Don’t Let the Heat Stop You
6 Tips to Working out in Marrakech's Summer Heat
"There are really only two seasons in Marrakech, winter and summer.” This is a comment I have heard often by people who have lived in Marrakech for a while. It sometimes feels like it is either cold or hot. I guess if we are being honest there’s actually winter, pre-summer (when the mornings are still cool), and summer (when it never really cools off).
This might make many visitors to Marrakech weary about training while on holiday. However, if you take precautions and are wise about when and where you go, you can still enjoy a wonderful chance to run, bike, and stay fit even when the temps are rising.
Before I give you a few tips about surviving the heat let me give a word of warning:
Be realistic and careful - training in the heat is not the same as training during other times of the year. It will slow you down and if not taken seriously can be dangerous. There are many ways of mitigating the affects of the heat but if you have never run in any kind of heat before make sure to get cleared by your doctor and then work into it slowly.
With that being said here are a few tips for training in the Moroccan heat:
Cover up - This might seem counter intuitive but the sun here in Marrakech just feels a lot stronger. Wear a hat. Maybe wear a long sleeved running shirt. When I hit the trails on my gravel bike for most of the year in Morocco, I wear arm sleeves to help both protect me from the burning sun and to help keep me cool. Whatever you do, just realize that the less skin that is showing the more comfortable you will be.
Wear sunscreen cream - you will get burnt if you don’t wear something to protect your skin. You may be thinking “but I’m coming to Morocco on holiday to get some sun”, trust me being by the pool is one thing but I’ve had some of my worst burns while training in the heat here in Morocco.
Go early - Run early in the mornings. Even if this isn’t before sunrise, getting an early run in can make all the difference in how your training will feel. Once the sun gets higher in the sky there is very little you can do to hide from it while running.
Hydrate - This is one point I can not stress enough. Because the climate in this part of Morocco is super dry, you may not feel like you are sweating, but trust me you are. So make sure you drink before you head out for your run or ride, while you are working out, and after you get back. It doesn’t take much to become sick from dehydration.
Hydrate - I know I put this twice but that’s because of how important this point is to understand. I make sure on all my runs, rides, and hikes during the summer to drink not only water but I also add lots of electrolytes to that water to make sure I don’t get dehydrated.
Look for somewhere cooler to train - While it can still be warm in the Atlas mountains, it is cooler than it is in Marrakech for sure and especially if you get out for an early run or ride. You can check out the trail running options we offer starting at 10km to much more. Many of these runs head out onto trails that are partly forested (think shade) which is something there isn’t much of in the city.
I hope these tips will help you out on your next run. Make sure you check out all the runs we offer to help you stay fit and enjoy your training while on holiday in Morocco. We make registration super easy and once we hear from you one of our experienced coaches will be in touch. Now go for a run.
