Fall Running.
Perfection.
There is just something so great about running in the months between the hot hot summer and the snow/ice/hands fall off season. September and October runs just hit the spot for me. It is a little cold when you first start running but after about a mile you don’t even think about the temperatures because your body feels just right.
Today was my first short sleeved run in a long time. It was about 50 degrees when I finished my 6 miles (7:58 pace). These really are my favorite months of running (I also adore April and May because I am finally defrosting).
There is a big fire up the canyon and so it was pretty smokey out but still a gorgeous morning.
And then I came across this snake statue and it scared me half to death because I thought I really had come across a white rattlesnake.
I’ve already started my ‘please, oh please have the temperatures on marathon day be perfect and a little bit chilly’ prayers. Let’s hope they work.
Last year when I ran St. George Marathon the weather was perfect. I was cold at the start of the race and the first 20 felt pretty perfect. It wasn’t until the last 10k that I started feeling the sun a bit and the last mile or so that I was hot. The St. George Marathon has some REALLY hot race days so let’s just hope that this year is pretty identical to last year. Oh, and a paragraph or two about having a tailwind has also been added to my prayers.
Ever wondered what temps your body does the best with when running a marathon? (source)
I got back to my parents’ house after my run, got Brooke up and ready for school and did my core work while she ate breakfast.
And It started.
She said, ‘Mama, you are weird’ while I was doing my sit-ups.
I have been back on a candy kick lately (sour candy has been calling my name especially) but the marathon is too close to keep up with it. So these beauties are going to be my last pieces of candy before the marathon. I will celebrate my race at the finish line with some sour gummy worms.
Goodbye for now. I’ve got to fill up on nutrients (and froyo occasionally because I don’t know how to say goodbye to that).
Lunch was my sweet potato, chicken and avocado combination and I am still in my ridiculously comfortable sweats that Brooks sent over.
The Women’s Joyride Pant and the Women’s Joyride Hoodie.
The pants—> “They’re made with DriLayer Sheep-ish wool blend that wicks moisture, inhibits odors, and helps regulate body temperature, all with a slick jogger-pant look.” I am in love with them because of the WIDE/flat waistband, the pockets, the fact that I could live in them for the rest of my life and be happy and that they are long enough (I’m almost 5’9”).
The jacket—> It is made with the same material as the pants! I love the thumb holes, it has a fitted/flattering fit, the ruched sleeves, it is crazy soft because of the DriLayer and the “media port zipper pull—> plus a notch in the zipper pull that holds your headphone cord in place.” Good stuff.
So, I watched this episode of the office last night at 1 a.m. (my brain would not stop racing). I think this is my favorite scene ever on the entire show. Can anyone name the episode?
I also came across these emoji leggings last night. You have to admit, they are pretty sweet and they would be pretty fun to run in.
And last and probably least, we tried to take a serious face selfie and this is how it came out:
Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday!!!
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Absolute favorite running months?
Office fan? Favorite episode? Favorite character?
Ever seen a snake (a real one) while you were out for a run?
When do you fit in your core work? Before or after a run? Or a random time during the day?
68 comments
Natalie
Is that the episode that Toby comes back?? I love that show. The beach episode was one of my faves!
I love running in October and November before it gets really cold!
Sarah @ SarahRuns26
I love the serious selfie. That’s awesome.
Why would someone have a fake snake in their landscaping?! I think my heart would have jumped out of my chest if I saw that. I have seen a few snakes, mostly small ones (that still freak me out) but a couple pretty big ones. They are my least favorite thing ever.
Favorite running months, fall and spring. I love cool/cold temps when I start, but I would prefer to not freeze my butt off when I run also.
Meredith
I absolutely hate snakes and I freaked out at the picture you posted. It took me several reads to even see you said it was a statue! Yikes….that would have ruined my morning.
I love your new comfie sweats! They are so cute :)
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
That is the cutest selfie ever! You look a lot alike in that pic! As for temps, I agree with you that fall and spring are the best temps to run in!
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
That snake would make me scream with fear if I saw it. It’s too realistic looking! I have not seen snakes on runs but I’ve seen them on hikes and far too many times growing up in Missouri.
September, October, and November are my favorite running months. I love the cool weather!
Annie R
October and November are def my favorite running months! September can still be a little too warm (it got up to 95 today in Boston, and boy that air is THICK)
I like The Office, but Parks and Rec will always, always have my heart. As you will notice on my blog and the obsessive use of Chris Traeger quotes/gifs.
I HAVE seen a snake while on a run before in Colorado and I swear my heart stopped working for .5 seconds.
When I’m good enough to do my core work it’s after my run.
Also –> ordering those sweats right now.
