The best hot weather running accessory

I have to admit, I was skeptical.  Arm sleeves?  Make you cooler?  Really?  But when Greg suggested I borrow his zoot cooling arm sleeves for a hot weather run, I was willing to try them.

I was amazed – I felt a heightened cooling sensation every time there was a breeze, and managed to complete a 9.5 mile run in almost 80 degree sun without feeling demoralized or extremely uncomfortable.  This was a big deal for me, because heat is my kryptonite when it comes to running – I almost quit my first half marathon training because of the heat!

They didn’t chafe, they have built in sun protection, and they’re from a company that makes gear for tri-athletes so I looked like a total fraud bad-ass wearing them.  (Was it just my imagination, or did I get more nods and waves from the fit male cyclists on my favorite running route?)  Greg learned about them from his brother Mike, who is a professional tri-athlete.  I might not be cycling or swimming, but I get hot too, and these sleeves are awesome!

You can find them online at zootsports.com here.  They’re only $30, which is (confession) at the low end of some of my running gear indulgences.  Right now I’m fine with borrowing Greg’s, but if we both start using them on the same day for our long runs, I’m hoping for a pair of my own!  (Mother’s Day next year prior to the summer running season, anyone?  Will?  Andrew?  How is it that preschoolers can do everything on your i-phone EXCEPT buy you something nice for Mother’s Day?)

Other hot weather running accessories that I love:

Body Glide to prevent arm chafing when I’m wearing a sleeveless running top

SUNSCREEN

A hat to reduce the sun exposure on my face

Sunglasses

WATER – I run with a hydration belt at even shorter distances in the heat to compensate for the extra fluid loss and help reduce my risk of heat exhaustion.  If I’m going over 4 miles, I’ve got water with me.