Today officially marks the last day of summer. I am a summer girl through and through. I love everything about the long, sun-drenched days, outdoor dinners, beach trips, summer produce and 90 degree temperatures that mean I don’t have to wear a jacket, scarf or boots for months on end. It’s wonderful. My running joke is that my fallback plan is opening a yoga studio in the Caribbean.
I will regret saying this the first time that the temperature drops down into the 40s but this year I’m finding myself ready for the change of seasons. Something about the heat and humidity has felt suffocating these last few weeks and the cool mornings we’ve been experiencing lately have been a breath of fresh air.
So as summer comes to a close I wanted to share my fall race plans with you.
Last weekend this girl convinced me to run the Thunder Road Half Marathon with her in November. We trained together last year but she ended up having to drop out due to an injury. She ran the last three miles of the race with me and I fully credit her for my sub 1:45 finish.
My one caveat in agreeing was “I’m running for fun this year.” While I really thrived on the challenge of training for a PR in 2015, it’s not in the cards for me this year. I just want to run it to enjoy the experience with my friend.
And while we’re on the topic of the weather cooling off, let’s all say a prayer that it’s not as cold as it was last year. It was 25 at the start and 30 at the finish and I was cold for the entire 13.1 miles.
Here’s my game plan for training to “run for fun” this year.
3 days a week, relaxed training plan
Last year was all about paces, tempo and speed work with my training. While it worked, this year I’m just going to focus on running 3x per week (one easy/recovery, one tempo-ish medium distance, one long) at whatever pace feels right that day. I’ll probably start with a 7-8 mile long run this weekend and work up to 12ish.
Keep up the strength focus
Focusing on strength is feeling really good for my body right now so I’m going to continue trying for 3 strength sessions each week. I truly credit strength work as a huge part of my journey to becoming a faster and stronger runner.
Stretching it out
I’ll practice as much yoga as possible and be one with the foam roller and lacrosse ball. I can’t tell you how much rigorous commitment to mobility work helped me with recovering from workouts last year.
Bodywork
Massage and bodywork are invaluable when it comes to pushing your body. We have amazing massage therapists at Metro and I give Dr. Bradberry at Greenapple Sports & Wellness so much thanks for all his help in getting me to the finish last year. We did a lot of active release therapy, kinesio tape and lasers when I was having some foot pain in the late stages of training.
Supplements
I will continue to take my CVS Radiance Platinum Organic Iron, Radiance Platinum B-12 and Prenatal Multi-Vitamin. As I shared in my anemia update post, I continue to take these supplements to help me manage my iron-deficient anemia. When I am feeling anemic running feels so terrible so it’s super important to me to keep this in check.
I am looking forward to beautiful fall running to come and race day!
Giveaway! If you’d like to enter to win a prize pack from CVS with a selection of products and a $25 gift card, leave a comment telling what you’re looking forward to about fall or what your fall running plans are. U.S residents only. Giveaway ends Sunday at midnight EST.
This post is sponsored by #CVSHealthySolutions but the experience and opinions are all my own. Thank you so much for supporting my blog. It means so much to me to connect and share with you.
I’m training for my first half marathon this fall! I completed my first triathlon this summer and I’m excited about the half. My training plan has only 3 days of running in it too (speed/tempo/long-easy). I like the “train like a triathlete” method because it’s so well rounded and mixes it up. Yoga and strength training are always included in my week!
Love the cooler fall temps for running. Training for a 6hr endurance run next month! Yikes ?
my fall running plans include a night 5k, and I am looking forward to boot weather
I’m running a 10 mile in two weeks that is part of the Twin Cities Marathon weekend in St. Paul, Minnesota. I’m hoping for a PR but I typically keep my running to 3-4 times a week as well as I also love doing strength classes and yoga.
I am really looking forward to going to the pumpkin patch and just spending time cozying up watching good movies at home. This fall, I am running the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in San Francisco. Hopefully it isn’t too cold then!
Woot! I’m looking forward to travelling to NYC this Fall, and training for my second half marathon 🙂
I am a fall girl! I look forward to pretty much everything fall. Hiking and seeing the leaving changing, cozy sweatshirts and sweatpants, scarves, boots, pumpkin, apple picking, sleeping with my windows open, going for walks…i could go on forever 🙂
I am looking forward to wrapping up my current training and getting a PR at the Marine Corps Marathon in October and then training in more comfortable weather for the Dopey Challenge at Disney in January!! I highly recommend participating in a Disney race once. They know how to put in a show and it is super fun!
Half marathon training too!
