Georgia summers are very hot and being hydrated is extremely important. While drinking plenty of water is essential, if your athlete(s) will be participating in summer running events they need an electrolyte or endurance specific beverage to keep them hydrated. This includes beverages or powders like Gatorade, Body Armor, Nuun, Liquid IV, Tailwind, etc. If your athlete is going to be sweating in the heat, the high sugar and sodium content in these beverages is intended to keep them hydrated and healthy, so don’t sweat it ;)

Do not run in the heat of the day! This is dangerous and could cause serious injury. Instead run early in the morning before the sun is high, or late in the evening when the sun is going down. Georgia summers offer about 14 hours of daylight, try to run from pre-dawn (if the kids are early risers) until about 10AM, or from 6:30 until twilight.

Whether the kids are old enough to run by themselves or if they are running with an adult, an estimation of completion should be communicated to someone. Before you’re out the door and on your run, someone should know either where you went, or when you are expected back.

Training is supposed to make you stronger. If you feel overly tired, dehydrated, lightheaded, or if you feel like you may be injured by continuing your workout(s) then stop. There is no sense risking your overall heath for one workout. It doesn’t make you a quitter, it shows you’re intelligent.

Training should not be dreaded. Yes, some days it’s hard to get out the door, but overall it should be fun. Don’t do the same workout or route everyday- mix it up, including cross-training. Go trail running, run with friends or a group, hit the track, play running games. During hotter parts of the day it can be beneficial to cross-train by swimming or biking. The summer events we participate in as a team provide a wide variety of running activities to keep things fun and fresh.