Take the Next Step this Global Running Day
01 June 2022
It is estimated that around 7.1 million people run at least twice a month in England. But today, we are looking a little further afield, and celebrating the 621.16 million people that run around the world.
Running is one of the most popular sports, not least because of the huge mental and physical benefits it can bring. And with the bank holidays fast approaching, not to mention the fact that today is Global Running Day, what better time to lace up your trainers and join the millions across the world on a run?
Running in the summer
Maybe Global Running Day has inspired you to get back into running. Or perhaps you have been attending RunTogether sessions regularly but now feel like doing more. Whatever your motive, the most important thing is making sure you enjoy running. As the sun is shining for Global Running Day, and we are about to head into the hottest months of the year, we thought we should share some tips to help you make the most of the summer months.
1. Staying cool in the hot weather
Struggle to regulate your temperature when it’s hot? We asked Dr Andrew Drake, British Athletics Talent Hub Manager for the best ways to regulate your temperature in warm weather. Andrew says:
- Take a hot bath to acclimatise. A 45 minute, 40-degree bath is highly effective.
- High sodium drinks maintain plasma volume. Competition drinks modified to be hypertonic solutions are effective.
- Pour lots of cold water over yourself too!
Click here to learn more about staying cool.
2. Hydration, hydration, hydration
We all know staying hydrated is important, but do we know the best ways to do this? Our top tips are:
- Take into account the weather conditions before and during your planned run.
- Be aware of your sweat rate and sodium loss and plan to take in electrolytes as well as water during a long session.
- Account for exercise effort levels.
- Stay flexible and attuned to your body’s signals.
Click here for more information on keeping hydrated.
3. Handling hayfever
Handling hay fever can be a real pain for runners, especially this time of year as some medications can be on banned lists. Fear not, here’s some great tips to keep you moving:
- Tie your hair up
- Wash your hands and face when you get home
- Ensure the house is vacuumed regularly
- Dry your clothes indoors
- Take a bath or shower at night
- A healthy diet can also help with hay fever
Click here for more detail on managing hay fever in the summer months.
4. Use sun protection
Only 50% of sportspeople currently use sun protection when exercising outdoors. Most of us could improve our sun protection habits, and now there’s no excuse, as awareness around this important health and safety routine is about to get ‘super-charged’. This is thanks to Sunguarding Sport, a new campaign by the Melanoma Fund, and supported by England Athletics.
Click here to learn more about this resource.
Feeling inspired?
With all this information on summer running, a home Commonwealth Games on the horizon and the fact it’s Global Running Day, surely the time to return to, or get more involved with, running has never been better?
More articles
