With summer heading out and fall heading our way, I know a lot of my fellow walkers are thrilled to get all the benefits of autumn training and racing. Cool temperatures! The smell of falling leaves! Hidden slugs everywhere! What's not to love? Answer: nothing. But lest you think summer was just a ball-broiling waste of your time, consider the following:
1) Nothing gets a person conditioned like training in heat and humidity. Nothing. If you've kept up with your training all summer long, right now you are basically a MACHINE. Once the moisture leaves the air, you will practically find a whole other gear. My running husband says fall is when you capitalize on your summer training. He is correct. You have spent the summer paying your dues and now they will be repaid with interest.
2) Your refuel strategy is probably amazing. In the heat, you have to hydrate. In the cool weather, you will be USED to hydrating a lot, and therefore you will have a massive advantage in any distance events or workouts you do. Don't slack on your water intake because the weather is colder. You still need it.
3) Hello to the falling leaves! So beautiful! So slippery. Be careful on those leaves, especially when they're wet. Also, fallen walnuts and such will really ruin your day if you aren't looking out for them. They call it "fall" because a lot of crap is falling all over the place. Break yo'self.
4) Bust out the cold-weather gear! But be hesitant to overdress. Remember, if you are working hard you can wear shorts and a tank top even in 40-degree weather. But you don't want your extremities to freeze, right? Strike this delicate balance with accessories. A headband and light gloves (or arm warmers) might be all you need, and they are easily removed and carried if you get too warm. Also, don't bring a jacket if you will only need it for a mile. Do you really want to tie that around your waist and Sherpa it home like a menstrual woman in a Mentos commercial? No. No, you do not.
5) Fall races! They are everywhere! Look some up. Train for something. Take advantage of the gorgeous weather and set a new PR. Keep your momentum going into the winter. On that note...
6) Make a plan for winter. Make your plan NOW. A lot of people let themselves get out of shape in the winter, only to have to "get it back" in the spring for their next race season. Do not become a statistic. Do not gain winter weight. Stay in shape. HAVE A PLAN. Write the plan down. Make it your mission to get in even better shape through the holidays. It is easier to stay in shape than to get in shape. Remember this and plan for it!
Enjoy a beautiful autumn of walking!
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