Jessica
The Office is my absolute favorite show! I don’t know why, but I always LOVED Traveling Salesman/The Return when the salespeople team up to go on calls and Dwight goes to work for Staples briefly.
I’m pretty sure the episode you watched is the one where Toby comes back :-)
I love summer running. I actually run better in the spring and fall, but I love not having to think about my running outfit!
Jennife @ JenChoosesJoy
Best running month: October
I love the office and Stanley was my favorite character!
I’ve seen snakes on the trails.
Core work: I do it right before bed along with foam rolling.
Rachel
Favorite running months: October, November, and December!
I’ve never really watched the Office, but I definitely want to!
I’ve never seen a live snake on a run, but I have seen one squished on the pavement.
I either do my core work right after a run or in the afternoon when I have some time.
Megan D
The Office = bueno. There are so many I enjoy. But I think my favorite ‘opener’ is where Jim dresses up at Dwight or the ‘future Dwight’ one. Jim is my favorite character. Favorite to look at.
I am going to steal those sweats from you. I’m obsessed with them. You have been warned.
Fall running is the best. The. Best.
Emma
My favorite running months are usually Septemeber to November, but this September is supposed to be wicked hot! I like the fall months because it’s cool enough that I don’t have to run at 5am and can go after school instead!
I have never seen a snake on a run but I have seen rabbits :)
I always say that I’ll do core work later but never get around to it!
Gabby @ gogabbith
You must have a lot of willpower to give up candy! I think that scene has to do with Toby but I cannot remember. I love seasons 1-6 of The Office but it kind of loses it’s magic for me in the later seasons. Running during Sept-Nov and April-June is my favorite! I like to do core work after a run but if I do it before I am more likely to get it done.
Alyssa
Natalie beat me to it! I was going to say the episode Toby comes back ha I love the Office. Gotta love that Jim ;)
I can’t do serious faces in pictures at all, so you ladies look great to me!
Rachel @ Simply Rachel Nicole
I absolutely love those sweats, and Fall temperatures are definitely the best :)
Barbara
October thru April is good here for outdoor runs.
That snake is REALLY scary! I am really really picky about sweatpants, those look awesome.
This is the worse time of year for me and the sweets because I love candy corn and all things pumpkin (except pie, it’s a texture thing)
jenny
Well … I’m here in SW FL so the best months are Jan-March. Right now I just try to wake up early enough to get my full run in before any sun shines down.
As for core … i’ve been slacking. Honestly I am training for my first marathon and my training plan has runs only. I’m trying to remember to throw in some cross and core. All suggestions are welcome!!!
Erica
The episode where Ross and Rachel finally kiss.
Still trying to figure out when to do core work so it doesn’t feel like I am doing it.
Sarah
I’m running St. George too and I think I might die if it’s hot! I ran 16.5 today in Pasadena and it was over 85 when I finished and I felt like I was going to melt away! I’m praying the weather is good! My favorite months to run in Pasadena are November through March! But in Utah I love the fall the VERY most! I saw a rattlesnake on my hike last week and almost peed my pants! Happy Running!
Nona @ RunningHigh
I was just thinking I need to start watching The Office again. Such a great show!
It’s getting chilly here too! It was in the low 50s this morning when I set out. I’m not ready for it yet though!
Christy
love, love, love fall running! I am a little sad that I need a headlamp for my morning runs already.
HATE snakes! I had to leap over one during a 178mi relay race. I’ve seen lots of dead ones on the road and a handful of live ones. There’s a stretch on the road that we occasionally run on that always has a snake sunning itself in the mornings. we dubbed it snake alley. dead or alive you’ll know it b/c I shriek when I come across one!
I’m waiting for that one day when my daughter tells me I’m weird. haha.
MaryM
My daughter said it was Season 5 episode 13 where Toby came back. I loved the episode of the Office where they were running a 5k for rabies awareness. Michael carb loaded with Fettuccine Alfredo right before the 5k. It was so silly!
I love all things fall but in Florida fall comes later than everyone else. I run on the treadmill most of the summer so I can keep up my mileage but when cooler temps hit, I am back outside.
MaryM
I forgot, why would anyone have a snake statue? Sheesh!!! At least it is not the King Cobra which is on the loose in Central Florida. Yikes!! Fortunately, that part of Central Florida is far from my house.
Kate
I love the sweats, but not the price tag! Super cute tho!
I love fall running! It’s the best!
I’ve never watched The Office and never saw a snake on my run. I’d freak!
I usually run first. I’m more motivated to go run so easier to start with that and then I finish up with core.
P.S. I clearly like exclamation points today! Lol ;)
Molly
Tonys return?
My favorite scene is when Dwight sets up a fake fire drill. “Save Bandit!!”
Molly Rose
You and Brooke are nailing the serious selfie. Love it ladies.
