Here in the Midwest, fall truly is the most wonderful time of year to get out and run. The temps have cooled, the air is crisp and the leaves are at their colorful best. What better time to share some of my favorite fall running essentials?
Long-Sleeve, 1/2 Zip Top: A drop in temps sends me to the gear closet in search of a 1/2 zip. I love the versatility of this simple piece. Thumbholes help keep my hands warm in the early miles. The zipper can adjust up or down as I heat up. The sleeves can be pushed up as well when temps rise. 1/2 zip tops may be the running gear I have the most of. Since it’s cool/cold here for so many months of the year, this should come as no surprise. I’m not going to specify any one brand here because there are several great ones out there. Nike, Under Armour, Brooks and Athleta are all favorites of mine. If you can find one with reflective accents, all the better.
Light Running Jacket. Because fall days can be windy and wet. A light jacket like this LSD (Lightweight Shelter Device) from Brooks is super light and packable, yet offers just the protection you need from the elements. Extra points for being hi-viz, or as Brooks calls it, “retroreflectivity”.
Reflective Tights. Recently I had the opportunity to try a pair of Starlight Compression Tights from Skins. Over the long cool/cold weather months I am all about tights. Reflective ones are even better. I neglected to get a good picture, but there are accents all over these tights that really catch the light when it’s dark. In a nutshell, I really REALLY like these. The fabric is silky, light and supportive in all the right places (knees, hamstrings, ITB). They do feel like a second skin. They have a wider waistband with a perfect pocket right at the small of the back for a key, ID or gel. They’re super high quality and definitely an investment piece, because they’re on the pricey side, but I can tell you I’ll be reaching for them for years to come. They performed perfectly: Completely comfortable, no slipping down, bagging, binding or chafe, in runs up to 10 miles so far. I wash them with my other tech fabrics and they air-dry super quickly. I am uber impressed with Skins and highly recommend them. The holidays are right around the corner and these should be on your list!
RunLites: Face it, it’s dark out there. As much as I love to run early, I loathe running in pitch blackness but RunLites make it totally doable…dare I say even pleasant? I reviewed them here and now RunLites has introduced their Splash line, which includes more cute colors and patterns. How fun are these purple stripes? RunLites are great for more than running, hiking and biking. I swear by them for those night-time dog walks and they were awesome when we trick or treated on Halloween because there’s nothing extra to carry or fumble around with. They’re totally rechargeable, functional and convenient. There’s also a full-glove model to keep your fingers toasty warm in cold climates and a sling model for warmer climates where a glove is not needed.
Headsweats Hi-Viz Race Hat. When the weather cools down, I trade my favorite visor for a favorite hat. This one from Headsweats comes in a variety of fun, hi-viz colors and features reflective trim that I absolutely love. TEAMARCIA saves you 25% on regular priced merchandise on the Headsweats website.
Your turn: What are the go-to fall running essentials you swear by where you live?
I’m linking up with Meranda, Lacey and Rachel for the Friday Five.
I haven’t broken out my half zips yet or my runlites! Soon enough I’m sure.
PS. Love the Mizunos. Which ones are they?
Those are the new Mizuno Wave Rider 20’s. Full review to come!
I’ve been wearing my 1/4 zips recently…..trying to remember the appropriate layering techniques depending on the temps. Funny how 43-degrees and 53-degrees seem like a 30- degree difference. So far, a tank underneath with arm warmers seems to be working 😉
Are the Skins tights heavy enough for cold weather, or are they more compression/recovery tights? I’m in the market for a new pair of winter reflective running tights, but they have to be warm.
And I have some RunLites gloves and love them! I need the ones with fingers, though.
I have been loving the light 1/2 zips for my runs lately. Also capris seem to be perfect for the temps we have been having. Id like to keep this weather all winter and not have to worry about adding on more layers!
I would also suggest some kind of fleece lined top and light gloves. I get so cold so easily.
I’m transitioning from my capris to tights. The half zips have made an appearance. Now I have to figure out what to wear tomorrow. It’s supposed to be 30F.
Wendy for 30 I move to my thermal 1/2 zips. I’m kind of looking forward to 30! : )
I have to admit, I struggle with 1/2 zips – I tend to either go no zip or complete zip, but there are a few that are staples in my wardrobe (there are exceptions to every rule right)? I have to say I love the fact that it’s tights weather again – I LOVE tights. And I really like that jacket you featured! Great post (as always)!
Allll about the quarter zips. LOVE THEM. And my pearl izumi shrug. Makes my life.
I love good running tights- they feel great! I am still waiting to break out a long sleeve shirt here- LOL!
I’ve heard great things about runlites and I really, REALLY need to get some. It’s hard to run around here in the dark due to lack of street lights. Reflective gear really needs to get an upgrade at my house! Thanks for the great list!
I am going to have to break down and try out these Skins tights! All I hear are good things about them!
A light running jacket is key! Especially for those runs in the “in-between” weather.