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Fall is a great season.
You can eat a honeycrisp apple, wear jeans and a hoodie, and go for a run at noon all in the same day.
I can’t believe that I put on a long sleeve shirt yesterday morning to go for a run.
Is summer really over?
Although I’m literally peeing my pants because I’m so excited about the weather, it’s unbelievable that I’ll be wearing gloves and a jacket in a few short months. It was really weird that we had some kind of cold front come through and it actually got into the 50′s last night!
Needless to say, it’s my favorite time of the year.
Football, apple season (I’m looking at you honeycrisps) and absolutely perfect running days. There is minimal humidity along with a crisp, fall breeze that allows you to still run in a light jacket.
I’ve had a handful of miserable runs due to the weather this summer, so I’m glad that this weather is behind me for the remaind of the year.
My Favorite Things About Fall Running
1. Cooler Weather Means Faster Running
It’s easier to push yourself harder when it’s not 100+ degrees with 100% humidity (welcome to Texas). Since your perceived level of exertion is lower when the temperature is lower, you can work harder without it feeling harder.
2. You Can Sleep in
Since the temperatures remain lower throughout the day, you don’t have to get up at 5 AM in order to beat the heat. Because I’m naturally an early bird, this doesn’t apply to me as much as it does to most people.
My Not So Favorite Parts About Fall Running
1. Shorter Days Equates To More Running In The Dark Since I’m naturally an early bird, most of my runs are done in complete darkness. Although I don’t mind it that much, it does make me nervous from a safety perspective.
2. It’s Easier To Get Sick
I haven’t been truly “sick” in a few years, but I always get a small cold when the weather changes. Actually, it happened this week! Let’s hope it goes away soon, which I think it will. I feel considerably better now than I did at the beginning of the week.
Here are a few things I will incorporate this fall:
- More stretching since the weather is cooler and my body tends to tighten up.
- Spending a little more time warming up for each run.
- More foam rolling (this goes along with stretching).
- Who knows, maybe I’ll sleep in a little bit more on the weekends
What is your favorite time of year to run?
Does your schedule change when the days get shorter and cooler?
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{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
I LOVE running in the fall–> the weather is so crisp and the urge to stop for water isn’t as strong! It’s definitely my favorite season to run in!
Khushboo recently posted..Pestocado
We basically go straight from summer to winter… the highs have been in the 50′s all week. Not such a fan of that, but I totally get how nice Fall must be after the 100+ weather. Make sure you stretch a lot
And hope you feel better… sleep in mañana!
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope recently posted..Expect the Unexpected
I LOVE FALL RUNNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Although I too am an early bird – running in the dark is a little sketchy but its also kinda fun! My running schedule really also depends on my work/school schedule too…which has usually always required me to go early. And I usually go early on my LR weekend days too so that I have the whole day to both recover AND get work done. Reflective vests FTW!
But you’re right, I love the crisp air and lack of humidity. I’ve always noticed I run so much faster in the fall!
cheers, hope your long run or whatever workout you’re doing this early AM goes well!
Kate recently posted..Let’s Talk Performance Nutrition: Part 2
Yes, sleeping in! But I still miss the sun coming up earlier.
lindsay recently posted..Easy Peasy Mac and Cheesy
This will be my first full fall of running outdoors. The one thingI noticed last week… is that I totally need chapstick on my long runs!
Cait @ Beyond Bananas recently posted..Winners
Definitely prefer running during the fall! That way I don’t feel like I’m going to keel over from the humidity and heat.
Lindsay@ In Sweetness and In Health recently posted..Healthy Health Care Providers
I looooove fall running season! Getting faster is so encouraging and not having to worry about tons of water or burning up. SO wonderful.
Still need a sponsor for White Rock:)
Clare @ Fitting It All In recently posted..Yoga At Cowboy’s Stadium
love fall running so much for the reasons you mentioned, but i agree…hate that it gets dark so early. it makes it difficult to fit in a longer run when you work traditional hours.
This is always the time of year that makes me want to run (or walk!) Just anything to be outside in the fresh cool weather. I love it!
Kristi @ Sweetly Fit recently posted..A Work in Progress
The you can sleep in is the best part. I’m really excited that I don’t have to set my alarm for 6 am tomorrow to get in a 10 mile run. It’s still a high of 80 here, but I can sleep until at least 9!
Lee recently posted..Dealing with Burnout
Fall running is definitely my favorite! The temps are perfect, and it’s so beautiful with the leaves changing. Although fall goes by quick here, and it will probably be cold and snowy in a month & a half.
Lauren recently posted..Running = Procrastination
Fall is hands down the BEST running weather. It’s the sole reason I signed up for another half this year. The running weather is too good to pass up!
Gina @ running to the kitchen recently posted..Friday facts
I’m a Summer person! And I always tend to go back home earlier in the night in the winters
sarah@spinach and spice recently posted..Celebrating!
Fall running=love! I am very concerned about running in the dark though. I have been doing it the past few days (in the high 30′s brr) and I try to stay on the streets that are well lit but I am quickly getting bored of the same routes.
Do you have any pointers for safety when out there? One perk of the dark-It freaks me out so I run faster!
Abby @ Abz ‘n’ Oats recently posted..The Latest Pump
I love running this time of year! Trees line my block, and the colors are freaking amazing. And yes, I hate the shorter days. Since Spokane is the the same Latitude as about Germany, our winter light comes around 8:30 and the sun goes down around 4:30. I’m enjoying the sun while I have it!!
Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete recently posted..Getting My Bike Legs Back
love love love fall. we had the perfect fall day here today!
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean recently posted..Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins
Since I just moved to Florida, I think winter will be my favorite time to run, but any other time of the year is no bueno.
Krystina (Organically Me) recently posted..How Do You Decide What’s Best for Your Body?
Falls are so weird here- it can get really hot still, so afternoon runs are iffy. I do love this season, though
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) recently posted..Bad Runs and Gray Walls
I love training & running in the Fall, and I’d much prefer to run a race in the Fall vs. Summer!
Jayme @ Runner-n-Spice recently posted..Date night with Julie & Julia
Fall running is the best
Proper gloves are essential for fall running, my hands always get crazy cold!
Tessa @ Amazing Asset recently posted..Friday Favorites
Fabulous fall running tips. Lucky for me, there’s no weather extremes where i live: no humidity or snow. Yeah, I’m a lucky girl
Either way, these tips definitely come in handy…. I’ll miss summer, but welcoming fall with empty arms!
Emilia @ Namaste Gurl recently posted..Packed Lunches 101
I have to agree with Emilia – no humidity or snow. My favourite time for running is now – spring time! I love the weather, the evenings are slightly cool and the mornings still crisp – but the days are lovely! I went for a 9am 16km run the other weekend and busted out my shorts – felt fantastic!
alison recently posted..Healthy snacks (for work)
I WISH we had Fall down here, it would make running so much more enjoyable instead of what it is now: running in thick humidity. Florida needs to tighten up!
Carolina @ Peas in a Blog recently posted..I Run This City…
I love, love, love fall running. The humidity and sunshine of the summer completely killed me this year, and didn’t help me stay focused and consistent at all. I could have made more of an effort. Fall is my favorite season, though.