Run... Fall... Run

This is my first fall in Pittsburgh. If I have learned anything so far, it is this: you cannot predict the weather. In September, we were enjoying an Indian Summer of sorts (by the by, why is it called an "Indian Summer"? I fear the reason is something terribly racist and I will feel bad for ever using the term). Then, it was suddenly winter-like, with dropping temperatures and threats of snow. Several days later, things were looking brighter and warmer. This was followed by approximately one solid week of rain. The current condition is something similar to what many people consider fall: sunny skies and temperatures in the low 50s. Fall is my favorite season, even if does seem to come and go without stopping in for a drink. I'm not much of a hot weather gal and therefore summer is not my thing (nor my skin's - I am pale, pale, pale), spring wreaks havoc on my allergies, and winter with all of its ice brings out my inner klutz (last year I slipped on a particularly slick patch of sidewalk). I don't just love fall for what it is not, but what it is: leaves changing color, pumpkin recipes, back to school gear, Halloween and Thanksgiving... fall is just where it's at! Plus, fall is the runner's best friend.

Gone are the days of over-heating, severe sunburns, dehydration, and monitoring the daily temperature highs to determine when the coolest time to run is. For a runner, especially me, fall provides the freedom to run when you want without worrying that the sun will interfere. I can also easily get away without strapping a water bottle of ice to my hand for runs that are less than an hour. Fall really reminds me why I enjoy running. In the summer, I have a hard time convincing myself that I actually enjoy this running thing. The summer heat becomes unbearable, and I am forced to try and think about anything else besides running as I run. This lack of consciousness usually results in poor posture, confusion regarding my location, running into pedestrians, and a general discombobulation. In the fall, I return to a state of awareness. I know where I am, what I'm doing, and I love it.

Welcome Fall! Won't you stay for a drink or two?