I am looking forward to the crisper, cooler air. I’ve had to cut my dog walks down a bit (my little guy can’t handle the heat for very long) so I am excited to get outside more and ENJOY it…and have him enjoy it too 🙂 Sadly, no race plans for me this fall because I am starting a class on the weekends that ends December. I plan on doing one in the Spring!
Fall means the start of holidays and I look forward to decorating for the different festivities and being with family.
I have been trying to train for my 2nd marathon!
This fall I’m looking forward to long walks with my dog and trying new apple and pumpkin recipes
I love the warm days in fall (still can wear shorts) and the cool, perfect sleeping weather, nights. Also, open windows!
I am looking forward to lighting fall candles, cooking with pumpkin, and most of all, cooler weather! (:
After I finish coaching Cross Country at the high school where I teach, I plan to run the Jingle Bell Jog 10K and S’mores Run 5K and then begin training for my first 1/2 marathon in March.
I am more of a summer girl too but this year’s oppressive heat has me ready for fall! I’m looking forward to wearing boots and sweaters and all the fall food.
I’m looking forward to going apple picking!
Sounds like a great plan 🙂 I’m looking forward to somewhat cooler temps in FL. Hopefully for my marathon in November!
Summer is usually my season for a lot of running (I’ll admit, I’m a fair weather runner and only run once a week on the treadmill in the snowy/icy winter months to maintain some base of running!) but this year I just wasn’t feeling it as much so my goal for Fall is to get in two good, moderate length runs before the winter weather sets in!
Oops! I meant two runs per week!
I love pretty much everything about fall – the leaves, the cooler air, apple picking, pumpkins, and the crispness of it all, just not how it starts getting dark out early 🙁 Fall running plans are in flux right now with some shin issues, but I love fall running and just want to get out there!
I am looking forward to cozy sweater, boots and better running weather!
Base training for Boston marathon in April. As a masters runner, preventing injury with strength and cross training is a major component.
I am so looking forward to running my first half in a while in November. It is on the seacoast here in NH. I have 4 active boys and a private practice and while I have continued running, I have not raced in a while due to my husband being ill and my running partner having surgery for cancer. I LOVE the fall in New England, chill in the morning air, crunchy leaves and that “smell” of grapes on the vine that any new englander will understand. Best of luck with your race and I share your blog and recipes with many of my clients! We all love PB Runner! (and your pups!)
I have my first weighlifting competition in 2 weeks! After that, I’m also doing a “for fun” 1/2 marathon in November. I ran the same on last year so I’m curious to see how prepping for the weightlifting competition will translate to my 1/2 time!
I’m training for a halloween half marathon! I had to drop out of the same race last year due to injury so I’m excited to be back 🙂
I’m looking forward to scarves and boots and sweaters! Also, I’m looking forward to focusing more on yoga: I like practicing in the colder months so much more!
I am most looking forward to getting the OK from my doctor to run. I have a stress fracture in my tibial bone right now, but I have an appointment in two weeks. Hoping for good news!
I am looking forward to getting back into running- for enjoyment! I took the summer off to get a physical (knees suck) and mental break, but I am feeling ready to get back on the roads and enjoy the crisp air. I LOVE fall running!
I am excited for squash and all things pumpkin! My running goals are to slowly get running again when my foot pain truly heals! I miss running but I know it’s Important to take the time off now and prevent future problems!!!
I’m looking forward to all things pumpkin and watching college football this fall 🙂
Can’t wait for the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving day!
I’m excited for the weather to finally cool down! Fall running is the best running!
I’m looking forward to cooler, fresher air on my morning and evenings walks with my dog, and waking up to the sun again, once the time changes! I’m not much of a long distance runner, I prefer just 5K’s, but I would like to do more “fun” races, like the Wipeout Run, Color runs.
Fall is only good for more creativity in the kitchen 😉 The Busy season for a food blogger begins!
I live in hot, humid Charleston, SC, so what I’m most looking forward to about fall is being able to take my three dogs on longgggg walks in the park and on the beach…without being drenched in sweat ten minutes in!
I’m looking forward to finally running in cooler weather!
hiking and apple picking!
I live in coastal south Florida so fall here is a welcome change. Less humidity & easterly winds mean cooler ocean temperatures and more body surfing. I ran 6 miles on Monday & was drenched in sweat.
I hope some racing…just need to get over a nagging injury
I hope to tackle a half this Fall and maybe even work up to a marathon in the spring! Eek!
I am really looking forward to the changing leaves (and my wedding). Fall might be my favorite season. I am running my first half marathon on October 11th! I am excited and terrified. I’ve had to take a short break from training because of some mild annoyances in my feet and shins, but my goal is to cross that finish line even if it means a mix of walking and running.
