The first day of autumn is September 22, and that means fall running is right around the corner. There are some things you’ll need to do to transition to the new season. Are you ready?
Give Three Cheers!
I know there are some summer-loving runners out there, but the general consensus seems to be that this summer has overstayed its welcome. Let’s just appreciate the arrival of a cooler, cozier season and how amazing it will feel for our outdoor running!
Review Your Running Gear
During the transition to fall running is a perfect time to review all your gear. Consider that you might have some lower temperatures or shifts in precipitation and prepare accordingly. Pull out things like vests and light, long sleeve tops. If you prefer tights or capris in the cooler weather, bring them out. I love layers, so I’ll be sure to have gloves, hats, and light gaiters within reach for chilly days.
Increase Your Mileage
Now that it’s cooler, it’s a great time to start ramping up your mileage! Fall weather always makes me feel less sluggish and motivated to set new goals. Approach any increase cautiously: after all, too much too fast is a recipe for injury. Other than that, lace up and see what you can do on the road or trail!
Sign Up For A New Race
New season, new race is what I say! It’s a great time to register for some fall themed events! Look for Halloween or Thanksgiving races, or anything that just embraces fall! We have a great spiked cider 5K at a local farm that offers cider and donuts after the finish line, which is such a great way to celebrate the season.
Enjoy!
Most of all, enjoy! You made it through the scorching summer and it’s time to get on with it! For so many of us, fall feels like a reward after all the humid, hard work, and I know I’m excited to make the most of my fall running! We may not get the beauty of the changing leaves, but it’s going to be a great few months all the same!
How are you making the transition to fall running? Are you excited to say goodbye to summer?
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What a great idea to review your winter running gear now, and maybe snag some good Labor Day sales on what you need to replace! I do love the lower humidity in the fall and the beauty of the leaves changing colors. Are you registered for this year’s Great Spiked Cider 5K?
The heat doesn’t bother me nearly as much now that I’m older and I’m cold all winter long these days, so no, I’m not looking forward to saying goodbye to summer. Also, it’s much easier to tolerate the heat on a bike and that helps a lot!
Brilliant idea to check the sales!
I want to get to the cold part!
I haven’t registered for the cider 5K yet… It’s back for us, but it’s one of those races where they don’t really change the medal or the shirt and I’ve done it, so… I don’t know. It was a trail run and the biggest benefit was that it’s on a really pretty farm. We will see.
Love this, Jenn! Fall really does feel like a reward after slogging through summer’s heat and humidity. Your spiked cider 5K sounds absolutely perfect… donuts and cider might be the best post-race fuel I’ve ever heard of!
Do you have a goal race lined up for this season, or are you just planning to enjoy all the fall miles?
I don’t have a big race, but I’m going to hop back into my local ones. I will do the Labor Day 5K, and then find something for each month going forward. Band season makes it tricky, as does all my overnight sitting, but maybe it will encourage me to get into different races I haven’t tried before.
No!!! I hate that the days are getting shorter. I hate to add on those layers of clothing!
The good news – fall foliage and cider donuts. lots of races.
YES! I am focused on the good news. But also… not melting!