Fall is in the air and as the cooler temperatures drift through Central Texas, it makes it really easy to want to be outdoors every minute of every day. Let's face it, this is a welcome change coming off the second hottest summer in recorded history. Our surrounding lakes, streams and creeks still indicate the devastation from 68 days above the 100-degree mark, as do most of the front yards throughout the area that demonstrate the new mantra brown is the new green. But, for us outdoor enthusiasts who may have been relegated to indoor workouts over the past several months, the sudden influx of cooler air makes us want to get out there and run forever. But be careful. If you have traded your outdoor runs for gym routines, it is best to ease back into running. Yes, easing into anything can be difficult with the cooler air calling, but too much too soon can cause some significant problems, the worst being unable to get out and enjoy this great weather with your friends because you've managed to injure yourself.
Many groups have already started marathon and half-marathon training for races later in the fall or winter. The lower humidity and temperatures allow you to go farther and faster with the same amount of effort. And with a lack of pollutants in the air, such as ozone, just the act of breathing feels good again.
If you did manage to brave the conditions and run over the summer, your legs should be conditioned enough to add some extra miles now so that you're ready for a long race later this fall or winter. But, if you haven't run in some time or have been injured, it may be wiser to set your sights on a 5K for the fall and then select a fun 10K for the spring. This does not make light of the 5K or 10K. On the contrary Usain Bolt is no less of a runner for breaking records in the 100 and 200-meter events compared to Ryan Hall breaking records in the half-marathon. Running any distance in this weather makes us feel more alive and it doesn't matter if we went one complete loop around Lady Bird Lake or did three miles between the bridges. It's all good.
One downfall you'll want to be aware when fall arrives is possibly running too much. It's tempting to want to be on the trail running a couple of times a day and say goodbye (temporarily until winter comes) to your gym friends. Too much of a good thing is never good whether it's champagne, caviar, weight lifting or running. "Its all about moderation," said Geoff Dyer, "Everything in moderation. Even moderation itself. From this it follows that you must from time to time, have excess. And this is going to be one of those occasions." So the cool breeze provides incentive to go a little longer but don't make it too much longer. Remember, a well balanced program including flexibility, strength training, cross training along with a variety of running workouts makes for the healthiest runner.
The key may lie in moving all of your workouts outdoors while the great weather is with us. Do a little running, stop and do a few pullups at one of the exercise areas along the trail. Add some squats, crunches, some stretching afterwards and before you know it you've spent pleasurable time outdoors without pushing yourself too far in any one direction. In the end, its still about enjoying yourself and getting the best workout you can, all without pushing yourself to the breaking point.