When I was in college, we kind of had a tradition to celebrate the first day of October like it was the best day of the year. I really can't remember what my coach said my freshman year that spurred this in all subsequent years, but I vividly remember that everybody looked forward to that first practice in the month of October. The moods improved. The workouts got better. And it really didn't matter if October 1st was a better weather day than September 30th or not, our mindset made the runs better regardless of what the reality was around us.
Tomorrow is October 1st. Which means that we are entering one of the best times of the year to be a distance runner. I know there are the 800 types out there who disagree with me. And if the mile is your best event, you might take some issue with this as well. But hear me out. I believe this is hands down the best time to be a distance runner and here's why.
The Weather
This one is obvious. The weather in October is significantly better than the months of August and September. Yes there are years where it doesn't feel that way right away - looking at you 2019 when it was over 95 degrees for the first 4 days of October - but for the most part it's obvious to anybody that the weather makes running more enjoyable. For the most part the oppressive heat is gone. And cooler weather, means faster times and more enjoyable runs. Easy runs, workouts, strides, whatever. They're all more fun in the cooler, more crisp air that we get in October compared to August and September. And that's especially true first thing on a Saturday morning. There's almost nothing better than that feeling of leaving your house the morning of a cross country meet knowing you're about to get a new PR because you can just feel how much nicer that weather is on an October morning compared to just 2-4 weeks ago when you last attempted a PR.
The Meets
Is there anybody around here who remembers when cross country was mostly dual and tri meets? While I am old enough to have run in a few of those, even when I started in this sport invitationals were the norm. But in the month of October, these invitationals take it to another level. And this is true basically across the country. I guess everybody knows this is the best time to be a distance runner and that's why we all flock to the best meets in the country. I don't really care what the reason is, but the meets always deliver. The energy is better. The atmosphere is better. The courses are usually more fun. And there's just something special about going to a meet where you know people run well that brings the most out of people.
The Pressure
The best thing about October racing is that you get big meets without any actual pressure of it counting for who wins state. It gives you all of the incentive to go out there and take risks, without any of the pressure to perform because it doesn't actually matter who wins the race. Everybody gets to run for the love of running. There's nothing like racing free and enjoying what's happening. And because it's usually the perfect storm of good weather and good competition, you often go through races with the feeling of knowing you're running faster than ever before. That feeling gives you a huge mental boost and for some reason makes that 3rd mile so much easier than it ever has been before. We all know a big part of it is the accumulated training and the improved fitness because of it. But we also all know the feeling of knowing we're doing better than ever before, and we usually all get that feeling for the first time in October.
The Outside
I don't know what I would do without air conditioning. Georgia is a hot state and I don't think I'd survive here without it. But I love the time of year when I no longer need air conditioning to be comfortable, and that's here. As runners we naturally enjoy being outside. Almost none of us enjoy running on a treadmill, even if we see it as a necessary evil during a thunderstorm or something. But now is the time of year where we love to do everything outside. Going out for lunch, let's sit outside. Hanging out with friends, let's go do something outside. The weather is nice, as we've discussed, but the scenery is usually better too. The leaves don't immediately start changing colors, but when they do it's really pretty. There's just something about wanting to be outside this time of year, and as a runner that comes alot more naturally than it does for most.
The Food
If you are like me, sometimes running is a means to an end. By putting in the miles I'm able to make room for more of the food I enjoy eating. And in the fall, that food just tastes so much better. I have several friends who really look forward to their pumpkin spice lattes. And if you enjoy them too, then I hope you get a good one after your next race. But for me the fall time is all about getting some delicious food after long runs and races. I'm very much in the camp that after a hard effort you should treat yourself and enjoy some good food. Runners often spend all week leading up to a race eating healthy, and that's important to do. And it's also important to get some good protein and carbs after your hard efforts to recover. But fortunately, you usually have room for some treats too. And that's where things get fun. Personally I like to use this time of year to start enjoying some more grilled foods and BBQ. And I know that's kind of a summertime thing, but I think those types of foods are even better in the fall because they're more enjoyable to eat outside. Especially watching some football to relax after working hard on Saturday and/or Sunday. But man alive I love me some apple flavored desserts. And fall time is just the best for this. Give me some fresh pressed apple cider and an apple pie and I'm so happy. There's room for all sorts of foods this time of year. If it's a little colder, give me some chili or mac and cheese for dinner. But the best thing I've probably ever had in my life was an apple cider float at the Elijay apple festival on a warm fall afternoon. That with a little smoked trout from the food truck was the perfect meal after a long run that morning.
So let's all just enjoy the coming month and all of the fun it brings. I love October, and I can't wait to see what happens on the XC course this month too!
When I was in college, we kind of had a tradition to celebrate the first day of October like it was the best day of the year. I really can't remember what my coach said my freshman year that spurred this in all subsequent years, but I vividly remember that everybody looked forward to that first practice in the month of October. The moods improved. The workouts got better. And it really didn't matter if October 1st was a better weather day than September 30th or not, our mindset made the runs better regardless of what the reality was around us.
Tomorrow is October 1st. Which means that we are entering one of the best times of the year to be a distance runner. I know there are the 800 types out there who disagree with me. And if the mile is your best event, you might take some issue with this as well. But hear me out. I believe this is hands down the best time to be a distance runner and here's why.
The Weather
This one is obvious. The weather in October is significantly better than the months of August and September. Yes there are years where it doesn't feel that way right away - looking at you 2019 when it was over 95 degrees for the first 4 days of October - but for the most part it's obvious to anybody that the weather makes running more enjoyable. For the most part the oppressive heat is gone. And cooler weather, means faster times and more enjoyable runs. Easy runs, workouts, strides, whatever. They're all more fun in the cooler, more crisp air that we get in October compared to August and September. And that's especially true first thing on a Saturday morning. There's almost nothing better than that feeling of leaving your house the morning of a cross country meet knowing you're about to get a new PR because you can just feel how much nicer that weather is on an October morning compared to just 2-4 weeks ago when you last attempted a PR.
The Meets