Phoenix running in the summer

Run in the very early morning or late evening after the sun has gone down is pretty obvious or just run on a treadmill inside. As far as a tempo run up Camelback goes, I don't think that's going to happen. It's a pretty steep grade the entire way up so just power hiking will be a pretty decent workout. Plus the amount of people on that hike is absurd so it is just not a feasible place to get a decent workout in.

Longdistancerunning wrote:

Worst casinerio

What is a casinerio? A type of casino that should be avoided (if it's the worst)? If so, what does that have to do with running?

Honestly I have no idea why I typed that. I think you knew I meant worst-case scenario

run outside at night. Be prepared to finish your run on the treadmill if you are bonking/its just too hot.

Kvothe wrote:

run outside at night. Be prepared to finish your run on the treadmill if you are bonking/its just too hot.

Thanks for the advice!

I have to disagree with running at night. On days when it’s 118 here in Phoenix the temp. will remain obscenely hot through the night. It’s best to run very early in the morning as that is the coolest part of the day.

Where in Phoenix will you be and what time of day are you able to run? Morning is by far the best as the evening temps don’t get much below 100 until after 9pm currently. By early morning I’m talking 5am because even by 7am you’ll be searching for shade.

The bridal path on Central offers good shade but it’s only a bit over 3 miles total in length. If you have access to Scottsdale then north on the canal from Camelback gets evening shade and you can continue up the green belt on Hayden to stretch it out longer for more shade too. Added bonus, there’s plenty of water stops on the way as well so you don’t have to lug a bottle or two.

I’d avoid camelback unless you’re a Walmsley type because of the aforementioned comment on its grade and it’s a cluster f of hobby Instagram “hikers”. Squaw Peak is the same. If you are really dying for an uphill run like that then I’d head over to South Mountain and run the road up to the towers. San Juan road is another good one for more of a rolling route but neither of them offer any shade so hit it in the morning.

If you’re just wanting something flat that you can cruise and you can get out early nothing beats the canal through old town Scottsdale and into Phoenix. You can string 24+ together on that pretty easily and again, there’s water stops along the way if you have some local knowledge which I’d be happy to share.

Lastly, I’d be happy to show you some routes if that jives for you and times/paces match up.

Any other questions just post me up and I’ll try to check back in. I’m in uptown Phoenix and run the canal daily. Matter of fact, I need to get on that thing this evening once the sun sets.

Drive up to Prescott or Sedona.

That sounds pretty dangerous. Get too hot when its 90 degrees out and you risk having a poot run. Run up a mountain when its 118 and you risk death

I enjoy running in the heat & live in C America where the dew point NEVER leaves the 70's so I was feeling pretty cocky when the temps hit 115 in Scottsdale a few summers ago but the humidity was negligible. Did a 6 mile mid tempo run late morning my first day there and felt OK until I got back to my in laws house. Felt lousy quickly & got myself in a cold shower where I had to sit for 10 minutes before I felt well enough to stand. Kicked my arse. Took it slow the rest of the week.

It’s a dry heat. Get up early and out the door at 5:30.