I’m linking up with Courtney and the DC gang. Today I’m linking up for the Friday Five with Courtney, Mar, and Cynthia. Make sure you check out their awesome blogs as well as those who join the link up!
It’s Labor Day weekend and for many, this means that fall is really here. School years start, traffic is bad, vacation is over. Here are the top 5 things that I think about and while fall running.
Credit:RunTravelAdventure
- Thank goodness temperatures are cooler! For the most part, the days of 90 degrees, heat index of over 100 are past us. Woohoo! There are cooler mornings and evenings. You may even be eyeing the capris and lightweight long sleeves by October.
- Panic! My race is only 4/6/8/10 weeks away! I’m not going to be ready in time! I’m going to be honest- I have not had a good training cycle thus far. There all kinds of reasons- life changes, busyness, laziness/sleep, not feeling good. Not that these are excuses or good reasons, but this year, I’m in the same camp that I hear from first-time marathoners, and I remember for a few years ago. All of a sudden, it’s September and the fact that you’re going to be running 26.2 miles is front and center and terrifying. I’m telling myself what I tell others- you will be ready, there is time, it will be fine.
- Oh my gosh- these long runs (20 miles looms) are going to kill me. Literally, going to kill me. The peak mileage week for most training plans hasn’t happened yet, and it’s intimidating. Even having run 7 marathons, any run more than 16 miles is intimidating. I take extra care of myself the week leading up, plan a rest and recovery day after the run. A healthy fear perhaps- no winging it!
- I am so tired of running- why did I sign up for this again? A shout-out to my girls doing the Hansons marathon method this cycle. If I’m tired of putting on my running shoes, you have got to be exhausted. The shiny newness of shoes has worn off, the excitement of a new goal or cycle has settled into routine. Sometimes I mentally start looking for an escape hatch-why did I have to sign up for races?
- Pretty and fun! By the time many fall races roll around, the leaves have started to change. It’s pretty! For the past two years, this has been my thought in miles 8-13 of the Richmond Marathon. There are woods and changing and falling leaves. Even when there aren’t many spectators, the beauty and enjoyment of the autumn sights keeps me going. I love living in a place with 4 distinct seasons. Running gives me an opportunity to enjoy each of them.
What do you think about running in the fall? Enjoy the holiday weekend!
Glad you are experiencing cool weather. I have to run in the afternoons now and it’s still hot! I’ve never done too many races in the fall but i’m gonna try to do more this year!
Haha, yeah, it can still be hot. But I know that cooler temps are coming. Good luck with fall races!
Although summer is probably my favorite season, I do LOVE the crisp air of fall. I’ve had a couple of 55-degree morning runs lately…and it’s a welcome change (though I am still not ready to give up on summer). Yes, I agree….Hanson’s method will never be happening for me LOL
Kimberly, I’m ready for the crisp, loving the change, but not quite ready to give up on summer evenings just yet! Enjoy the last part of summer!
I do enjoy the cooler temps of fall, for sure!
oh man you pretty much have the same thoughts that I do !!! hahaha!!
I do love running in the fall way more than the summer but I’m all full of panic and asking myself why and wondering which particular long run is actually going to be the death of me! and yet, we still get through it 🙂
Renee- we do! Week by week, run by run! We keep the self-negotiations and persuasion going!
DEAR LORD CAN WE PLEASE GET BETTER WEATHER?! That’s pretty much my head everyday. All day. Heard it’s cool there this weekend- not so in Vegas! 🙂
It was actually lovely weather for running this morning. Right around 70 degrees, some clouds. Enjoy Vegas!