Hanging on to Summer

We’re still a few weeks until my favorite season, Fall — which means cooler weather and all things pumpkin. Until the first official day of Fall finally arrives (September 23rd, if you are curious!), we can’t escape the real feel 100+ degree Summer days. It can’t be escaped, but we can set up ourselves up for a successful run by what we wear and how we recover. Not all of us are lucky enough to run during the recommended cooler part of the day (early morning), so I have ranked my top five warm weather essentials outside of your normal tops/shorts…

1. Hat:

My go to hat right now is the J&A Racing white hat (get yours here!) from our new signature collection. Being able to protect your head from the sun can provide some much needed shade while helping to wick the sweat from your face. I am a big fan of light colored moisture wicking hats during the summer months.

2. Sunglasses

Just like shoes many of us have our own personal preference when it comes to sunglasses. No matter if you’re rockin the newest Goodr or Oakley sunglasses, the key is wear them!  Sunglasses will not only shield the UV rays, but they will also cut down on you squinting non stop for that long run coming up on Saturday. You’re welcome.

3. Socks

As our soggy miles add up finding a sock that helps remove moisture from your feet is key to keeping your feet happy and blister free. If you’re like me and struggle with blisters during the warm weather months, I highly recommend checking out Drymax socks. My friends at Running Etc. recommend these socks, and I haven’t had any blister issues since ditching my normal colorful socks for these simple and effective socks.

4. Sunscreen

While training for your fall race you most likely will have training runs well over a hour. With the additional exposure to the sun, it’s important to remember sunscreen. From our beach bag to my running backpack Sunbum is our family’s go to sunscreen.

5. Nuun

Drink plenty of water. How many times have you heard that already this summer? It’s common sense. But with just simply hydrating with water, we’re missing out on important electrolytes. That’s where Nuun tablets come in. Nuun has become an important part of my daily routine. These tabs offer complete electrolytes without all the extra sugar and additives.  What does that taste like? Nuun is made with plant based ingredients that are gluten free, dairy free & soy free. If your new to the #nuunlife here are my two favorites right now – Nuun Immunity Orange Citrus (first thing I have each morning) and Nuun Sport Tri-Berry after those sweat filled runs.

Good Luck!

I hope these summer essentials help you manage your runs so you can set yourself up for that fall race PR! Good luck!

Fast Facts about Ryan:

• Director of Sponsorship at J&A Racing
• Favorite J&A Racing Event: Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend
• Currently Training for the New York City Marathon
• Random Fun Fact: played the drums since he was 10 years old (he was also a Civil War Reenactor)