Does anyone else feel like as soon as August arrived the morning light started to disappear? I’m back to doing almost all of my early morning runs in the dark again already! Late summer and fall is a tricky time for running because it is still warm (in most places) but can be darker in the morning and evening than it was in June and July. This essential running gear for late fall and summer will help you with this tricky transition period!
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Essential Running Gear for Late Summer and Fall
Safety Lights
If you are running in the dark, it can be very helpful to use some sort of safety light, especially if there are not a lot of lights around where you run. While headlamps can do the trick, I really don’t like them for this time of year when it’s still so hot out. (I don’t mind them as much when it’s colder and I’m wearing a headband or hat).
I’ve been using Knuckle Lights this summer, which go around your hand. I just wear one and that gives plenty of light. Another option if you don’t want anything around your hand is to try these Night Runners that are worn on your shoes. I’ve never tried them but they sound like a great idea!
Reflective Vest
Another important safety item for running in the dark is a reflective vest. The one I use is basically just small straps that go over my shoulders and around my waist. It has a nice big pocket in the front where I keep my house key. I definitely don’t want to wear anything heavy or bulky when it’s still so warm out, so this is perfect.
Hydration Packs or a Handheld Water Bottle
For long runs I’ve been using my Camelbak Hydration Pack. I got it like 7 years ago or something and it’s gotten me through many marathon training cycles. It’s on it’s last leg and they don’t make the version I have anymore. (This one looks pretty similar to the one I have.) I’m looking into getting a new one because it seems like there are much nicer ones available now!
I have a handheld water bottle too, but I haven’t been using it much because I have the Knuckle Light in one hand. I don’t want to have both hands occupied with a water bottle and a knuckle light. So even though my runs aren’t super long I’ve just opted to wear the hydration pack to avoid carrying something else in my hand.
Aftershokz Headphones
I don’t listen to music when I run, but I enjoy podcasts on long runs! My Aftershokz headphones have been amazing. I could never find headphone that stayed in my ears and would end up buying cheap ones that broke every 2 months. When I first tried Aftershokz about 3 years ago they were too big. I wanted to try the mini versions but they were sold out everywhere. I finally got them for Christmas in 2018. They are really easy to use and I love that you can still hear what is going on around you!
Transitional Running Gear
As it (eventually) starts to get cooler there are a few things I start wearing to make the transition from summer to fall running. Compression socks are great not only for recovery but also so that you can still wear shorts and cover part of your legs. Arm sleeves are also great when it’s chilly at the start of your run because you can always take them off as you warm up.
There are a few items from Brooks that I got last spring and only wore a few times before it warmed up so I am excited to start using them again this year: Greenlight Capris, Canopy Jacket, and the Stealth Long Sleeve Shirt.
While I am not quite ready to say goodbye to summer, some cooler temperatures would be nice. Based on past years I know that we will probably be dealing with warm weather until September or October, so it’s important to think about what running items you will need for this time of year!
You may also like:
Summer Running Essentials To Help You Train for a Fall Race
Gear and Accessories I’m Loving For Fall Running
Are You Prepared for Summer Running?
Does it stay hot where you are well into the fall months?
Have you been running in the dark more lately?
What other essentials are helpful for this time of year?
Now it’s time for the Runners’ Roundup! Link up your running and fitness posts below! Join myself, Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, and Runs with Pugs to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas.
I think your reflective vest is genius, Lisa. It’s light but still makes you very visible.
Fortunately, I can structure my day so that I can always run in the daylight. When I used to run in the dark, I had a light strap around my arm. This helped a lot in the forest to make me visible to bikers.
And for the autumn days, I’m a big fan of arm sleeves as well!
Our early morning MRTT runners were just talking about needing to pull out their lamps and vests. Have to be extra careful out there this time of the year for sure. Thanks for the reminder and happy running!
It always surprises me how dark it is in the morning this time of year!
Summer ain’t over yet, but we are enjoying a few cool days. Lightweight long sleeve tops — and yes, compression socks — help get me through those transitional cool mornings.
Luckily I don’t have to run before the sun rises. And I’m not running long enough to have to use my hydration pack. I have enough pockets on my skirts and/or tops to fit in about 20+ oz of water. I love my pockets!
Oh that sounds perfect to have pockets like that! I probably dont need my hydration pack either. But even for a 90 minute run its nice to have all that water when its so hot out!
No no let’s have summer last longer.
But unfortunately fall will arrive and the daylight hours shortened.
I love my knuckle lights. Also wear arm sleeves and compression socks to extend my summer wardrobe.
I could use a few more months of summer too, even though I’m tired of the heat! Actually the weather we have had this week has been perfect.
It’s still very hot here and probably won’t even start to cool down until October. This is the first summer in a long time that I haven’t worn my compression socks because it’s just too hot to put them on! I don’t run in the dark very often but I do like my Knuckle Lights too. And my Noxgear vest is awesome!
I’ve heard great things about the Noxgear vest! If I had to replace the vest I have I might want to try that one!
It is getting darker out, but we still have a ways to go before it’s too dark. And we have more than a ways to go before the sleeves come out! Of course, it’s 2020 so who knows!
Haha good point- this year has been very unpredictable!