Fall Fitness Transitioning Tips

Do you like running in the fall?

A lot of runners sing the praises of fall because they welcome the cooler temps for their runs.
Myself? Not so much.

Don't get me wrong; I do enjoy fall and the cooler temps can be pleasant. The cooler temps, though, can also be unpredictable and extreme (ummm, low-40's in the morning, high-70's in the afternoon, thank you very much).

Let's not forget the shorter days also throw in another nuance...limited daylight. My early morning runs (and occasional walks and bike rides) are now in 100% darkness. I'm still getting them done, but the change of seasons dictates I change a few habits for the time-being.

We all need a few tricks and creative solutions now and then, right? Coping strategies, if you will. Alas, I'll share a few of my favorite fall (running) hacks (and you can thank me later).

Here's the top five:

***Arm warmers
It's no secret I LOVE my arm warmers.They can be used in SO many temperature-related circumstances as a substitute for a long-sleeved shirt (but with the convenience/comfort of a tank or short-sleeved top when you slide them off). I have worn them for the first few miles of a race and then shed them after I felt warmed up. I have worn them under a jacket for an extra layer of warmth on my arms. I also have worn them with a tank top and kept them on for the duration of a run (or a race) because they are every bit as warm as a long-sleeved top (but don't have the "underarm bulk"). Side note...you can also make your own by cutting the feet off of funky-patterned knee socks!

***Fashion headbands for warmth
It's also a widely documented fact that I wear a lot of headbands, both in the warm weather and when it's cold. Granted, my winter headbands are usually made of fleece and would be pretty uncomfortable in the heat of summer, and my summer headbands are not exactly "thermal." But in the fall, when the temps are starting to feel a bit cool, the lighter weight headbands are perfect for covering my ears without adding too much bulk or warmth. On occasion, I also have layered the "summer" headbands over the fleece ones for a little more "fashion flair" when it's been cold. Did you know you could do that? The possibilities are endless....

***A reflective safety vest
Since a lot of my miles are now happening in the dark, high visibility is key. I have a Vizi-Belt (a fuel belt of sorts that lights up) and I usually have a light source with me (usually my Knuckle Lights), but sometimes it's annoying having so many accessories. I spotted a box of my son's stuff (from a previous summer job), and in the pile was a safety vest. Talk about an "a-ha moment." The vest is a light-weight mesh fabric with numerous reflective strips and it easily fits over anything I'm wearing. I've also worn it in the winter, layered over a puffer vest (more tips for running in the dark hours HERE).

***See and be seen

With the dwindling daylight, it's a smart strategy to be visible. In addition to a reflective wear, there are numerous options to consider, such as light-up arm bands (these are battery-powered and work like slap bracelets). Also, I love my Knuckle Lights because they are so easy to carry and give off awesome light.

A new acquisition, via my running friend's generosity last Christmas, is my NoxGear vest. It has several options for the light-up color, and can be set to strobe or steady glow.

***The magic of calf sleeves

Sometimes, full tights are just too warm (especially when it isn't yet winter), but your legs still need some coverage. Even though calf sleeves are meant for compression, they also can add a layer of warmth on a cool morning. Or, if you're not a fan of compression, you can take an inexpensive pair of knee-highs and cut off the feet...and pair the cut-off knee socks with your favorite pair of running socks. Truth be told, a few years ago, I bought a cheap pair of knee highs and cut off the feet, intending to wear them on my arms and toss them a few miles into a race....but I wound up keeping them on the entire race and have since used them several times on my arms AND on my legs.

As much as I hate seeing summer come to an end, I refuse to retreat into a (warm) corner and stay inside when the temps turn cool. These are a few tips and tricks I have utilized in coping with the cool (though not yet cold) conditions of fall.

Are you excited for fall weather? Do any of these look like something you might try? Any fall-transitional tips of your own?

***Some of the text and images first appeared in a previous post, Favorite Fall (running) Hacks 

I'm linking this with Meranda and Lacey for the Friday with Fairytales and Fitness link-up. 

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