Tips for Running in the Heat of Summer

Summer is just around the corner. And, if you live in Arizona, then you already know what that means – four months of triple-digit temperatures!

Now, some of you may already be planning on starting (or continuing) your running routine in a climate-controlled gym environment in order to beat the heat, but for others, there’s really just no substitute for the great outdoors – even when that fresh air feels like it’s coming straight from the oven.

And if you fall under the category of “diehard pavement pounders and trail runners,” that’s awesome! But you should still keep some things in mind: running in the sunshine may be good for the soul, but not so much for the feet.

The good news is that you can count on our team of expert podiatrists to not only compile a helpful list with all you need to know about protecting your feet from the summer heat, but also provide any foot and ankle care you need to make sure you keep putting your best foot forward during your summer running routine.

Let’s get right to it!

Trim Your Toenails the Right Way

Having neat and tidy toenails is something else you should consider before stuffing your feet in your running shoes.

Blisters and ingrown toenails can easily develop if your nails are left too long or trimmed improperly. And when you add the factor of sweat and heat, even fungal nails can start to make your running routine miserable.

Make clipping or cutting down your toenails a weekly habit. Trim them even with the edge of the toe, using sterilized tools (never share your equipment), and avoid cutting them in a curved shape. You can use a nail file to smooth out the edges if necessary.

Avoid Infections

Athlete’s foot, toenail fungus and other common skin and nail infections are often seen in runners.

Indeed, the warm, dark and damp environment of sweaty socks and shoes is a playground for fungi and infections. But that’s not the only way you can develop these pesky conditions. You can easily be exposed to bacteria by walking barefoot in damp communal floors, like lockers rooms and swimming pools.

Skin or nail infections can be more than just unsightly – they can become painful as well and prevent you from enjoying your running or jogging time. So you should always protect your feet while walking in public places – including your running club changing room – by wearing a light pair of flip flops or shower shoes. And be sure to dry between the toes after showering, too.

Avoid the “Stink”

While fungus will cause the main infection, yeasts may also develop and cause other symptoms, like foot odor.

That’s why good foot hygiene is so important. Though smelly feet won’t actually keep you from running, most of us don’t want to endure the smells of our hard work.

After every run, make sure you wash your feet with warm, soapy water. Make sure to clean between the toes and thoroughly dry those areas when you are done. You should also moisturize your feet after every wash (avoiding those areas between the toes).

Try creams or lotions which contain bifonazole. These solutions provide relief from itching and redness by penetrating deep into the skin to kill fungi and treat infections.

Stay Hydrated

It goes without saying that you need to pay extra attention to staying hydrated in hot weather.

The amount of water you need may vary depending on your body mass, the day’s temperature and the intensity of your workout. But, as a rule of thumb, you should drink about half a liter of water before you start, and half a liter for every hour you run in order to maintain proper hydration.

However, you should make sure to not drink too much water – over-hydration can dilute your body’s blood sodium levels, causing hyponatremia. The best way to know how much water you need is to follow your thirst – your body is built with an amazing water-balancing mechanism.