If you are a runner, you know what you wear out on the open road, trails, or the treadmill matters. The gear you choose can affect your safety, performance, and comfort from season to season, especially during the transition from summer to fall. The primary objective of any runner is to focus on footfalls, time, and distance, not on cumbersome or uncomfortable gear. What you wear is essential for better performance and must help instead of hinder your stride.
If you are ready to learn more about how you can have a positive and seamless running experience when the seasons change, continue reading for some helpful summer to fall running tips.
Assess Your Current Running Gear
Your first step to finding the best running gear for the season you’re in is to start in your own closet. Take some time to determine what still fits, is in need of repair, or is ready to discard. From there, separate the items by season. Make a pile for summer workout gear and for fall. Take note that some items may crossover, but it’s likely that your Elite Tech shorts for men or Flyweight shorts for women that you favour can stay in the summer pile until next season.
Once your piles are organized, go ahead and put the summer gear away in the back of your closet. Next, assess the fall pile. Determine whether you have enough pieces to last through the season or if it’s time to hop online and make a few purchases.
Layer Your Clothing for Fall Runs
One essential piece of information for runners during this in-the-middle timeframe is to layer your clothing for fall runs, especially the first ones of the season. Your mindset may still linger in the summer heat, but the 10-degree mornings will bring you into fall quickly.
Layering running attire for fluctuating temperatures is important for two reasons.
- You can remove clothing, as needed, if you get too hot during your run.
- A base layer will help wick sweat away from your body and reduce the chance of hypothermia.
The recommended order of gear to wear in the fall begins with a high-quality and fitted base layer. Next, add a form-fitting thin, long-sleeved middle layer. Finally, choose an outer layer you can move in to meet your needs.
Essential Fall Running Gear You Need
Now that you know why you should layer your running clothes, let’s find the best fall running essentials to help you run well into autumn.
For the base layer, especially on top, look for long-sleeve tops and thermal options, such as a long-sleeve thermal compression base layer for women or men. The mid layer should be relatively fitted to your body to retain heat and move without any bulk impeding your arms. Shop for tops, such as a half-zip running top for women and men. Top it all off with a water repellent rain jacket for women or a lightweight hooded jacket for men that has pockets to hold your things and affords you minimal bulk with added protection from the elements. As for your bottom half, you may want to commit to a base layer in winter, but for the fall season, transitioning to warmer running tights or pants should do the trick quite well.
Consider These Helpful Accessories
Just like a regular wardrobe, the accessories can make the running outfit. The importance of accessories, such as hats, gloves, and headbands for colder mornings cannot be stressed enough. These pieces help retain heat from leaving your body while insulating it from the elements.
Reflective gear for shorter daylight hours is vital for safety since the hours of daylight shift during this seasonal transition. Drivers are competing for road space or may miss runners while turning due to lower light conditions. Always make yourself seen by donning reflective ware and opt for strobing clip-on lights or bright colours.
Waterproof and wind-resistant accessories like gloves and jackets are necessary to avoid hypothermia from a rain-soaked run or a fierce wind whipping at your body. Staying insulated and dry are priorities for any seasoned runner.
Be Aware of Necessary Seasonal Footwear Adjustments
As the temperature drops, you should consider transitioning running gear such as your footwear, too. Change short socks for longer ones in a moisture-wicking design to keep sweat away from your feet. This will help keep your feet dry and healthy.
Transitioning your current trainers to a pair of running shoes with better grip for wet or slippery conditions is appropriate since the weather conditions tend to be wetter in autumn. Look for supportive shoes similar to what you are currently wearing but with a sturdier grip that is made for damper terrain to avoid slipping.
Understand Seasonal Nutrition and Hydration Adjustments
Runners still sweat during the colder months, even in the fall. When you sweat, you need to replenish it through proper hydration. It is important to remember this as the seasons shift because runners often find themselves dehydrated since the sun isn’t beating down overhead and beads aren’t glistening on foreheads. Continue drinking fluids just as you would throughout the rest of the year.
A runner’s energy requirements don’t change significantly as the seasons change. Ensure you’re still fueling properly before a run and taking in the appropriate amount and type of food after a run and throughout the day to maintain positive energy levels. If you’re going for a longer run in the autumn since the temperatures are more comfortable than in the summer, of course, you’ll need to increase your food intake beforehand and carry a fuel source to keep going during the run.
Begin Transitioning Your Running Gear From Summer To Fall With These Helpful Tips Today
With this helpful information, you’ll be ready to transition from summer to fall without missing a step. Sort through your current gear to find pieces that can move into autumn with ease. After that, it’s time to go shopping for moisture-wicking base layers, heat-retaining mid-layers, and outerwear. Focus on adding accessories and footwear that will enhance your safety during runs. Finally, reassess your hydration and nutrition needs to keep up with the changing seasons. When you’re ready, TCA is here to help you successfully transition running gear into fall the right way.