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Thursday, October 14, 2021

Falling Back Into Autumn


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

Granted, it's technically been Fall for a couple weeks, but we've had some decent late Summer weather so I've been able to play the denial card a bit longer. The majority of my runner friends, though, are ecstatic to usher in some cooler weather and kick summer to the curb. While I do appreciate the less intense heat and humidity this time of year, Summer will always be my favorite season for running.

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

As we close the book on 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 Back Into Autumn: The Realities

*It's getting darker in the (not so) 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. Whether you prefer a handheld light or a headlamp, you're wise to have something with you to light your way.

I'm a huge fan of my Knuckle Lights!

*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 and/or accessories definitely can't hurt. Light-up belts, battery-lit slap bracelets, and a Noxgear vest are some of the favorites in my arsenal.

after a couple months of hibernation, the Noxgear vest has been resurrected

*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). It may not be time to break out the full leggings (or even the capri's) yet, but if I throw on a long-sleeved top (or light jacket) with my shorts, it feels like an ideal balance of warm and cool dressing.

the Fall rain will feel especially chilly, too! 

*Even in the daylight, there's usually a chill  in the air. Yes, there may be a sunrise happening, but the air still can feel a bit brisk, 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-dressed or over-heated.


*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-40'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 fleece headband.



Those are the main "Transitioning-To-Fall" coping strategies that work 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 MichelleReneeDarleneJenn and Zenaida for the Fit Five Friday Link-up.



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13 comments:

  1. I'm glad Mother N gave you a couple more weeks of Summer! I hope she ends Winter on time or even earlier for you! That neat headband to warm the ears is so cool. Much better than a full-on hat. Best of luck Kim as you enter these colder months - but I know you've got this!

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    1. Thanks, Shathiso ;-) I'm hoping Momma N plays nice with us this winter...I still haven't replaced my dear old gal, Milly LOL

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  2. I worried a lot about getting in runs this week, thinking I'd need to do them earlier in the dark -- but thankfully that didn't turn out to be the case. Great tips, Kim!

    I've been working hard to embrace every season. It's a work in progress! I still have my favorites, of course, but whether I love them or hate them, the season's going to come, so best to make peace with that. Like I said, a work in progress!

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    1. This week was filled with all kinds of weather obstacles (which I'll be sharing on the WRD post),but the dark wasn't one of them for me. I try to embrace every season, too. Some are definitely much harder to love than others, though ;-)

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  3. You know how much I hate the diminishing daylight and the cooler temps. I'm a summer gal.

    It is what it is. I'm embracing the warmer temps this week because I know they will not last.

    I need to look for my knuckle lights...

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    1. The diminishing daylight is such a buzzkill. I think if the daylight hung around longer, I'd loathe Winter a bit less.

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  4. No, no- you know what you need for your ears? A pair of big red earmuffs! Ha ha. Seriously, these are all great tips. The coldest it gets here is probably like a fall day up there (not there yet- still hot and humid here). My favorite "chilly' running outfit is a long sleeve shirt and shorts. You are definitely set up for the fall weather!

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    1. HA ha ha ha...those ear muffs! As you know, I'm a summer gal, but I can handle the cooler temps. Actually, I can handle the (much) colder temps, as well, but I definitely prefer the heat.

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  5. I know, I am strange but I love the diminishing of light after a terrible hot summer.
    I don't have any problem with the dark because now I can run in the daylight: I am retired and I have plenty of time in the morning. In the afternoon I am usually busy with my grandsons.
    However I see that you are set for all kind of weather,

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    1. The thought has crossed my mind if my running schedule will change when my work schedule changes (that's several years down the road LOL). I really like the early morning routine (year-round)...but I do love me all kinds of sunshine, too.

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  6. It is getting harder to see out there and certainly darker in the morning. You know I love the cooler temps and cozy sweats

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    1. Well, I cannot deny I love the cozy sweats and blankets, but from the inside of my house LOL It's crazy how late the sun is rising these days...I think it's not showing its face until close to 7:00 (though we do have some daylight prior to that).

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  7. The diminishing daylight is the one drawback to fall for me - thank goodness for Knucklelights and Noxgear!

    I need to embrace your use of arm warmers - it would help to extend the life of some of my favorite tanks.

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