Today is the first day of fall, my favorite time of year! I’ve felt oddly disconnected from the seasons recently. I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve been doing so much traveling (there’s only one season in Miami!), because this is our first year without anyone doing the back-to-school thing, or because summer weather has been sticking around longer than usual–it was in the 90s this week. But, I am oh so ready for fall running!
1. Cooler Weather. This is a given, but it comes at a price. It’s dark when I finish my weekday morning runs now, and I rarely catch the sunrise unless I’m on a business trip. Still, I am ready for cooler weather and being able to run 4 miles without being drenched with sweat.
Sunrise over Lake Michigan in Chicago last week.
2. The Reston Perfect 10. My first fall race is this weekend, and it looks like the weather will change just in time for a perfect race. This is a hilly course that I don’t feel 100% ready for, but I am looking forward to the challenge.
Miles 6-8, I am coming for you!
3. The Army 10 Miler. My second fall race is only a few weeks away–the Army Ten Miler. They released the bib numbers and wave information this week and I’m in Wave one! I’ve had a few years of sequential PRs at this race, but I’m not in shape for another one this year–I wonder if they’ll demote me back to Wave 2 or Wave 3 next year?
4. The Marine Corps Marathon. No, I’m not running MCM, but I do plan to participate in one of the cheering stations my Moms Run This Town group is organizing. I had so much fun spotting friends and cheering on the very last runner last year. People say it’s a great way to “give back” to the running community, but as a non-marathon runner I think it’s one of those gifts that are better to give than to receive. 😉
We cheered until the SAG bus reached us.
5. The Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run. How did my first spring race make it onto my fall running list? I’ll be working behind the scenes on the Cherry Blossom Blog again, and we already are planning for the ambassador application process (look for announcements around Columbus Day), the November kick-off party (locals, mark your calendars for November 18), the December lottery, and the January-April blog calendar. It is so much fun getting a “behind-the-scenes” look at such an epic race and seeing how dedicated and enthusiastic the race organizers are.
[Tweet “Are you looking forward to fall #running? #runchat”]
What are you looking forward to this fall?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
I love spectating 26.2’s, especially near the finish line. You may have seen this before….but last year I was on a relay team and as we waited for our anchor gal to come in, I saw so many people approaching the finish line. All shapes, sizes, speeds, and a myriad of emotions on their faces. I tried to high-5 as many as possible and congratulate them by name (if I could make it out on their bib). What an amazing experience…(hopefully) for them, but also for me.
Yes, cheering at a race really is a fantastic experience.
You are certainly ready for the Reston race this weekend and it looks like perfect weather too. So looking forward to cooler runs!
I’m definitely looking forward to fall running. I took most of the summer off and then dealt with some foot (not running related) mild injury so it’s a long time coming. Ready for a rhythm and a break from HEAT!
Good luck at the Reston race this weekend. I’ve run the 10k course before, and its definitely a challenge.
I love that you’re volunteering for MCM! Having the people at the race makes such a difference!
I’m not ready for fall at all! I’m still in sandals in refusing to pull out my fall clothing. I did enjoy my run last night in the cooler evening temps, so I’m sure i’ll change my mind about fall soon.
How fun you’ll be working behind the scenes at Cherry Blossom 10! Sounds exciting and I can’t wait to hear more. I adore fall but the lengthening darkness is not my favorite. All the best with Reston this weekend!
Yeah, there’s definitely a trade-off with the daylight vs. cooler weather.
I love fall weather! I am excited to get some running/races in!
I’m over with the temps that is for sure. I’m actually enjoying my fall training. I’ve roped Holly into helping me with a plan and I love the purpose of my runs.
It hasn’t happend yet, but I’m looking forward to a cool crisp night where I have to put on sweat pants!!
Have a great weekend Coco!
I know that the temps are suppose to be cooler in the fall which would certainly make running easier but I have to say I am loving this extended summer weather! I am not ready for the “W” word yet..lol
Yeah, I’m not ready for winter either. I’d like a few solid weeks of cool weather before I have to start adding layers!
You’ll have to let me know where to look for you – it was awesome to see you last year at MCM. And I’m even less trained this year…
I look forward to cheering at the MCM as well!
Oh, maybe we can cheer together!
Best time of year for running! I’m looking forward to eating hearty, warm stews and soups and apple cider and loved hearing the crunchy leaves under my feet this morning.