With summer feeling like a distant memory we start to look forward to the joys of autumn running. Here’s half a dozen our things we really love about this season…

1. Fresher Weather

Although it’s wonderful to run on a warm summer’s day there’s something invigorating about the crisper mornings and cooler evenings we’re starting to experience. With the right kit, it’s hard to beat the buzz you get from braving a full-on autumn rain storm.

2. Running in the Dark

We’re lucky to run with a club based near Richmond Park. Even when the hour goes back we continue to run in the park with head torches. Better still, by moonlight. Routes, which are familiar by day, take on an entirely new character after dark. Well known landscapes are suddenly more exciting, even a little scary.

Running after dark can feel daring and exhilarating. But without a decent head torch, it can also be a fast-track to a face-plant.

3. Change in Training

Like many runners we alter our training regime with the seasons. It helps keep things varied and interesting. Over the coming months we will be working on our base fitness, with longer off road runs at weekends and replacing some of our interval work with hill sessions. 

4. Cross-Country

The cross-country season is now almost upon us. We’re looking forward to the first fixture of the Thames Valley League this coming Sunday. One of the league events is held on Remembrance Sunday. There is a minute’s silence then it’s off across the muddy Thames-side fields. Cross-country is our favourite race format. If you’ve yet to experience it, we’d urge you to invest in some studded running shoes and give it a go this season.

5. PB Season

The cooler weather, plus the benefits from a change in training, means it's PB season. For the youthful, genuine PBs should be there for the taking. For the more mature among us a PB for the year or a great parkrun age percentage are up for grabs. Time to go for it.

Use autumn as a training window for race season. You’ll establish strong foundations and set yourself up for fast times.

And finally…

6. The Turning of the Year

Running regularly really makes you aware of the changing seasons. The milestones start to come thick and fast now – the first acorns on the ground, the first frost on the windscreen, a growing carpet of fallen leaves underfoot, ice on the puddles. We can’t wait!