Fall is officially here. While some of us have races coming up soon (good luck to the Portland and Twin Cities Marathon runners this weekend), others are currently training for winter races. Gone are the dog days of summer and here are the cooler temperatures of fall. Depending on where you live, you’re either in the perfect running conditions or about to enter the more difficult weather conditions. Here are a couple of things to remember:

• With the cooler temperatures you absolutely need to dress the part. Trading out short sleeves for long and shorts for tights/pants is common place but don’t forget the gloves and hats. I usually find gloves at a 99¢ store because there are plenty of times when you get hot and have to ditch the gloves instead of carrying them. If your temperatures are moderate, look at getting a running headband that covers your ears. You’ll find that you won’t overheat while wearing a hat. A simple rule of thumb is to dress so you’re just a little chilly when you step outside. If you’re warm, you’ve got too much on.
• Hydration. For those of us used to running in extremely hot temperatures (i.e. Las Vegas, Phoenix), remember that you won’t need to drink as much water. While hydrating is still important, you’ll find you don’t need as much as you did in the summer. For those of you in the snow, try to keep your liquids out of direct contact with the elements. Try putting a layer of clothing over your bottles or packs.
• Don’t let the elements cancel a run. Yes, that 20 mph clipper out of the north may be barreling down on you – but as long as there are no extreme health risks (below zero temperatures and wind chill) have fun with it. I always find challenging elements a fun test of what you can do in them. As an added bonus, it’s always fun to see the reactions of others when you tell them what you just did.

It may take a little while to grow accustomed to the new weather patterns but keep putting one foot in front of the other and before you know it, you won’t even notice (OK, that’s a lie but it won’t be as hard).

I just received my Running Times magazine today. Not having time to read it cover to cover yet I just skimmed thru the pages. Being a runner and working in advertising, one page just jumped out of the magazine. It just so happens to be an ad for my new Pearl Izumi SyncroFloatIII (no this is not another shameless plug) and the subject of the ad? URINE. To non-runners the pure mention of urine is probably vial and has no place being in an ad. For a runner on the other hand urine has a lot of meaning. It’s our hydration guide and this ad is has a lot of meaning for runners.

Just thought it was funny when I showed it to my wife and she rolled her eyes. Absolutely something I had to share in a running blog.

RMFR