Summer Running Gear

Running in the summer is all about keeping cool and keeping dry from all the sweat. Most runners will start off with a normal pair of shorts and a cotton t-shirt. Although this combination is ok, the cotton t-shirt absorbs sweat and doesn’t like it wick away, leaving you wet for the rest of your run. The shorts, unless they are designed for the job can very easily start to cause chafing. Seams on running shorts and tights are designed to avoid this.

A running singlet is the first piece of clothing. It’s just a vest essentially, usually made from a synthetic fabric that wicks away sweat very easily. This will keep you bone dry on the outside, and a lot cooler. A light windproof/waterproof jacket will also help when it turns wet and windy.

For your lower half, a pair of running shorts is a good choice. Nothing fancy, but just something that will do the job. It’s a good idea to look at recent reviews in the running magazines. A good pair of running shorts will decrease the chafing between your legs when you run, and because you don’t have to wear underwear with them (they have netting built in), they will feel more comfortable. Short running tights are also a good option. Lycra tights will stop any chafing. However, they don't allow for ventilation in a way that loose shorts do!

And last but not least, a pair of lightweight socks will help to keep your feet dry when you’re sweating buckets. Some runners choose a tennis sock design, some a trainer sock; it’s a personal choice.