Thursday, September 6, 2018

Falling out of Summer 


It's that time of the year that I dread (almost) the most....the end of summer.

Granted the majority of my runner friends are ecstatic to usher in some cooler weather and kick summer to the curb...but not me. Well, I do appreciate the less intense heat and humidity, but I have a special place in my heart for all things summer.

None the less, I live in Iowa. We get to experience the change of seasons. As much as I love summer, though, I doubt I'd love it so dearly if I lived in it year-round. Besides, getting to experience both extremes of weather reinforces just how much I truly love summer more than winter.

As we embark on the end of summer, I thought I'd share a few coping strategies to ease the transition into the cooler temps (and darker days) of fall. Just as we need some "easing in" when the mercury rises, it's also best to be prepared for the shift towards the cooler days ahead. Read on!


Falling out of Summer:Coping Strategies

*It's getting darker in the early mornings. Although there may be ample street lights, it still can be dark along the roads and tricky running along uneven sidewalks. It's always beneficial to have a light source with you.
My Knuckle Lights have been getting a lot use in recent weeks
*It's harder to be seen. Just as important as being able to see where you are going, you also want to be visible to oncoming traffic. Common sense prevails...bright (preferably light) colors, glow strips on your clothing, and extra light sources/accessories definitely can't hurt.
I especially love these arm bands that work like slap bracelets
*The darkness can feel ever-so-chilly! Even with the warm daytime temps, the air is often times quite a bit chilly in the early hours (or evening). I just can't bring myself to wear my capri's yet, but if I throw on a long-sleeved top with my shorts, it feels like an ideal balance of warm and cool dressing.
long sleeves + shorts = a perfect balance
*Even in the daylight, there's a chill  in the air. Yes, there may be a sunrise happening, but the air still can feel a bit nippy, even on a humid morning. For me, arm sleeves are an ideal solution. I can still wear my summer tanks, but having just part of my arms covered feels just warm enough without being over-heated.
arm sleeves to the rescue!
*Don't forget the ears! Although the cooler temps may feel ideal for running, your ears may not necessarily agree. Recently, the early morning temps were in the mid-50's. My body felt fine after the first 10-15 minutes, but my ears were quite thankful to have some cover over them, via a scrunched up buff.

Those are the main ones for me...if you need a few more ideas, check out this post, Favorite Fall Running Hacks.

Talk to me....Are you sad or joyful to see summer winding down and fall emerging? Does it take you a few weeks to acclimate to the cooler temps and diminishing daylight?

I'm linking this with Meranda and Lacey and Rachel for the Friday Five 2.0. 

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22 comments:

  1. I hate to see summer go too. I don't mind the heat and humidity. Still very warm here in PA, even in the mornings. I am still going out (walking) with a tank top and shorts.

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    1. Yes, I agree on the heat/humidity. I don't love it, but I am not bothered by it (and quite thankful of that).

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  2. There are things I always miss about summer, but you can't beat running in the fall!

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    1. Oh, I do love the fall...I just love summer a bit more ;-)

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  3. I am like you, I am always sad to see summer go. I know that fall wont be so bad though. I never cover .y ears unless I'm running in the dead of winter but I like how you used that extra wide headband. I may have to try that. Where is that headband from?

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    1. Not sure of the brand...I got it from work through a wellness promo/challenge we've been doing this summer. But it was perfect for the ear cover LOL...it's basically t-shirt material (cotton), so it's not heavy or thick, but just enough coverage to take the chill out ;-)

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  4. I like Fall, but I do hate the shorter days and the tailspin I go into every Winter. :( SADD is real! However, I do love Fall running & racing. I find I usually do my best in the late Fall.

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    1. This will be an interesting fall for me since last year I was just barely returning to running, so I wasn't at my full strength. I've had a decent summer's worth of training, so I'm hoping that momentum continues...

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  5. These are certainly some of the things I will miss about summer but I really struggled on my runs this year. I hope the cooler temps help me back on track

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    1. Well, it was an unusually hot/humid summer (for most of us, I believe). All of those hot and tough summer miles should carry you well into your fall races ;-)

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  6. The diminishing daylight is difficult in the mornings. I'm excited about fall since it's my favorite season. I'm slowly going to put some more fall stuff out this weekend, and I ordered some fun running stuff for my race next month.

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    1. The cooler temps do give way to better finish times (for most of us LOL), but I still love my summer temps a little bit more...

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  7. I probably wouldn't mind the darker mornings as much if it was cooler, but we're still suffering with heat and humidity. I am looking forward to fall weather but it's not here yet!

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    1. It is odd to have warmer temps in the dark LOL Our long run a couple weeks ago was horribly warm and muggy and we started int eh dark and it was kind of eery....

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  8. This is the saddest post ever. RIP summer!!!

    But in all seriousness, these are great tips. I haven't had to run before the sunrise (yet) but I imagine it's coming soon.

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    1. awwww....sorry to make you sad....kind of "dumb" of me, right? ;-) I'm used to running before the sunrise, and it's getting to be longer and longer stretches now as the sunrise comes later and later.

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  9. I am very sad to see summmer end. I hate the shorter days.

    I’m a warm weather gal even though it skied my running down.

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    1. The shorter days are a total buzz kill. I love my long summer days, heat and all ;-)

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  10. I can’t say I miss the cold wintry days which is why I love living in SoCal because there’s hardly much change in the weather. We do need more rain and cooler temps though.

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  11. I'm bummed about the darker mornings! Although this morning was the only chilly one we had so far. Usually it is still just so humid.

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  12. There are some things I will miss about summer, but this year in particular running in the heat and humidity was a real struggle for me. I'm ready for the change of season!

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  13. I love all things summer, and I am sad to see summer go, but I do love the fall! I just wish that we could mix some summer and fall days together with lots of sunlight!
    These are great running tips for running in the dark!

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