Yes, even Florida runners have tips for fall running. We don’t really get the same cozy vibes as our Northern friends, but we still have our own autumnal challenges.
Dress For The Weather
You’re going to see absolutely adorable cooler-weather activewear dropped on your favorite websites. It’s so cute, but it’s not for you. Florida runners don’t need anything “polar,” “fleece,” or “lined,” unless they plan on traveling north to run. Take advantage of end-of-season sales to stock up on more shorts and tanks.
Get Used To The Landscape
That’s right. What you see is what you get. While your Northern friends run through a colorful explosion of fallen leaves, you’ll be enjoying another few months of palm trees and green stuff. I know it’s beautiful, but it would be nice to have just a little bit of a change.
Hurricane Season Is Going Strong
Yup. When we’re talking tips for fall running, we’re talking hurricanes. We’ve discussed hurricane safety on the blog, so make sure you are taking the proper precautions. We’ve got another one churning out in the Atlantic right now, so we’ve got to make sure our plans are in place.
Fall Races Hit Different
We still have our share of Pumpkin Runs and Turkey Trots in the Sunshine State, but be aware that we usually run them in short shorts and sports bras because temps are still so high. In the rare moment that we DO have cool weather, don’t be tempted to bundle all the way up. A t-shirt and maybe throwaway gloves are usually enough to deal with the break in the heat. In lieu of warmer running clothes, lean into your themes as best you can. No need to miss out on a fun dress up moment.
Don’t Overdress When The Weather Snaps
Instead of easing from summer to fall to winter, Florida tends to snap from summer to winter overnight. One day, you’re cranking your A/C all the way down, and the next, the heat is on and you’ve got on all the hoodies and blankets. It’s not long lasting, but be prepared for the physiological shift. Muscles and joints have to acclimate fast, and it doesn’t always feel great, especially as we get older. I will also point out that it is STILL usually not cold enough for fleece-lined tights. The temptation to overdress is there, but trust me – suffer through you warm up cold, and you’ll be glad you left the cold-weather gear at home. Choose layers like a long sleeve t, ear warmers, and light gloves, instead of all the technical pieces, and you’ll be much more comfortable.
Do you have any fall running tips from a warmer weather location?
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Yep, you pretty much nailed it- don’t get your hopes up about cold weather gear, and resign yourself to the views of palm trees. I think you get some cooler weather than we do, but even in South Florida it got down to the 40s last winter! It didn’t last long, though. As much as I envy our northern friends this time of year, I won’t be envying them in January.
I agree. For me, there’s early darkness so run in safe areas or in the morning and also it’s hard at first to figure out how to dress. It gets cold and then we have Indian summer.
Haha!! I love that we have this in common – our weather conditions! Minus the hurricanes (which we never get), everything else matches!