As the calendar flips to August here in the Northern Hemisphere, runners tend to face, head on, the dog days of summer.
After what was likely a euphoric spring and a June/July stretch filled with fun races in far-off places, many of us tend to settle into the drudgery that is the “dog days of summer.” After years of struggling through this drudgery, I have come to realize that there are three tried and true ways to deal with this phenomenon and make it through to the other side unscathed.
The author on a run in the dry heat of the Sonoran Desert outside of Phoenix, Arizona. Photo: AJW
1. Stay Consistent
At the beginning of August, set yourself a goal. Maybe it’s a “run six days a week” goal, maybe it’s a mileage goal, heck, maybe it’s just a “I need to move every day” goal. Whatever it is, set the goal and then endeavor to maintain it.
The biggest thing that derails runners during the dog days of summer is the simple lack of will that tends to descend on us as we confront another hot, sweat-soaked slog through whatever place we call home. Consistency, especially at this time of year, is gold.
2. Find a Group
For even the most battle-tested dog days sloggers, there is comfort to be had in the group run. For those, like me, who tend to spend most of their time logging solitary miles on quiet streets and trails, the dog days of summer provide a potential opportunity to reconnect with the community.
Because, after all, misery loves company. There is no better way to make it through a 95-degree-Fahrenheit run on a Wednesday night than with 30 other like-minded souls, who just want to get it done. The summer group run can be both cathartic and life giving.
Trail runners and four-legged friends on a group run in Idaho. Photo: Hank Dart
3. Remain Optimistic
There are few things that can dampen one’s attitude more than the thought of a long hot run. To be honest, facing up to one of those can be downright depressing. However, all the successful dog day runners I have met somehow figure out a way to make it positive, keep it light and fun, and get through it.
The mental game of running through the dog days is often more difficult than the physical side. But, for those who make it through with positivity, there are rewards to be had on the other side.
On my run this morning, I was forced to confront the reality of the dog days. After all, I live in Arizona, and it’s been 100-plus degrees Fahrenheit for the last 60 days. As I was finishing my run, albeit at a pace I am embarrassed to even admit, I found joy in the fact that I just got out there and ran. And that joy is something I can take with me on my next run, and my next run, and the one after that.
Because, at the end of the day, it’s not so much how we run, or where we run, or why we run, but that we run. And that, my friends, will get me back out there tomorrow. Here’s to the dog days!
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s beer of the week comes from SanTan Brewing Company in Chandler, Arizona. Lil Orange Alien is a blood orange IPA that is sweet and tangy. It has a nice hoppy aroma and a smooth sweet aftertaste. In many ways, a classic Arizona beer for the dog days.
Call for Comments
- Have you any other tips for getting through your training at this time of year?
- Or is there a different time of year when you find it more challenging to get out and run?
Consistency and optimism can help with running on summer’s hottest days. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
