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10 Reasons to Love Autumn Running
Nothing beats autumn running. It’s cool. It’s beautiful. And there’s a change in the air. It’s a refreshing experience after running through the humid and sweltering heat of summer.
Imagine: Running with a cool breeze in your face and colors all around. Harvest time is just around the corner, along with the holiday season. It’s no wonder many runners say autumn is their favorite time of the year to run. And if you’re not convinced, here’s 10 other reasons to love autumn running.
#1 The temperature is perfect.
Come fall, the heat of summer has lifted. Yet, the coolness of winter hasn’t fully set in. Both extremes can make running a less-than-fun adventure.
In the heat, you risk dehydration, heatstroke, and serious fatigue. There are endless challenges as the sun glares down on you, which makes running far distances especially tough.
In the winter, the cold and snow can also present some difficult hurdles. If it snows, it may be unsafe to venture out, without risking falling or slipping on ice. The cold also leaves you susceptible to frostbite. It requires preparation and many layers.
Then, there’s autumn running. Unlike the spring, there isn’t a huge melt nor are there often huge puddles. It’s dry and cool, which eases the stress on your body. With this stellar combination, it’s no surprise that many runners tend to hit their personal bests during the autumn months.
#2 It’s beautiful.
When fall hits, the colors come out. The trees transform into shades of red, orange, and yellow. It’s one of the most photogenic times of the year. And running through it is a wonderful way to experience nature in all its glory.
We recommend hitting the trails or a park with a ton of trees. These will provide the most interesting views. Not to mention, your run will likely fly by.
#3 It’s your chance to step up your game before winter.
Winter tends to sidetrack many runner’s plans and goals. The weather can sometimes be a tad unpredictable. This makes keeping a regular training schedule super difficult.
But autumn has fairly consistent weather in most places. It often offers up your last opportunity to step up your game and your training. Go for that fair distance or aim for your personal best. It’s likely you’ll be able to get there without the heat of summer or the snow in winter holding you back.
#4 Your running routes will likely be less busy.
The summer crowd has died down. With cooler weather, many people move indoors for activities and exercise. But not runners!
In some places, you might get the whole trail to yourself. This is ideal since you won’t be having to dodge or run around others to keep up your pace and complete your run. This also equates to some peace and quiet when you’re out doing your thing!
#5 There are fewer distractions.
Ever notice how your summer weekends fill up quickly? You go to plan something on the fly, but usually, it’s just not possible. In autumn, there are generally fewer events happening. Festival season has died down. You have more time to get out and run.
The kids go back to school. Everyone gets back into a regular routine, which makes fitting in your training or a quick run that much easier.
#6 You’ll enjoy the post-run rewards more.
A hot shower after a hot run doesn’t sound that exciting. But a warm or hot shower or bath after a cool autumn run sounds not only inviting but like a reward after you’ve put in the work.
Hot drinks and foods also become more special and comforting. Go for your hot shower, then curl up on the couch by the fire with some hot cocoa or a warm meal (or add the seasonal favorite – pumpkin – into the mix!). Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it?
#7 You get to pull out new running clothes.
Autumn means long sleeves and pants. In other words, you get to put on an entirely new attire. And who doesn’t love changing things up?
So, grab that running jacket, layer up, and head out! Autumn running can provide that added zest via your fashion choices.
#8 You can run to Christmas or other holiday songs.
Christmas only rolls around once a year. The fall season preludes this important holiday and offers time for you to get in those festive vibes.
Create a Christmas or holiday playlist of your favorite songs. There’s no better time to get in the mood for the holidays than by listening to a few classic tunes or beats. Plus, we’re sure you’re tired of your summer playlist. Thus, it’s time to switch it up!
#9 You get the chance to dress-up.
There’s Halloween races and other holiday races, offering you the perfect opportunity to dress-up for your next running event. In some events, the costume is required to cross the finish line. Look some local races up in your area.
#10 You’ll probably beat some PBs.
We said this above but it needs its own section for emphasis. In the fall, with the cooler temperatures, you can run faster and father – meaning you can crush those PBs. This can also provide a huge motivational push to keep running through the winter months (even on those days when you just don’t want to).
So, fall in love with autumn running. You’d be hard-pressed to find many runners that would argue against it being the best time of the year.
Fall back into your running stride this coming season!
The summer can definitely hinder your goals and provide some discouragement when the heat gets in your way. However, fall is always just around the corner. It might be the change you need to rekindle your relationship with running – or just improve it!
What did you think of our list? What do you enjoy about autumn running? Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below!
Canaan Valley Half Marathon Editorial Staff
This article was written by the editorial staff for the Canaan Valley Half Marathon.
