How to run in warm weather

Right. The clocks have turned back, the days are longer, the temperature is slowly creeping its way up and the sun is making itself less of a stranger – finally. For the keen runners out there that have powered through the past five months of cold, dark and recently windy af weather, we salute you. But the question is, how do you adapt your running routine to increasingly warm weather?

Naturally, exercise makes us hot. Believe it or not, this experience is actually our body’s way of regulating our internal temperature: when your muscles expel energy due to increased movement, they begin to heat up. The body then responds to this by sweating. This is in order to cool us down – when liquid travels through our pores to form sweat on the outer layer of our skin, contact with the air causes it to evaporate and this in turn makes us colder. Sometimes, though, excessive sweating can result in severe dehydration as it causes us to lose a lot of the vital water stored in our bodies. So if we aren’t able to regulate our body’s temperature, we can either end up overheating or risk dehydration.

That’s why, when running in warm weather, it’s vital that you have the right kit and gear to optimise your ability to power through the sun’s rays. It’s also important to read up on the causes and signs that you might be experiencing heat exhaustion, which can happen when your water consumption levels are too low when exercising and there’s not enough liquidity in you to produce enough sweat. Along with maintaining healthy hydration levels, climate-appropriate running fits can be the difference between a sluggish, tiring run and a personal best.

So if you’re in need of a new wardrobe to help you reach those summer running goals, we’ve got you covered. Below is a curated list of gear optimised for high performance in warm weather, perfect for keeping cool and comfortable as you run your way through the heat that, we assure you, will arrive sometime this summer. Most are made with innovative fast-drying technology and fabrics that facilitate the process of moisture wicking, which works to draw sweat from your body toward the outer layer of the material while drying the inner layer to avoid saturation. Ready to get your sweat on? Here are some kit suggestions to help you make the most of it.

This article has been brought to you in partnership with New Balance, which is working to get people on the move with its 2023 TCS London Marathon range.