Fall Running Tips from Eric Gandler
Fall can be one of the best seasons for running in Clifton Park, NY. Cooler temperatures make longer runs more comfortable, humidity begins to drop, and the changing leaves make getting outside particularly enjoyable.
But fall also brings a change that runners shouldn’t overlook: less daylight.
Morning runs that took place in full daylight during summer can suddenly begin before sunrise. An after-work run can start in daylight and finish after dark.
For Eric Gandler, adjusting your running routine as the seasons change is simply part of training year-round in Clifton Park and the Northeast. A few small changes can make fall running safer and more enjoyable.
Don’t Assume Drivers Can See You
One of the most important rules of low-light running is simple:
Being able to see a car doesn’t mean the driver can see you.
At dawn, dusk, and night, runners can be surprisingly difficult for motorists to spot—particularly when wearing dark clothing.
When you’re running near traffic, make visibility a priority.
Consider wearing:
- Reflective running gear
- A reflective vest
- Light-colored clothing
- Flashing safety lights
- A headlamp or chest light
The goal isn’t fashion. It’s making yourself noticeable as early as possible.
A Headlamp Helps You See AND Be Seen
A headlamp isn’t only useful for illuminating the road.
It also makes you much easier for other people to notice.
For runners in Clifton Park, this can be particularly useful on neighborhood roads, sidewalks, and paths where street lighting varies.
A good running light can help reveal:
- Potholes
- Uneven pavement
- Fallen branches
- Wet leaves
- Curbs
- Other obstacles
That becomes increasingly important as fall progresses.
Watch Out for Wet Leaves
Colorful fall leaves are great to look at.
They’re not always great to run on.
Wet leaves can become surprisingly slippery, and piles of leaves can hide cracks, potholes, rocks, and other hazards.
If you encounter a heavily covered section of pavement, slow down and shorten your stride.
A few seconds added to your run is much better than a fall that interrupts your training for several weeks.
Change Your Route When Necessary
Your favorite summer route may not be your best fall route.
A quiet road that feels perfectly comfortable at 7:30 p.m. in July can feel very different at the same time in October.
Eric Gandler Running encourages runners to consider seasonal route changes.
During darker months, look for routes with:
- Better street lighting
- Sidewalks or dedicated paths
- Lower traffic
- Familiar intersections
- Good visibility
You can always return to your favorite longer routes when daylight allows.
Run Against Traffic When Appropriate
When you’re running on a road without a sidewalk, facing traffic generally gives you a better opportunity to see approaching vehicles and react if necessary.
However, runners should always follow local laws and use sidewalks or designated paths when available and appropriate.
Stay alert around intersections and driveways as well. Drivers may be looking primarily for other vehicles rather than runners.
Don’t Let Headphones Disconnect You From Your Surroundings
Music and podcasts can make a long run more enjoyable, but situational awareness becomes more important in low-light conditions.
If you use headphones, keep the volume low enough that you can still hear what’s happening around you.
You should be able to notice:
- Approaching vehicles
- Bicycles
- Other runners
- Dogs
- People approaching from behind
Some runners choose to use only one earbud or switch to open-ear headphones when running outside.
Whatever method you prefer, don’t let entertainment eliminate your awareness of your surroundings.
Tell Someone Where You’re Going
If you’re heading out alone before sunrise or after dark, let someone know where you’re running and approximately when you expect to return.
Many phones and fitness watches also offer location-sharing or emergency features.
You may never need them.
That’s exactly what you want.
Fall Temperatures Can Be Deceptive
Shorter days aren’t the only adjustment runners need to make during fall in Clifton Park.
Temperatures can change dramatically throughout the day.
A comfortable afternoon may turn into a chilly evening quickly once the sun goes down.
Light layers can help.
Instead of dressing for how you feel while standing outside, remember that your body will generate heat once you start running.
Breathable layers that can be removed or adjusted are often more comfortable than one heavy layer.
Give Yourself Time to Adjust
The seasonal transition can affect your routine.
Maybe your morning run now requires a headlamp. Perhaps your evening route needs to change. You might have to move some workouts to weekends when you can run during daylight.
That’s okay.
Successful runners learn to adapt rather than expecting conditions to remain the same all year.
Don’t Forget How Good Fall Running Can Be
It’s easy to focus on the challenges of shorter days, but fall running in Upstate New York has plenty of advantages.
Cooler temperatures can make harder workouts more comfortable. Fall scenery can make familiar routes feel new again. And after running through summer heat and humidity, crisp autumn air can feel fantastic.
For runners around Clifton Park and the Capital Region, this can be one of the most enjoyable times of the entire year to get outside.
Learn More About Eric Gandler
For more articles about running, exercise, training, and staying active throughout the year, visit:
https://ericgandlerrunning.com/
You can also learn more about Eric Gandler in Clifton Park at:
Final Thoughts
Shorter days don’t have to mean shorter running seasons.
They simply require a little preparation.
Wear something visible. Carry a light when conditions require it. Choose your route carefully. Pay attention to traffic and your surroundings. And don’t hesitate to adjust a workout when conditions don’t feel right.
For Eric Gandler and runners throughout Clifton Park, fall is too good a running season to miss.
Be visible. Stay aware. Keep running.
