Why You Might Want to Shower Before Your Run
When it comes to running in the heat , I’m a weakling. (I’m a weakling when it comes to a lot of things.) After the spring marathon , I struggled to get back into training and walk out the door into the summer weather. Then I remembered one of my tricks that I usually save for nerves before a race: a quick shower.
You might think that it makes no sense to take a shower right before you sweat and need to shower again. But if you’re like me, a quick rinse before your run might be just what you need to fix your summer run slump. This post is inspired by my own experience and backed up by this blog post from Ready Set Marathon .
Benefits of showering before running
For me, the biggest benefit of a quick shower is that it wakes me up before I run. My secret is to stick to cool water and not shower for just a minute or two until I feel energized enough. While cold showers are often associated with cooldowns, a quick rinse is a good way to wake yourself up and start your morning workout.
Second, cool water does wonders for making going out in the heat more manageable. The effect does not last long, but the mental charge is enough to go outside in the summer. Obviously, it would be preferable to take a dip in a cool pool; I do.
Cons of showering before running
The most obvious reason to avoid a pre-launch rinse is that in many ways it is a waste of time. At first, it may seem like a waste of time and energy if you know that you will need to shower after your workout as well.
On a larger scale, two showers are a waste of water. Why create an additional burden on the environment, especially now ? Taking a cold shower after a run is probably the most responsible thing you can do.
bottom line
If you need to try something new for running on a hot summer morning, try a quick shower. If that doesn’t work for you, then at least you’re saving water. Most runners have some sort of ritual that is more mental than scientific. For me, a minute or two in the shower is critical to my summer workout.