Falling For Fall Running: What To Wear

I've been off for a few days visiting relatives in the Finger Lakes region of New York, and that's where to go in mid-October if your idea of a perfect running day is temps in the upper 40s. I often say that 50 is my idea running temperature, but I love it in the 40s, with that little nip in the air.

What's the right running gear and apparel for this kind of weather? I wear shorts when it's in the upper 40s, but I go for the long-sleeved shirt. Although last year I tried capri length running pants for days in the 40s and liked them better than I thought. Believe it or not, you do somehow feel a little cozier when your knees are covered. Probably just psychological, but whatever works. I don't usually break out my lightwear earband until it gets below 40, so this weekend I was still wearing my mesh cap.

I was out on a country road at sunrise, and the fall colors were amazing! I am an early morning runner anyway, but I tried to time it so I'd be sure to be running when the sun came out. That golden glow that you see when the sun hits the fall leaves was stunning, and it made me wish I had a camera. But as we runners know, in a way it's nice to just keep those running moments for yourself, and replay them in your mind.

Happy Fall, Happy Running!