Summer is officially over.
Now you may be sad about that – I know I can say I had a pretty awesome summer! But the good news is that we’re officially in the fall season, and if you’re a runner, this is the best time of the year!
I’ve come up with a list of 10 reasons why running in the fall is so great! Take a look and see if you agree with me!
[bctt tweet=”Fall is THE best running season! #runchat #fitfluential #sweatpink”]
10 Reasons to Love Running in the Fall
I absolutely love running in the fall and it seems that I’ve been waiting for this moment all year! It can be a really exciting and rewarding time of the year for runners – here’s my list of why fall running is so awesome!
1 – It’s PR Season!
If you’ve been training for a fall race, there’s a good chance that you spent several weeks working hard in the summer, often enduring the bright sun, unrelenting heat, and oppressive humidity. The good news is that your hard work really pays off in the fall!
Once you get to the fall, your training runs will feel so much easier, and when race day comes, you’ll be very well prepared! Suffering in the summer can lead to a fantastic fall!
2 – There’s Amazing Scenery
Fall foliage, anyone? The changing of the leaves is always an amazing sight and I must admit that I like the sound of leaves crunching beneath my feet! Running along Kelly Drive on the Schuylkill River Trail this time of year with the reds, yellows and oranges is a must-see!
I’d highly recommend stepping away from the treadmill and enjoying the beauty that’s right outside your door!
3 – Goodbye Insta-Sweat!
Confession: When I run, I sweat…a lot. And it doesn’t take long to start! Am I alone in this?
So needless to say, the temperature drop that comes along with the fall season is a godsend! No more stepping out of the door and feeling absolutely gross from the heat and humidity…a run can actually start out feeling comfortable!
4 – Run at Any Time of the Day
When you’re trying to beat the heat and high UV rays, you have to rearrange your runs to early in the morning or later in the evening.
But the great thing about the fall is that the moderate temperatures will give you more flexibility when planning your training runs. Lunchtime runs should be much more comfortable! It’s great to have more flexibility.
5 – You Can Race Almost Every Weekend
There are SO many races to choose from in the fall! In Philly, you’re likely to find charity 5K’s on almost every weekend in October and November, plus the popular Rock and Roll Half Marathon and Philadelphia Marathon as the major Philly fall races.
All I can say is go for it! Last year, I didn’t race much in the fall because I was still easing back to running consistently. Now that I’m healthy, I can’t wait for all the fall races!
6 – Morning Runner? Daylight Savings Time Ends!
We won’t “fall back” until November (assuming you’re in a place that honors daylight savings time!), but the great thing about DST ending is if you run in the morning, you’re no longer starting off in complete darkness – unless you’re a very, very early bird! I’ve recently started running at 5:30 am during the week and the darkness does make me uneasy.
So another benefit of running in the fall is that you can feel safer when you’re knocking out your morning runs!
7 – No More “It’s Too Hot” Excuses Keeping You Indoors
Sometimes running is the last thing you want to do. You’ve had a long day at work, the kids need help with homework, dinner needs to be made, you’re mentally exhausted. Add in 90-degree temperatures and it’s a no-brainer, right?
But if you’re training for a race or really getting serious about running, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do, and you gotta get out there.
This is SO much easier to deal with in the fall! The weather is awesome more often than not, so blaming the heat is not going to work! Get out there and run! It’ll be so pleasant and can possibly relieve some of that other stress!
8 – Bring On the Layers!
In the summer, it’s so easy to get dressed and go out the door for a summer run. I think my main dilemma is whether I want to wear a shirt with or without sleeves, haha.
But once that autumn chill kicks in, a little more thought is required. Windbreaker jacket? Earmuffs? Gloves? Arm warmers? I actually enjoy putting on a little bit more when I got on a run. Mentally, it feels like I’m putting in more effort to be ready for my run, and I like that it takes a bit of care. I know for others it’s more for the fashion show!
9 – Improve Your Running Consistency
Running in the summer can be tough because you’re juggling vacations and you’d probably rather lay on the beach than worry about working out.
Getting out of vacation season and having more moderate weather this fall should increase your likelihood of making the time to run consistently. I’ve shared my time management tips for race training and I think they’re really effective for this time of year.
