Running and biking in the Tennessee Valley during summer comes with challenges. It is arguably the best and worst time of the year to hit the road or trail. Best due to the consistent weather and longer days from May to September. Worst, too, because of the weather we have during those months.
Typically in May, temperatures and humidity start increasing in the Southeast. We go from nice spring mornings with temperatures in the 60s, maybe a nippy 50s or two, into the 70s. Humidity starts climbing. A cold front might slide in, giving us a bit of relief, but by the end of the month we’re in “Yep, summer’s here” mode.
From then until October, and sometimes even later, it’s hot. It’s humid. Sweltering, even. Sometimes it’s a two- or three-shower day. It’s just how it is. Whether you’re riding bikes, doing trail runs or are on the road, it’s going to be hot.
I’m not a morning person by habit, although I’d love to be. I know, habits can be changed. I’d love to get up about 4 or 4:30 every morning, hit the roads for a running or biking workout, and be done. I’m just not wired that way, unfortunately. Never have been. I’ve tried all the tricks: going to bed earlier, dark rooms, no phone or electronics, tea, milk, all that stuff. I don’t even care to get up that early to go fish or hunt, or drive to a football game. The fish still bite and turkeys still gobble later in the morning. My running shoes and bike will still be there later in the day.
Midday Running and Biking
For me, that leaves midday or evening to do what I want to do. I usually choose midday. The morning summer humidity is gone, replaced by broiling midday sun. I don’t care. I don’t mind the heat. I slather on some Dermatone sunscreen — ears, face and neck, especially — and spray the top of my head with spray-on sunscreen. I like to wear a visor, although I’m getting partial to the Sprints caps. They’re comfortable and nice, and cover my thin-hair spot. They’re funny, too.
One reason I like midday is usually no one else is out. I try to stay on some backroads and neighborhood streets, which don’t have much traffic at lunchtime. Another reason is if I’m used to the midday heat, the morning heat and humidity won’t be as bad. That might not be scientific but it works for me. Finally, I don’t like going in the evening or at night. There are enough nutbag drivers on the road during the day. I don’t need to get whacked at night. I’ve done it, but don’t care for it.
Drink Up, Y’all!
Staying hydrated is a must, of course, for summer activities no matter when you’re outside.
I’m a fan of Nuun products — Sport, Recovery and Immunity — and I also like Tailwind and Skratch. None of them give me the gut bubbles and I think they help. Salt is important in summer, too; we hear a lot about electrolytes, but simple salt is important for your body. I also might throw in some Honey Stinger bites or chews and, of course, will have some water with me. An hour or 90 minutes at midday even with a short-step slower pace requires water. Drink up. Drink more than you think you need. Summer can wear you out.
Biking, for me, is a little different. I grew up riding a bike around my small town and didn’t think a lick about the summer heat. Ten, 15 miles? Bah. We loved it. I still enjoy riding my bike. I enjoy running and biking anytime, to be honest. I’m not a trail guy — love watching them — but I enjoy an open road. If you see me I’ll have on blaze orange or neon chartreuse, with bike lights front and back. I might look like a giant pumpkin or road cone, but I don’t care. Anyone who says “I didn’t see him” is blind or stupid. Make yourself visibly aware to others and don’t count on them being smart.
Get out and enjoy the summer months. Find your best time to go, hydrate and dress accordingly, and make the most of it. Winter will be here soon enough and we’ll be discussing gloves, beanies and how to not slip on wet or icy surfaces. Yuck. Enjoy the summer!
