Just kidding!

I’m not a big flavored coffee person, although I will buy the candles.

One thing I do during the week is not drink any calories (except the few in my electrolytes), so pumpkin spiced anything is usually not on my radar.

BUT…it is Fall and the pumpkin spicers are out in force. Maybe they should come up with a pumpkin spice sports drink???

Now that we are able to run in cooler temperatures, we are starting to bring out the jackets and long sleeves. Our first long sleeve run since early May was a few weeks ago, and it felt great!

I wore my marathon shirt and passed another runner wearing hers too. Everyone who ran the marathon is probably happy to bring out that shirt since it means the weather is cooler.

55° F is mine and Dave’s favorite running temperature, and it was so exciting to run without feeling like our energy was being sapped out of us. We also didn’t have to carry water, which as much as I like my belt I am happy to be able to run “free”.

A change in temperature is a kind of signal to get some new running gear. Some of the older tights/pants are stretched out and it’s definitely time for some new socks!

Some feet are very blister prone, so when socks get old they need to be replaced.

 Fall Running Gear

My favorite sock for running is the Balega. I get them at my Fleet Feet store, but you can also get them online as well.

I have found them to be the best at keeping my blisters at a minimum.

In the cooler weather, I like to get the socks that go a little higher on the leg.

Something to look for in a jacket are pockets that zip! I have had some that don’t, and I can’t understand why they design them that way. Just the other day I was wearing one that had open pockets and my keys fell out in the middle of a city street!

One unfortunate aspect of running as the weather turns colder is less sunlight. That means we have to be more careful if we run in the early morning or later in the day. Having a light is a good way to make sure drivers can see you, also look for reflective striping on jackets, pants, etc.

Here is the light we use, which can either be steady or blinking. I think the blinking light is more noticeable, but any kind of light is better than nothing.

Get Out of Those Wet Clothes!

I noticed on my first cooler run this year that it took longer to warm up then I was expecting, so I ran faster to try and get some heat going. That, of course, made me sweat. I had forgotten how COLD you can get when you stop running and your clothes are wet.

No matter how good the material wicks away the wet, you are going to get chilled being in wet clothes. Make sure you are going to be near home when you get done with your run, so you can get out of them quickly.

Even if you are not cold, it is always important to get out of your running gear as soon as possible in all weather. Sitting around in wet clothing is not good for your skin, and can be harmful to the more sensitive areas of our bodies (especially women).

Fall Leaves/Fallen Runners

One thing to keep in mind running in the Fall…watch out for those leaves! They can be very slippery and I have almost taken a spill a few times.

Whether out on the trail or road, as the leaves start to fall make sure your footing is sure. If you feel like your starting to slip, take the pace down. Also, be aware that there can be things lurking under those leaves that can trip you up.

It probably sounds selfish (well, it is selfish), but one thing I like about the cooler temps is there are less people to have to dodge and weave through, lol.

Runners know that people do not tend to walk in straight lines. Around Buffalo there are areas where the sidewalks are very wide and it is amazing to me how one person can take up the whole thing.

I’m sure I am one of them when I am walking, but I try to be aware of it a little more now. When I run, I try to give those I am going around a wide berth because they never seem to hear me coming. I’ve terrified quite a few people (and dogs) trying to get around them.

As we enter Fall running, I am looking forward to a new season. Maybe this year I’ll buy something orange to celebrate pumpkin spiced everything!