January and Feb are probably the best running months here in FL. At best the race will start in high 40s. I’d love to see how I’d do in the colder temps! But then there’d be hills to tackle.. and just no ;)
I try try try to do core work after a run, but am usually too sweaty/exhausted to put full effort into it. So I bust out planks when I can. Hard core (<–pun intended)
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul
That last picture! Too cute!
Valerie
What color is your nail polish? It’s the perfect shade of coral.
I see snakes pretty regularly on the trails around here. They’re bull snakes. I’ve never seen a rattler.
Kathy McElhaney
So Cal Fall months are horrible! It’s 95 today with continued heat for several more days. I’ve seen triple digits in November. But we never have snow and I can run outside all winter, so I guess it’s a good trade-off. I ran my second marathon in November 2012 and after months of heat training it was 36 the morning of – better than the opposite.
Core work? What is that? I am SO bad about neglecting my core.
Sara
You’re so lucky with that 50 degrres! 90 and humid here today, and my school I teach at has no AC! Your marathon is so soon! I’m excited for you
Kristen
I have a snake story. A few years ago I was running on a local trail. The grass had gotten a little high (knee-ish) at one spot but I knew it wasn’t for long so kept running through it. I kicked up a garter snake AND IT SLAPPED AGAINST MY INNER THIGH! I screamed sooo loud and proceeded to run like Phoebe for at least 50 yards.
The worst part? That trail is an out and back.
Gretchen
I can’t wait for those cool days of running! I went at 5AM this morning and it was already 75 degrees and about 70% humidity. That’s just stupid. Hoping that it starts to cool off soon! I absolutely love that sweatsuit and think I might have to order one….
Linda @ The Fitty
Now to calculate 42.3 F to Celsius. ..
jade
I turn the office on when I can’t sleep too!
Karin
I used to love The Office! Fun fact, that was the first show my now husband and I ever watched on our first “hang out” ever. I have lots of favorite episodes but I have to say I looove Pam and Jim’s wedding.
I have come across snakes when I’m running but the worst was on a bike ride with my brother and I was telling him how just around the corner I had seen a snake there the last time I was running and I look forward and a snake was there AGAIN and I ran over it with my bike! I flipped out!
Nina
I definitely prefer fall and spring for running. The cool temps make it a joy.
Do you eat candy the more stressed you are? I notice I’ll crave more sugar when I’m stressed (and really don’t need the extra jittery surge).
Katie T
When Toby returns hahahahaha. Best ever. <3 Michael Scott.
Amanda Olson @runningyourbody
Huge office fan! That is the episode where Toby came back from Costa Rica and Michael didn’t know he was back- so then he tries to frame him for drugs :) love it!
Stacey
I love running in the fall, too… but it’s been 90s here all week! Very weird for upstate, NY.
I have seen garter snakes while running, but I really like snakes and think they’re cool. I wouldn’t want to be bitten by a poisonous one, of course. A white rattler sounds ominous :)
My new thing with core workouts is doing foam roller, rolling planks after my run. Holy moly are those tough! Basically, you get in pushup position with your shins on the foam roller. Then, you roll up and down, kinda going from basic pushup position to a modified cobra position. Just be mindful of your lower back, and you may have to readjust the foam roller every 5 reps or so, depending on your sweatiness/slipperiness!
Stacey
PS: Those sweats look amazing, but I just checked out the price — WOWZERS!! It pains me how much some of these running companies charge. :(
Denise @ An Academic Athlete
Love fall for running! I like it better than spring because I’m usually in good shape from the summer of running, and my times just start dropping with the temperatures. Woo!
I used to LOVE the Office. I have the first 5 seasons on DVD. I haven’t watched the last few seasons though. I can’t have just one favorite episode, but I think the funniest is the Office Olympics at the lake, the sweetest is Pam+Jim’s wedding, and the most heart warming is when Michael shows up to Dwight’s wedding (ok, I’ve seen some episodes from the last few seasons :).
Erin
The 5k for Rabies is my absolute favorite episode of the Office. “I’ve never drank less water and ate more fettuccine alfredo in my life”. Soooo funny!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Best ever. It makes me sick every time I watch it… I can’t imagine running after that!
Katrina
I love the office :) is it the episode where Michael realizes Toby is coming back from Costa Rica?
Sally @ sweat out the small stuff
October for sure!
And core? Oops. I forgot to work on that since 2010 :(
Daisy- Fit Wanderlust Runner
I love running in October and November. But now that I live in San Diego I am not really sure how cold it will get here during the fall/winter months. I’ve been loving this weather though! Oh and I am a huge fan of the Office. Dwight is probably my fave :)
charlie
March can be amazing in the UK for running – I also love May! Warm and sunny but not too wet or hot!
