Go for a Run in the Sun | AFC Urgent Care Memphis

The team at AFC Urgent Care Memphis wants to know how excited you are that you can actually take your run from the treadmill to the outdoors now that the weather is warming up. Of course, as with everything, there are certain precautions you need to take when taking your workout outside this summer.

Hello, Vitamin D!

Before your run, be sure to check the local weather report to see what the conditions will be for the day. Will the roads be wet? Will the temperature be in the high 80s? How windy is it outdoors? By knowing what the weather conditions are, you can know how to better prepare for your run outdoors.

Thirty minutes before your run, go ahead and put on sunscreen. Even on a cloudy day, sunscreen is a necessity to help block out the UV rays and prevent a burn. And, yes, even on a cloudy day, you can get a sunburn.

You also want to make sure you protect your head and eyes while out on your run by wearing sunglasses and a hat. Choose sweat-wicking materials for the clothes closest to your skin, including your socks, to keep you from feeling unpleasantly wet. And wear bright colors to help other people on the road, especially drivers, see you more clearly.

Bring a water bottle with you, as well, to help prevent dehydration. You can easily become dehydrated during the warmer months, sometimes even before you feel thirsty. Take breaks as needed in the shade, and sip on water before, during and after your run to help replace the fluids lost through sweat.

If you want to listen to music or an audiobook while you run, make sure you only use one headphone or earbud so that you are able to hear what is going on around you.

If you were injured on your recent run, be sure to visit AFC Urgent Care Memphis to make sure you aren’t suffering from a serious sprain or even broken bone or fracture.