Yay, happy fall to you! Exciting times ahead! 🙂 Give yourself a break to feel better before the race. You are ready for it!
My plans for the Fall is to get back into a good groove with running. I had a baby 4 months ago and after some yoga and strength training, I feel like I can start to finally start running again. Looking forward to it!
I’m really looking forward to wearing boots, picking apples and dressing my daughter up for halloween 🙂
I’m looking forward to boots and cooler weather(it’s still really hot in San Diego)!
My goals are similar to yours, especially the running for fun. I am also planning to do a non timed century ride that involves lots of contests and food stops. As a person recovering from Anorexia athletica, moving my body for health and not racing is the goal. Thanks for the giveaway!
I’m definitely looking forward to cooler weather!
I’m looking forward to cooler weather and breaking out my sweaters and boots. Fall will be spent training for a half marathon on November 8th!
I am looking forward to wearing boots and football!
Since moving to Columbia, SC, we totally look forward to fall weather for the ability to work-out outside without feeling like you are drowning in your own sweat. We love running the State House steps and walking to breakfast on the weekends!! And opening the windows :o)
I am so excited for fall weather. I would live in fall for 6 months of the year if I could! Something about the briskness in the air just makes me feel alive.
My favorite thing about fall is bringing back my Sunday tradition of baking fresh homemade bread to go with a big Dutch oven of homemade soup. It’s just too hot to turn on the oven this time of year. Unfortunately I’ll have to wait a little longer for “fall” here… Still in the 90s!
I live in Florida so…. a break from 90% humidity will be great!
Running without being sweatily uncomfortable, being outside all day, eating on the porch… it’s going to be wonderful.
My favorite things about fall are mountain hikes with the leaves changing, making soup, and watching football.
I’m looking forward to finishing my yoga teacher training and *hopefully* start teaching!
My running has become my secondary form of training right now. I’ve just started CrossFit, so I would like to work on getting better in that area. I’ll supplement with running on my off days. My plans for this fall include lots of reading and eating pumpkin-flavored items!
I’m still looking for a half marathon for November and then a full after the new year. I love fall running! Could use some more vitamins too : )
I love fall running! The cooler temps and no humidity make such a difference. I’m running a fun 5K with a bunch of friends at the beginning of October and then a half marathon over Columbus Day weekend. After those races, I’m going to take a bit of time off from training!
I’m looking forward to fall running, too. I do much better w/ the cooler temps when I run. We are also headed up north this wknd to a B&B to get in some hiking, biking, & golf & enjoy the changing leaves.
I’m just looking forward to fall to get rid of the AZ summer weather! No big fall running plans, since I had a traumatic half marathon experience last October (again with the AZ high temps, ugh.) I think fall 2016 will be my triumphant return to running!
Fall means college football, which overshadows everything else (even my cravings for all things pumpkin spice)!
I LOVE fall running. I had been going back and forth on signing up for another half marathon next month and this inspired me to just do it! I’ve been training and getting my long runs in but I’m finally ready to commit. This one will be just for fun as well!
looking forward to getting settled in to a new city (we just moved cross country) and running in CA is just beautiful – love that lack of humidity!
I’m looking forward to cooler weather and lower humidity here in Florida. I do miss the beautiful fall colors that we enjoyed when we lived in the Midwest, but I DON’T miss ice storms, snow days and single-digit wind chills! 🙂
I had a baby two weeks ago so I’m taking the fall off from running…but its usually my favorite season to hit the pavement! I’m looking forward to SEC Football games & sweaters this fall!
i LOVE all the fall foods – apples, brussels sprouts, pumpkin, butternut squash, crockpot soups/stews/roasts. its my favorite time of year for food 🙂
I am training for the Thunder Road Marathon! Have been LOVING this cooler weather….keep it coming! Of course, my two fall favorites are football and all things pumpkin!
Looking forward to fall foods, runs and it actually feeling like football season!
I’m looking forward to cooler weather in the mornings to run in, and lots of hot chocolate! 🙂
I look forward to all things pumpkin!
I’ve been training for my first marathon coming up this fall (Marine Corps)! I can’t wait for all of the warm recipes and baking that come with fall!
I’m treating myself to a pair of warm running leggings this fall so I don’t have to only stick to the treadmill. Treat yo’self!
I’m training for a half marathon in November and another one in February!
My fall running plans are just to get out and enjoy running as much as I can. It’s my favorite time of the year to run. I’ve been trying to train for a half marathon but a persistent ankle injury has been preventing me to so I want to put that on the back burner until I am fully recovered after surgery and just enjoy my running for now
I’m looking forward to cooler weather, cozy evenings and let’s be honest, PSLs!!
