It seems not so long ago that the running community was training for Spring races through the dead of winter and dealing with cold, dark runs and streets covered in snow.

Well, those days are behind us now.

I went for a quick run after work today before I had to teach BodyPump and temperatures were in the mid 90s. It was by far the warmest conditions I’ve run in yet this year and as a born and raised southerner, I know this is just the start of a long summer of hot and humid days.

I arrived back at my car winded and dripping in sweat after just 25 minutes of running. Since my Cold Weather Running post was a hit, I decided that I would share my favorite gear and strategies for dealing with warm weather runs. Today I’m going to focus on gear and tomorrow strategies for surviving a summer full of hot runs!

My #1 must have for warm weather running is my FuelBelt. I seriously won’t go over three miles without it if the temperatures are 85 or above. I know many people are hesitant to use FuelBelts for fear of discomfort and the general geekiness factor but I assure you, they are worth getting used to!

You will rarely find me running without a hat. During the summer I like lightweight white hats. I love the Nike Daybreak Running Hat. I buy a new one every year (even though you can wash it the white gets kind of gross).  The hat helps keep the sweat out of my face and shields me from the strong summer sun.

I’ve blogged about this tank several times before but the Lululemon Power Y Tank is my go-to for almost every activity –  yoga, running, teaching BodyPump. I have it in five different colors and you can almost always find me wearing one. I love that the built-in support means I don’t have to layer a sports bra underneath and the thin straps in the back allow for unrestricted movement. I will say that this might not be the ideal choice for running for those who need more support.

Some days I prefer a light white singlet over a fitted, thicker top. This Nike Race Day Singlet is perfect for those runs.

I also admit that there are times when it’s so hot that I can’t stand to even have something covering my torso and I will just wear a sports bra and shorts to run.

Meet my new favorite running shorts. The Lululemon Run Speed Shorts are perfect for warm weather runs. First, the waist band is so comfortable and doesn’t leave an imprint on my skin. Second, I love, love, love the pocket in the back for my iPod, keys, gels…whatever. And last, they are lightweight and so breathable with great built-in ventilation.

I love G2 and rely on it to replenish electrolytes that I lose on hot runs and during really hot yoga classes. G2 has half of the calories of traditional Gatorade. I did just learn that it contains artificial sweeteners though and I try to avoid those. I may be switching back to normal Gatorade and just water it down. I know that I will get comments suggesting coconut water as a more natural alternative to Gatorade and while I do enjoy coconut water, Gatorade is much more budget friendly a little easier for me to drink on a regular basis.

I hope that was helpful! Stay tuned for part two!

Share some of your favorite warm weather running gear!