DebtrisforKona
I NEED to fit in core work but always put it off! I go with spring for running…although summer is really pretty, it is too hot for me!
Rpbyn @ Robyn's Livin' Life
I do all my core work in the evening watching TV:) It makes it go by faster! I typically do planks and some sit-ups. Nothing too crazy.
Fall is my favorite, too! It’s still hot here in Virginia, but I see leaves starting to dry out…so I know fall temperatures are coming soon!
Alexis M
Your training seems to be going by so well, congrats! Any updates on the guy? I feel like you’re training so well because everything is falling into place! :)
Donna
I am so jealous of your already 50 degree September running weather. It was 78 degrees with 99% humidity this morning for my run :-( We have a solid month left of this before we can even hope for some 60s!
Toni Ynes
That snake statue needs to be demolished. I’ve seen snakes 4 different times on runs and it’s terrifying – a great adrenaline boost, but not fun.
Fall & winter are my favorite running months, since I live in Tampa. Anytime the temps are less than 80, I’m celebrating!
Clark
I saw something far worse than a snake on my long run a few weekends ago…a skunk. About 15 feet in front of me waddling across the road.
Leslee @ Her Happy Balance
Favorite running month – October! It’s still pretty hot in PA in September but October usually guarantees a cool down.
And I LOVE the office. I’ve seen every episode and I still love Dwight the most. The Michael Scott days were the best.
Arthi
Love love love fall running! October/early November is my fav. Love seeing the leaves change colors and love being able to run around in a long sleeve tech shirt and shorts. It was 60 degrees this morning when I went out for a run and I was able to cover 8 miles without even carrying water … It was glorious.
Core workout is … Slacking! I feel like I should force myself into the 30-day plank challenge!
Robyn
I love that teal shirt in the first photo! Where is it from??
The Hungry Runner Girl
Thanks Robyn! It is a Saucony top!
Heather
I don’t watch Office. I love running March, April, May, October, November. It is so sad that these are the only months that want to cooperate with runners. Seriously that is less than 50%. I’ve seen lots of snakes, but I love nature so I usually stop and look at them and then slowly leave so I can see if anyone screams (I’m so mean)
I do core whereever and whenever. Love the serious look!!!
bakingrunner.blogspot.com
Rachael @ Catch Me if You Can
living in texas i have seen my fare share of snakes on a run but that doesnt mean i dont freak out and cross the street as quick as possible to avoid those suckers! I love nov/dec for running. houston is still pretty hot in sep/oct so late fall early winter is my fav well pretty much all the way until may i love the cold and since temps dont drop down super low i can “enjoy” all the winter months :) love your serious face selfie!
Melissa
-I love November and December! (I love a running in fresh snow!!) :)
-Love The Office, I love Michael and the most favorite episode is the “run for rabies”
-I’ve never seen a snake but I would totally scream, I scream when I see a chipmunk!
-Core work..huh I should do that, LOL :)
Kristin
I love running in the spring and the fall outside! So many wonderful smells!!
My favorite episode would have to be when Jim and Pam get engaged. I loved their wedding too…
What an awesome sunrise to see on your run!
Rachel
What ab workouts do you do?
Reese
I’m so jealous of your weather, it’s still in the 80s and 90s here.
Melissa
My husband and I saw a venomous snake (Cottonmouth/Water Moccasin) while we were out for a run earlier this summer. It was in the road (just off of a golf course, so it probably came from there) and alive(!) and I almost stepped on it. Still gives me goosebumps.
We have lived in our neighborhood almost 9 years and I have never seen a snake while out for a run (and I have pounded a lot of pavement in our ‘hood) so this was especially freaky.
Sheila F
I love Spring and Fall! I live in the south, so unfortunately, awesome Spring and Fall-like weather is over in a blink of an eye! It won’t be Fall-like until maybe the end of October!
I saw 2 dead snakes on the sidewalk (sorry, gross) on a run one morning. Just seeing them there (knowing they were dead) freaked me out still!
I try to get some core work in (planks mostly) in the bathroom before I jump in the shower!
adrianna
i laughed so loud at that face and screamed it in my head, playing the scene when toby comes back. so great.
love fall running, LOVE those sweats, LLLOOOOOOVVVVEEEEE the office!
Erin
I am ordering those sweats right now! If you don’t mind me asking what size you got? I have never ordered pants from Brooks..
Katie
Okay, those sweats are TOO cute. Annnnd you gave me a heart attackw ith that picture of the snake, thankyouverymuch. YIKES.
xo
Amanda S
I see snakes on trail runs. I’m terrified of them. A roadside snake statue is NOT FUNNY!
September is my all time favorite month to run. I started dragging my butt out of bed early with a new job. It’s cool until the sun starts to come up, and then the temperature seems to rise 10 degrees in two minutes.