I am looking forward to Fall hikes with my husband.
I’m a summer girl too, but something about the start of fall makes me yearn for a change and new beginning. I’m a sucker for pumpkin, cinnamon and other fall goodies and plan to do some brisk morning runs and evening walks with friends 🙂
Hiking, THE SMELL of leaves and all the pumpkin things 🙂
looking forward to my october marathon and finally breaking the 4 hour mark!
I am challenging myself this fall with my first ever half marathon trail race, the longest trail race I have done to date is 10K.
I love Fall! It’s my favorite season, so I’m looking forward to many crisp Fall walks outside early in the morning and finally drinking my coffee hot instead of iced!
I don’t have any fall racing plans because I’m sidelined with an injury but one thing I’m looking forward to is starting a new job! I start a job that I hope will be wonderful on Monday and it feels like such a great time to start something new, with the change of seasons and all.
I’m looking forward to those mornings when it’s just crisp enough to feel refreshing and make that cup of hot coffee taste extra good while sipping it on the back porch!
No running plans, I’m more of a sprinter, weight and HIIT girl.
Fall, looking forward to the changing of the leaves.
The coziness of fall is what I’m excited about. Camp fires, s’mores, red wine, everything pumpkin and being able to sit outside without the heat of summer and the brutal cold of winter. I love fall.
Looking forward to start training for the San Fran half marathon in November!
I am looking forward to getting back into running this fall with great weather and healed injuries!
Vulcan 10K and Mercedes Half! Part of the fun this year is going to be “training” with my 5 and 7 year olds as they get ready for their Kid’s Mercedes Marathon. They’ll run 25.2 miles between now and February and run their last mile the day of the race. My 7 year old daughter is really embracing running and it makes me so happy! When I run alone I miss her 🙂
I’m hoping to increase my endurance this fall. I ran a 15k last month and am looking forward to getting strong enough to run a half marathon or marathon. Considering I had never ran more than 8k before that race, it’s so exciting to be increasing mileage! 🙂
Hi! I’m looking forward to lots and lots of tea!
I always love fall b/c it is the best time to ride my mountain bike. My husband and I always plan a mountain bike trip somewhere and this year we aren’t going too far but will be headed to Chattanooga.
I am looking forward to wearing my riding boots!
Sooo excited for fall – comfort foods like soup, holidays, boots, cozy sweaters. I’m running my 2nd half in just over a week and contemplating signing up for another in November! I’m so loving running in the cooler temps after training in the heat and humidity all summer.
I’m looking forward to cooler weather (hiking and running outside without overheating!), halloween, and all things pumpkin!
I absolutely love fall! Looking forward to fall marathons (running the Lake Tahoe Marathon in a couple weeks) as well as trips to the Apple Orchard! If you’re ever in Michigan, you gotta get yourself some Michigan apples and warm apple cinnamon donuts. Perfection 🙂
I’m looking forward to lots of farm fresh apples and lovely foliage!
I’m looking forward to crisp air and hiking!
I’m most looking forward to Halloween, scary movie marathons, apple cider, changing leaves, and finally being able to wear my favorite boots again.
Well, I just went apple picking for the first time this fall so I can check that one off my list! But I;m looking forward to cozy sweaters, red wine, baking and stews for dinner, and the leaves changing colors!
My favorite part about fall is the beautiful colors when the world turns from green to orange/yellow/red.
Like some of the other comments I am also looking forward to the marine corps marathon! But I will be running it with an extra spring in my step and a smile on my face because I’ll be running it with my husband who gets back from Afghanistan in less than two weeks! 😀
Oh…and I am looking forward to scurrying into a hot yoga sanctuary when it is cold outside and going “Ahhhhhhhhh……….” 🙂
I’m looking forward to cooler weather and wearing boots and sweaters
I’m looking forward to some great runs in the beautiful fall weather..sunny but not too hot! Plus the leaves changing really makes for some gorgeous scenery.
I’m looking forward to running in crisp morning weather and coming back to a bowl of oatmeal!
I’m looking forward to crisp mornings and warm afternoons!
I’m running a marathon in mid-October!
I will be going back to work in a few weeks, so those are my plans.
I am just starting to run, so I am taking it slow. But I would like to enter some runs that aren’t too difficult.
I live in Arizona so our fall doesn’t start until November if we’re lucky! I’m looking forward to cooler temps so I can play outside with my boys while wearing leggings & drinking hot coffee.
I am looking forward to focusing on yoga this fall after a summer full of running and crossfit. My body feels like it needs a little break and I need to get my flexibility back!