Preparing for your Mojave Desert Running Tour

Running in the desert: Tips to making your running tour enjoyable

As the temperatures heat up here in the Mojave Desert, it's time to start thinking about how to handle the harsh summer conditions before attending your running tour.

With a few precautions taken, you will enjoy running in one of the hottest deserts in North America. The Mojave Desert is an amazing treasure and offers up much to see and experience. The following are some tips to help make your experience one to remember.

1. Plan ahead-

Temperatures fluctuate quite a bit from season to season. Plan accordingly and be prepared for all weather conditions.

• Winter months (Jan-March) bring temperatures dipping to around 50-60 degrees F during the day, 20 °F (−7 °C) on valley floors at night, and below 0 °F (−18 °C) at higher elevations
• Spring temps (April-June) are normally above 90 °F (32 °C) and frequently above 100 °F (38 °C)
•  Summer (July-Sept) temperatures on valley floors can soar above 120 °F (49 °C) and above 130 °F (54 °C) at the lowest elevations
• Fall (Oct-Dec)temperatures usually remain between 70 °F (21 °C) and 90 °F (32 °C) on the valley floors.

2. Stay Hydrated-

When running in a dry, desert environment you’ll need to drink more water than you might expect. Las Vegas Running Tours Guides recommends runners drink throughout the run. Your Guide will carry water for you, but it is probably a good idea to also carry a bottle. It’s also important to drink frequently to avoid dehydration.

3. Stay Fueled Up-

What you eat in hot arid weather is important. Energy-loaded food is essential for endurance -- but how much to eat depends upon your fitness level, exercise intensity, and running time. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, endurance athletes should consume 30 to 60 grams (100 to 250 calories) of carbohydrates per hour while exercising.

If the run will take longer than two hours, particularly in the heat, you'll also need to replace electrolytes lost through sweat, so salty snacks or sports drinks can be helpful. Some favorite running foods include energy bars, GU gels, GU Chomps, nuts, dried fruit, bananas, bagels, etc.

4. Protection From the Sun-

The desert sun can be intense, so be sure to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses to reduce glare and sun reflection off the sand or canyon walls.

It's also important to use sunscreen and avoid sunburn. Even a minor sunburn decreases your body's ability to cool itself and causes fluid loss. Use sunblock with SPF 15 or higher and wear a hat that provides shade and allows ventilation.

5. Footwear-

A pair of road running shoes will work good enough and can handle the trail conditions. Trail conditions are generally packed gravel with an occasional section of loose gravel and sand.  Gaiters are optional and not

6. Clothing-

Desert temperatures can change drastically and quickly. The best way to be prepared is to dress in layers. Start with a wicking base layer, such as an active t-shirt and bring a warmer mid-weight layer and a waterproof/windproof top layer for unexpected winds and rain.

Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing for the intense heat of the sun and to allow sweat to evaporate. A brimmed hat and sunscreen are also essential desert attire.

Following these tips will ensure enjoyment of your Mojave Desert running experience. Do not hesitate to ask your Las Vegas Running Tours Guide for help and further information. We look forward to running with you and helping you to experience the beauty of the Mojave Desert.

www.lasvegasrunningtours.com

info@lasvegasrunningtours.com

702-473-0557

Happy Running!

Jimmy