6 Challenges of Fall Running and Why You Need to Get Outside

Fall running can be amazing. After running in the heat of summer, the cooler temperatures can be a welcome relief. Mother Nature takes out her paintbrush and provides us with a feast for the eyes. The sound of fallen leaves crackling underfoot is like music to the ears. And need I mention thumbholes?

I woke up Sunday morning with visions of a leisurely fall long run on the bike path. Reality quickly set in as I heard the rain hitting my windows, wind whipping outside. The transition from summer to fall isn't always pleasant. But a runner's gotta do what a runner's gotta do, and that is to run, no matter what the conditions. I could have taken it to my treadmill, but that's not who I am. I run outdoors, no matter what. And you should too.

Originally, this post was planned as a tribute to fall running. If it's beauty and colors you're looking for, there are plenty of posts out there showcasing all that is good about running in the fall. Inspiration comes in many forms, and this cold, rainy, run provided me with plenty. This run reminded me that running in the fall isn't always pleasant, but there's the satisfaction of pushing through tough conditions.

Weather
Sunday's run reminded me of why running in the fall can be a challenge. There was wind, there was rain, and did I mention the wind? With the change of seasons comes those dramatic changes in the weather. Sometimes I'll see 4 seasons all in one run. It's not always pleasant, but it's never dull. When it's windy, don't take your run to the treadmill. Do what I do and head out INTO the wind. That way when you're on the way back, you'll have a tailwind that will make your run feel almost effortless. Maybe you'll even get negative splits if you're into that. Look at running in temperamental weather as an added challenge. It won't kill you and it might even make you stronger. Or as my dad would say, it will put hair on your chest.

Trail Conditions
With rain and maybe even snow, the trails and roads can become slick, especially with fallen leaves. Puddles and flooded trails, which I encountered on Sunday, can make your running path into an obstacle course. Don't be a wet blanket. Puddle jumping is a workout too! Wet feet are no fun but sometimes you can't avoid it. Make sure you wear wicking socks and stuff your shoes with newspaper when you get home. That will help them dry properly.

Mud, water, leaves...and wet feet

No Water Fountains
This is the time of year when the park districts turn off the water fountains. There's nothing worse than running on an unseasonably warm day and finding a non-functioning fountain. My motto: be prepared. I run with a handheld all the time and it's no different for me in the cooler weather. You still need to drink no matter what the temperature.

source: Frank Herholdt

Bye-bye Portapotties
Come fall, the park districts pack up the portapotties. I have to admit that this bothers me a lot. We all know that I have tummy troubles on the run and seeing a portapotty in my time of need is like an oasis in the desert. I know my running routes pretty well and make sure my route includes a gas station, grocery store, or park district shelter so I have access to the facilities. The wooded forest preserves offer privacy, should something unexpected happen. Not that I know anything about that.

Layers upon layers
Fall is bipolar. Yesterday's run brought not only wind and rain, but the temperature dropped about 15 degrees in the 80 minutes I was out there. There were also peeks of the sun. Fall runners need to be prepared for any conditions. While the rule of thumb is always to underdress--there's nothing worse than overheating--make sure you wear layers that you can remove or put back on depending on the weather. Wear items that wick moisture--anything else will stay moist and will cool you down.

Laundry
With the need to wear more layers comes more laundry. All summer, my clothesline in the laundry room has held 4 singlets and 4 bottoms. Easy peasy. Come fall and we're back to a full clothesline again...base layer, outer layer, tights, gloves, hats.... I don't have any tips here, I just wanted you to be prepared.

There's no denying that running in the fall can be challenging. The conditions I ran in on Sunday reminded me of a couple of things: that I am tough, that I am not afraid of a challenge, and that I can do hard things. These are the runs that separate the men from the boys. The runs that show who's the real deal. Running in tough conditions isn't always pleasant, but it's always satisfying. I don't think you can say that about running long on the treadmill.

Are you going to run inside all winter? Because if you aren't, then you need to run outside in the fall. The tough runs of the fall will prepare you for the conditions in the winter.

Do you run outside when the weather is less than optimal? Or are you a treadmill warrior? Any inclimate weather running tips I missed? Don't worry, my winter running tips will be coming soon!

I'm linking up with Marcia, Erika, and Patti for Tuesdays on the Run as well as Debbie, Susie, Lora, and Rachel for Coaches Corner!