Dialing it back

During the June heat wave, I complained about running when it's hot out. During the summer, I sweat just by sitting on the couch (as I am right now), so physical activity makes me miserable.

Of course, other people enjoy the heat and relish the opportunity to run in the sun. Now, I'm not going to discourage anyone from going for a run, but, as TheBoringRunner put it on Twitter a couple days ago, "There is a fine line between being awesome/bad ass and just plain stupid. The dude running in 110 degree heat at lunch is treading that line."

It's not going to get that hot in the Boston area this summer, but it's still worth taking a few precautions. (These come from personal experience as well as articles I've read one time or another in Runner's World or Active.com.)

Drink up. Have some water before you leave. It's a fine line between getting hydrated and having to pee, and everyone's different, so I can't recommend a set amount to drink. Drink during your run. If you don't want to wear one of those fuel belts, you can always crush a plastic water bottle so it's easier to carry.

Avoid the sun. Go out early or late. If it's a short run, and you don't detest the treadmill, you can hit the gym if you only have time in the middle of the day.

Dial it back. Don't kill yourself. The warmer and more humid it gets, the sooner you start to sweat, dehydrate and, let's face it, feel like crap. Slow down, especially if you didn't heed the previous point and went running when the sun's at its highest.

Fuel up when you're done. This, of course, is important after any run, but when you've sweat off several pounds (as you very well may after a summer long run), you need to put back lean protein, carbs and healthy fat.

Do the laundry. Don't make your roommates, significant other or pet(s) summer. Wash your clothes right away. If you can't, leave them outside to air out.

Ultimately, summer running precautions pretty much boil down to common sense. If you're like me, though, you lack common sense, so it pays to be reminded of these things. Take it easy out there.