Mile Long Legs

…For fall running and I couldn’t be happier!  Don’t get me wrong, I love me some hot and sweaty, super gritty, blazing heat on the trails, but there’s something so special about being out on the trails or pounding the pavement during fall.  The air is crisp and cool, there’s that wonderful smell of autumn in the air that gives me a nostalgic feeling and let’s not forget about the beauty of fall, the bright yellow, orange and red leaves make an amazing backdrop to a run!  If you want to know a few of my favorite things about fall running, keep reading! 🙂

FALL FOOD:  PUMPKIN
I also really love the tastes of fall.  If you bring me a Pumpkin Spiced Latte, we’ll be BFF’s, a pumpkin pie, even better! 😉  In fact, I love EVERYTHING pumpkin!  One of my favorite things to do with pumpkin is to add it to my daily smoothies.  Adding 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to my usual VegaOne vanilla protein powder, unsweetened almond milk, banana and ice, makes a tasty, sinful (but not sinful) treat!  Pumpkin not only tastes yummy, but it’s actually REALLY good for you.  It’s a lesser known disease-fighting, superfood that’s packed full of antioxidants, fibre, Vitamin K, iron and beta-carotene, amongst other awesome vitamins and minerals!  So go ahead and get your pumpkin on babes!

FALL RUNNING TIP:  ADJUST YOUR SCHEDULE (if you must)
Fall is also the time of year when most of us have to adjust our running schedules because of shorter days with less day light.  I say “adjust your schedule if you must”, because some of you may be totally cool with running in the darkness, which is fine if that’s in your comfort zone, just be sure to wear reflective gear and headlamps so cars have a better chance of seeing you.  I for one enjoy night running when I’m with a group or out on the trails with my handsome bf, but when I’m heading out solo I like to plan accordingly to ensure I’m doing everything I can to stay safe. As the days get shorter you may find yourself cutting your runs short or skipping them all together.  Instead of doing that, just alter your schedule to accommodate your run during daylight, by either setting your alarm a little earlier (ugh!) so you can get your run done by the light of the sunrise, or slip out of your office for a lunch run.  If you’re looking for longer daily mileage, why not double up?  If you only have time for a few miles at lunch, squeeze in a few extra at the end of the day before the sun waves goodbye! Who says we can only run once a day!  And if you still can’t get those miles in during the light of day, there’s always the DREADmill, which I like to avoid like the plague! 🙂

FALL FASHION: HEADBANDS & TOQUES!

One of my favorite things about fall is having the chance to wear all of my different toques, that’s a beanie for my American running babes, and warm headbands.  I have a plethora of different toques and headbands and when the weather turns chilly enough to wear them I get a little excited!  My favorite cold-weather running accessory is the Lululemon Brisk Run Headband, it’s super cute, functional and reversible.  I’ve worn this headband/ear warmer in -20 Celsius weather and it’s worked fantastic!

There you have it my rad running babes, a few of my favorite things about fall running.  Do you guys love fall running as much as me?  Or are you more of a sun seeker or snow bunny?  Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo, MLL