Summer running essentials: my nine must-haves to staying cool while training for a half-marathon

Guardian journalism is independent. We earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. These nine items make sweltering runs more manageable and save me from the treadmill’s torturous monotony The best women’s running shoes for roads and trails Sign up for the Filter US newsletter, your weekly guide to buying fewer, better things Nothing screams summer running quite like sweating profusely at 7am. Yet I’m willing to brave the heat rather than suffer through the treadmill’s torturous monotony. (It doesn’t hurt that I know I’ll spend the remainder of my day in an air-conditioned office or under the whir of my bedroom fan.) Last winter, I shared my cold-weather running staples that helped me log over 20 miles per week. As we shift from arctic temperatures to record-breaking heat, I’m highlighting the gear that has turned my summer half-marathon training into an activity I look forward to. Whether you’re lacing up a pair of trainers for the first time or a seasoned marathon runner, below are nine of my go-to items to make your sweltering runs more manageable, including a pair of socks that has helped me avoid smelly feet (yes, really) and sweat-wicking sho

Jun 20, 2026 → Jun 20, 2026