10 Things We Love About Fall

Soon the air will be crisp, grocery stores will have pumpkins, and leaves will fall from their trees.  Enter FALL!  So long are the dog days of summer and back into Autumn, my favorite time of year for so many reasons.

We can enjoy Fall Foliage, if you’re so lucky to live in a region that has a change of seasons, like Beth Shutt in PA who says, “The colors are amazing!”  

While me, in Arizona, I just look forward to the sub 90 degrees, that’s how WE know it’s coming. That’s cool to us.  And along with Cooler Weather, Hailey says she hates losing the light, but it’s definitely a signal that the off-season is here.  Cool weather means better running, for all of us.  No more dragging butt though your hot long runs anymore.  Your water bottles may just start to stay cool for the whole ride. Our fitness is at its peak and we’re back into the last few triathlons of the year.  Kona will be here before we know it! And so will Ironman Arizona and Cozumel, and all of our own favorite local races of all distances.  Summer was just a break in the season, giving us a chance to train our butts off for race season.

The Days are Shorter and Sleeping In gets to be enjoyed again.  Of course it’s harder to get up anyways, when it starts to get cold outside of your snuggly comforter.  This is for sure the best time of year to be out there running.

Some areas actually have a Running season, and now is the time!  The roads, trails, and canals are soon to be crowded with groups of friendly runners training for various winter marathons. 

And how excited are you to break out a whole new wardrobe? Cycling Knee Warmers, SOAS Arm Warmers, gloves, LED headlamps!  Yes, this is just the cycling stuff I thought of.  But come the season to wear comfy Hoodies and sweaters, scarves, corduroy.  I can’t say yet, that I’m ready to give up my tank tops, but it will be fun to dive into my trunk and see what’s been hidden away since March.

And after those chilly rides we love Mint Hot Chocolate and Hot Coffee.  Wait, is mint too early? Should we be talking Pumpkin spiced lattes first? Who doesn’t like Pumpkin spiced anything?  Pie, bread, coffee, muffins, scones, pancakes, candles.  Pumpkin Porter anyone?

 You can make just about anything delicious with a little pumpkin love.  Even your post ride recovery Pumpkin Muscle Milk Smoothie, Hailey’s favorite! And I love all of the other delicious fall squashes and root vegetables that start popping up at the farmer’s markets.

And of course sharing all of your long missed time with Family and friends.  Thanksgiving is here in just a few more weeks.

Whether you’re finishing up your race season, or diving into something new.  Enjoy into the season, and make it count!  And put some whipped cream on that pumpkin pie, you deserve it!

Karleen Dirmantas- SOAS Ambassador