Fall is by far my favorite season for all things, especially running. Cool, crisp mornings and sun shining afternoons. Beautiful foliage and less humidity are a runner’s dream! Fall running can also be tricky to dress for. Here are my Fall running essentials and tips to help you opt outside all season long. This post contains affiliate links.
Fall running essentials & tips to opt outside all season
Dress for temps 10 degrees warmer
Cool mornings make it easy to overdress. As the temps quickly warm, so do you. Dress for temps 10 degrees warmer for maximum comfort.
Don’t skip your warm up
It can be tempting to just run right out the door and keep moving when temps start to drop. Improve your run and help to stay injury free by warming up for at least 5 minutes.
[5 warm ups you have time to do]
Layer it up
A lightweight fall jacket is a must! Look for something wind and water repellant. Hooded styles are ideal and can help keep you dry from unexpected rain.
This Patagonia Houdini is my pick. Elastic cuffs, water repellant and light. This jacket folds up into one of its pockets for storage. Covers hips and rear. Currently available in 11 colors. Size up for a looser fit.
Protect your face
Sunscreen is still a must for fall running. I choose a mineral based product with built in moisturizer and a slight tint. This Super Goop Glow Screen 40 spf is my pick year around.
Have a go to base layer
Having a go to base layer that will take you into fall and through winter is key. Look for a long sleeve top with sweat wicking material. I discovered the Lululemon Run Swiftly base layer 5 years ago and have never gone back. In fact, I still have the original tops. They are by far, my most used piece of running gear from October to March. Currently avail in 16 colors.
Be Seen By Cars
Wear something with reflective material in it.
Lightweight gloves or liners
While it may not be cold enough for your winter running gloves, sometimes a light glove is in order for. Look for a liner type that is lightweight and easy to store in a pocket when you warm up. These ReflecToes are designed for temps 20-60 with High-Res visibility perfect for runners.
Capri Pants
Capri pants are my staple fall running essential and are perfect for temps above 40 degrees. Look for a compression fit with dry wicking material for maximum comfort. Bargain buy are these popular Old Navy high waisted Elevate crops available in 4 colors (currently on a major sale)
Like pockets? Me too and these Athleta Ultimate Stash Pocket Capri are great quality with a comfy high waist.
The versatile vest
Last but certainly not least! Having a few versatile vests will help to bridge the temps between fall and winter. They keep core warm but leave the arms a little more free. Every running wardrobe needs at least one. I like this weather resistant Smart Wool ultra light vest and this Oiselle Vigor with reflective detail as great layering pieces for the season.
Don’t let the weather keep you inside. Get out and enjoy all the fall season has to offer runners. Dress the part with these Fall Running Essentials. Tell me your fall running essentials.
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Laura, Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
I like that the Lululemon base layer is so long and covers the hips nicely!
I have one from Odlo, but it’s not long enough. And then it always rolls up to my waist during a run and I have to pull it down every few minutes. So annoying!
Thanks for the tips, Deborah!
It is by far my favorite shirt I have it in many colors. A good investment
This fall I’ve been wearing alot of shorts with compression socks, and layers on top. I got a jacket from Brooks that has been perfect for rainy mornings that are cooler but not freezing. It’s so helpful to have a variety of options to wear this time of year!
Yes it is the weather seems to change dramatically from day to day sometimes
Yes to vests!! I have been wearing them on my rides (with arm warmers ) for maximum comfort & easy arm movement.
vests are definitely the best!
Love your tips Deborah! The hardest one for me is the sunscreen. I know it is so important but it is so hard for me to remember every time I go out for a run. Thankfully, my face moisturizer has SPF 30 so at least my face is covered!
I am sticking to taking care of my face right now too. Tell tale sign of aging!
Dressing for 10 degrees warmer is one tip I have used over the past few years. Sometimes I may be a little cold at the start of a run but i know that I will warm up within the first 5 minutes.
yes it definitely works and keeps you from having to ditch layers early on
I tend to skip sunscreen as soon as I pull out the reflective gear – but since it’s still often sunny by the time I finish a run, I need to remember it!
Me too! My derm reminds me all the time
Great tips! Ugh, I don’t use sunscreen anymore. I have an old bottle and this morning saw it and told myself that I should throw it away.
I am really aiming to put sunscreen on my face daily at least into the winter
Thanks for the tip on the Old Navy capri sale… those are great prices! I have only one pair of capris right now for some reason and I need to fix that!
Definitely do! Glad you found some you like thanks for stopping in
What a great roundup for fall running clothes. I think I’m going to snag one of those running shirts. Sounds like a great option.
They are my favorites
I dress the same almost year round with the exception of the length of my sleeves. 🙂 I do like base layer tops though, and I need to stock up on a few.
yes I suppose your weather does not vary too much over there!
Well, you know these kind of layers don’t come out until January for me.
Fall running where I live is very much the same as summer running. Even the cool morning require nothing more than a warm up. No jackets or capris or base layers.
It’s funny how different things can be.
funny yes and also easy!