How To Restart Outdoor Running After The Monsoon

There is no doubt that monsoon can make any runner hang up his or her boots. The heat is high and the humidity is unbearable and if you dared to run, you will be instantly drenched in sweat without relief coming from anywhere. There is a great chance you will get dehydrated if you continue. However, now that the monsoon is retreating, the humidity has dropped significantly and the temperatures are low enough during the mornings and evenings to pick up the exercise again to get rid of all those extra calories you piled on.

If you stopped running because of the impossibly high heat and humidity during the monsoon, now is the time to pick up the habit again.
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If you are someone who cannot stay away from jogging and running, here is how to restart outdoor running after the monsoon.

Also Read: How To Choose Running Shoes That Cushion Concrete Pavement Impact: 10 Tips

How To Restart Outdoor Running After The Monsoon

The Gear And The Ground

Well, running does not require too much gear. But there is one thing that is important. You need to have some great running shoes to absorb the impact. Most runners these days like to exercise on hard ground like roads and concrete sidewalks as access to playing grounds is limited. What that means is you need to get running shoes that absorb shocks, do not slip easily on wet pavements and fit well. And yes, they should ahve uppers that are made of breathable materials. 

As far as garments are considered, make sure they are not tight. And yes, they should be breathable too. Whether it is your shirt, shorts, track pants or socks, they should ideally be made of cotton so that they can absorb your sweat and bring quick relief.

Taming the Excitement

Most runners think they can instantly get back to their top level of fitness and start pushing with maximum effort from day one. Well, that can be a costly mistake as they may cause you to pull or tear a muscle. The best way is to gently introduce yourself back to running and do not go to extremes - do not run to fast or too long. Walk and jog for a few days before starting to run.

Reading the Weather

The monsoon may be retreating, but the heat and humidity are here to stay for at least another month and more. That means if the heat and humidity on a particular day are high, think of dropping any form of exercise or limit yourself to a gym where the AC will be running.

Keeping a Calendar 

Just saying you will start with light exercises after the monsoon is not enough. What you need is to build a calendar where you list how many days a week you will run, how many miles, at what speed, how long and at what time of the day. Ideally, start with 3 times a week and do so only during the cooler times - morning or evening.

Motivation to Move

One of the toughest tasks is to convince yourself to start exercising again after a long break. Well, just remember how good it feels to run outside and feel the freshness of the world not to mention the sense of exhilaration that overwhelms a runner after their daily "fix".

Relaxing And Stretching

Before you start running or even jogging, it is of utmost importance to stretch your muscles properly so that they are not prone to strains and tears. Most probably, the weeks and months away from any form of exercise would have weakened your core, ankles, and calves. Your hip flexors and hamstrings would have become stiff and a pre-run dynamic stretching routine  to wake up these dormant muscles is necessary. The easiest ones  include leg swings, calf raises, gently bending over to touch your toes and more.

Focus on Hydration and Nutrition

It is easy to lose immense amounts of sweat even during a short run. It would be best if you carry a water bottle alongside it and on occasions fill it with the necessary salts like ORS. You should also make sure you have some sort of protein powders to build muscle.

Running gear you may be interested In

1. Bacca Bucci Men Lace Up Running Shoes

2. Boldfit Running Shoes for Women

3. PROSHARX 2 in 1 Active Dual Shorts 

4. STRCH Core Active Women's Running Shorts

5. Sports Socks for Men

6. Pepe Jeans Men Regular Fit Track Pants

7. BLINKIN Women's & Girl's Stretch Fit High Rise Track Pant

Nothing is as easy as it looks. While the desire to run is very much in the mind, the body is generally reluctant to get out of its comfort zone. And that is where you need to have the power of convincing yourself that it is the best thing for you to keep strong, healthy and have great mental clarity.