingers, noses or ears!
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Enough said.
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22. Weeknight races.
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From trail races to track meets, many local running clubs hold weekly race series during the summer.
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23. Summer running camps.
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If you thought you were too old for camp, think again. Plenty of places offer running camps for adults. Whether it's for a whole week or just a few days, you can make new friends and take your running to the next level.
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24. Ice cold sports drinks.
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With all due respect to water, of course.
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25. Vacation running.
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Whether you head to the mountains, the beach or a more exotic locale, logging miles while traveling is a great way to stay in shape and explore a new place.
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26. Staying warm? Definitely not an issue.
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There's no need for a space blanket or sweatpants before or after races, to say the least.
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27. Jumping into a pool, lake or ocean after a run.
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Is there anything better?
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28. Barefoot beach miles.
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Watch out Baywatch. We're coming for ya.
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29. Functioning water fountains.
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No need to carry that pesky water bottle for a few months.
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30. Flying in the fall.
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A summer of hot and humid running is great prep for fast fall races. The first time the temperature dips, you'll feel like you're flying.
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