It is finally here! Can you feel it? The cool crisp in the air, the leaves changing colors, the majestic blue sky, the pumpkin-spiced lattes (if you’re into that sort of thing), and the euphoria of the football season beginning. That is right runners, Fall is here! Who among you is excited not to run in that heat, that humidity, that feel of coming back home after a long run dripping in sweat, like you’re a soaked-up sponge? I AM!! I have said it once and I’ll will say it again, I HATE running in the heat of the summer! I get it, for most people, it’s their time to get outside, get on the water, and soak up the sun, while it’s here (Hello Seattle). But not runners. No more managing the time you must go out for a run to avoid the heat of the day, finding a shady running route, bringing extra water, watching your heart rate soar like a rocket taking off into space. That’s right, Fall is the BEST time of year to run!!
So why is Fall such a great time of year to run, you may ask?! Well, there could be multiple reasons and each one could be specific to you, but here we go:
- The weather is usually perfect: It is usually in the 50’s. Cool and crisp. Not too hot, but not too cold either, where we must put on multiple layers to stay warm in the dead of winter. Shorts and thin long sleeve tops are usually perfect. You may be a little chilly at first, but as you run, you will settle into a nice comfortable temperature.
- Goodbye Humidity: Ok, we usually do not get a ton of humidity like they do on the East Coast, but when it’s here, it SUCKS!! In the Fall, you finally feel like you can take in fresh air rather than feeling like you are running underwater.
- Race Season: Not to say there are no spectacular races in the spring, but Fall races are big! It’s the years’ worth of training coming down to your event. And depending on where you do them, they are usually beautiful!
- Peak Scenery: In a lot of places, leaves are changing colors, giving way to those fiery oranges and reds that seem to light up the dark blue sky! Running on your preferred trail with the changing of the leaves is nothing short of spectacular!
- Less Crowds: Summer is usually the peak time for people to be outside. Your preferred trail would have had a plethora of walkers, families, bikers. But it is now getting cooler, where not as many people want to be spending extended periods of time outside so you may see those trails start to open up more.
- Lower heart rates: All that training you were doing in the summer to prepare for the Fall races, you might be pleasantly surprised to feel more efficient, they may seem easier, with improved performance as the temperatures start to cool. That is because your heart rate does not spike at a perceived effort because your body doesn’t have to work as hard to cool you down. You can just concentrate on the run!
- Holidays are around the corner: This usually means more food, treats, and drinks. What better way to prepare for this than burning those extra calories going for runs!
Of course, running in the Fall comes with its challenges as well. So here are some things to be aware of when getting out there for your training when temperatures start to dip:
- Don’t over layer: Stepping outside for the first time in those lower 50 mornings after you were used to summer weather can hit like a blast cool air like when you open the freezer. DO NOT let that fool you when you go out for your run and over layer. Some runners use the rule of thumb “dress like it’s 15 degrees warmer than what it actually is”. Usually shorts or thin tights, with a light long sleeve top is all that is needed. Maybe a light pair of gloves. But remember, we warm up significantly when we run, and we don’t want to be shedding layers half way into our run wondering where to store them. Probably expect it to be cold the first mile, but you will warm up fast.
- Running in the dark: That is right, the sun is rising later and setting earlier. So, depending on when you head out for your run, you need to be seen. Safety first! Be visible to those cars and other people. Good reflective running gear and light up vests with LED lights work great. Remember, you may go out and it is still light, but the darkness can come quickly.
- Watch for wet roads and fallen leaves: Although Fall is gorgeous with those changing colorful leaves, remember, those leaves eventually fall to the ground and cover the trail. So be conscious of where you’re stepping if a lot of leaves are covering the road. You can easily hit a curb, hit a root, go off trail, or hit a pothole. Also, Fall is usually when rain starts up (Hello Seattle again). Watch out for the slick roads getting the first rain in a long time. Also, those leaves on the ground get very wet and slick like a banana peel left on the track during Mario Kart (yes, one of the best video games ever).
- Some people love running in the heat: Well, you’re weird, so good luck and wait till next summer, haha!
With summer passing, shed those tears. There are so many great runs ahead of you! I hope you enjoy running in the Fall as much as I do. Maybe this Fall season might just sway you to see how great of a time of year Fall actually is! Happy Running!!