10 – Celebrate Post-Run With Football!
For better or worse, it’s football season and as much as I deny it, I do enjoy watching a few games. My boyfriend is a Nebraska Huskers fan, so he watches a LOT of college football. We’ve also got a “vested” interest in the Chiefs, the Eagles (just awful), and the Buffalo Bills (my hometown team that finally doesn’t stink!).
If you run long on the weekends, I highly recommend celebrating with a football marathon! If you’re a fan, you’ll be entertained post-run and if you hate it, you’ll have a great opportunity to take a long nap!
Do you enjoy running in the fall? Are you glad that summer running is over?
Linking up with Jill Conyers for Fitness Friday, Heather for Friday Favorites, and Mar for Friday Five!
Lol @ insta-sweat! I actually prefer walking in the heat. In the cooler air I’m busy shivering and trying to stay warm.
Ooh, good point about getting too cold. The good thing about fall is that you are able to layer up to avoid getting too cold! Long sleeved shirts, zip up jackets work well.
I just posted the Runners World pic from yesterday, depicting the fall weather (and mentions the crunching leaves) LOL. I seriously like outdoor running, in all the seasons, for different reasons….but there’s something about the shift to cooler temps that is especially enticing about the fall. And, as you mentioned, it is the optimal time for a PR (ahem…just a few days ago!). Great post!
Thanks Kim, and congrats on your PR! I think I did see the Runner’s World pic….I’m loving this!
I love this 🙂 That park looks great! I need to take in some scenery this Fall, I have been running in the neighborhood non -stop. I hope it is PR time!
I’d definitely recommend checking out the trails, Karen! Fingers crossed on some PR’s! 🙂
One of the things I love about fall is the number of races there are to choose from. Its hard to not go race registration happy, but its also so hard to pick and choose!
That’s so true! It’s almost overwhelming how many races there are to choose from, always feel like I’m missing out on a good one!
#11 – It’s not Summer.
LOL. But seriously, I love Fall running and i absolutely hate summer running and I am SO happy that season is over. Thanks so much for this blog – it has re-energized me for Fall running
Kimberly, I’m glad this post encouraged you to get out there! This summer was just SO darn hot, I almost want to throw a going away party! lol
It’s gorgeous when Fall arrives. It’s fun to see what trees are starting to turn color, and to feel the crisp weather. I’m looking at pictures of fall up north and am jealous.
I really need to make it up to New England to see the beautiful fall foliage! Some trees are already starting to change color!
YES for post-run football 🙂 So excited for fall running!
Hehe, glad I’m not the only one 🙂
Not really a runner but used to be (bad knee), but how I do LOVE doing anything physical outside in the fall. That crisp, cool air is so invigorating!! Keep running!!
Thanks, Lori! The fresh air feels so good this time of year!
I totally agree on the lack of insta-sweat and the great temps. I am however still waiting for DST to end, because in a few weeks I have to start running at 5:30 before work!
That’s the only thing I really don’t like about running early right now – hopefully you will have someone out there with you before DST ends!
Haha so glad there will be less insta sweat.. got a real LOL out of me on that one
LOL! I learned that some of my tech shirts aren’t as sweat-wicking as they used to be thanks to all the sweating lol!
Great post! I actually just moved to Florida and fall is much like summer here, but I hear the humidity should be getting better. I am looking forward to DST because I am too nervous to run in the dark.
Being out of the humidity HAS to be one of the best parts of summer being over! I don’t mind running at night, but early in the morning seems scarier to me!
I cannot wait for time to change. It doesn’t get light until time for work! I also love celebrating my long run with football Saturdays! Love fall running weather!
Nice to know that you do the same thing, lol!
Love running in the fall! My favorite time of year for sure!
I would love to see how it is to run in the Boston area this time of year 🙂
yes. To everything to said. Especially the cooler weather and DST. Although I’m a really early bird and start at 5am so I’ll just be happy for some daylight at all.
Bring on the cool weather!
Fall is my favorite time to run. Well, fall and winter. It feels so nice to get a break from the heat!
The relief from the heat is so necessary! I think I’ve mentioned how much I’ve grown to love winter running too!
