Autumn Running Tips

The onset of autumn, although still warm at times on a good day, brings those cooler crisp mornings and evenings. Whether you are a recreational runner just getting out there and enjoying yourself, or a more competitive runner hoping to use this time of year as a springboard to next year's goals, here are some tips to help you…

1. Get yourself off the beaten track

Autumn is a great time to explore the parks and trails near you. The changing cycle of the seasons brings new smells and experiences, whether you live in the town or the country. Take an evening to pore over a few maps and plan a few new weekend routes in areas you haven't been to for a while.


2. Pack the right kit
 

With the darkness setting in earlier in the evenings around this time of year - and the cold to go with it – be sure to have high-visibility clothing with reflective patches so that any traffic (both vehicles and pedestrians) can clearly see you coming. Be sure to also wear gloves and a hat as the hands and head will be the first parts of your body to get cold. If it’s really chilly, a face scarf will help to keep your nose from freezing too, but could interfere with your breathing.

3. Stick with it

If you are just a recreational runner who has no desire at all to enter a race, that is fine, running is still one of the easiest and simplest ways of keeping fit. If you run regularly through spring and summer, but tend to question why you run, as soon as the days shorten for fear of getting cold and wet, remember you have three choices:

  • A) You can carry on as normal, hibernate and not run a step till the spring (not good).
  • B) You can buy a treadmill for your garage or spare room, or hit the gym.
  • C) You can discover that well-known Scandinavian expression "there is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing", and with a small investment even in some basic winter running kit, you can see that autumn running can be just as exhilarating in its own way.

 

News & Offers