I hate running…but I loved reading this! Maybe I’ll have to start going out for runs (OK let’s be real a walks) in the crisp fall air once it starts cooling down.
Morgan | theradwife.blogspot.com
Oh I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Morgan! Walks in the fall are great too! 🙂
Yey for fall!! I’m right there with you with the sweat thing…I sweat like a pig and it’s gross. So looking forward to the cooler temps!!
Haha, it’s hard to admit but it’s the truth! Less gross = winning!
I would have to agree with all these!
I don’t really mind running any time of year, and sometimes I even love running out in 100 degree’s, just depends on my mood. But when it comes to races I love the fall, the cooler temps just make all that summer training even more worth it when you see your times drop just from the temperature alone:)
The only thing I don’t love about fall is the fact that the sun comes up later and later. I like to get out in the mornings before the workday starts and since I am a solo runner I prefer to not run in the dark. But on the bright side, usually in the fall you can even go out and enjoy a noon run and not to hot temps. Well usually, right now we are having some heatwave and 90-100 degree sure doesn’t seem very fall like, LOL
I totally agree that there is that downside to the fall. I’m just starting to run before work, so I’m not sure if I’ll switch back to the afternoons as the months progress. We’re finally consistently in the 70’s in Philly but I wouldn’t be shocked if we had another 90-degree day!
I am all about the COOL mornings and lack of sweating a disgusting amount! Hope to see you at some fall or winter races!
Yes, I’d love to finally meet you!
Love all of this! It’s the peak of fall season here in Anchorage and I’m so in love with the fall leaves and cooler temps right now! Fall is my absolute favorite time of year!
It seems like the shortest season, but it really is my favorite of them all!
I was just thinking about how excited I am that the temps are not going to be crazy hot tomorrow for my 20-miler. So many good reasons to love running in this weather@
Oh yes, long runs are amazing this time of year, hope you have a great run!
I am loving the fall weather – and loving being able to run again! It is still dark when I am done with my 5:15 am runs though. 🙁
I’m so glad you’re back to running without pain! Once DST hits those 5:15 runs will be a bit brighter!
I like being able to run at any time during the day. No more getting up super early just to beat the heat.
Tell me about it! You’ve got so much flexibility now!
lol @ the opportunity for a long nap if you hate football. hilarious. great list. fall running is the best!
I say so because I’ve done it, haha! Gotta love the fall, thanks!
I love fall running! The cooler temps are great and refueling with anything pumpkin is even better 🙂
Love pumpkin everything! So glad it’s fall!
I love the last bit about the nap! After a hard run, there is nothing more welcome than a nap in front of a football game- the best! I love fall and I sort-of like football, so it’s a win/win for me~
So glad you agree! Footballs and post-run naps can sometimes go hand in hand, lol!
I agree with all of these! It’s so perfect, especially the cooler weather. It makes running SO much more pleasant.
And that makes you more likely to get it done instead of procrastinating! 🙂
Fall running is so awesome! I live in Southern California, so we don’t really get fall for a while.
I do love the thought of falling leaves, boots and crisp chilly weather. 🙂
And the races are so fun! So many to choose from and fall marathons are the best!
Great list!!
Thanks, Natalie! I love the fall so much and hate that it seems to go by so quickly!
I can’t think of any reason not to love fall especially for running. Beautiful trails make me so happy 🙂
I can’t wait to head to the trails this fall in all the foliage!
These are great reasons to love fall running! I also enjoy the scenery, and it’s so nice to not be dripping sweat every time I step outside for a run:)
THe cool weather is like a dream come true!
You forgot about playoff baseball during the Fall! Go Royals!
Running in the fall IS the best. Anyone who disagrees and wants to be all hot and sticky in the hellish summer is no friend of mine! haha
Great post! I love looking at all the fall color outside too:) I am also one who sweats a lot when I run…I do feel like I got my workout when I’m super sweaty 😉
I absolutely LOVE running in the fall! I personally would run on a fall or a winter day over any summer day. Excellent list! Good luck on all your races 🙂
Thanks, Nina! Wish the fall could last a little longer!
All of this is SO TRUE! I’m especially pumped about being able to run smack in the middle of the day if I want to 🙂 🙂
Glad you agree 🙂