The perfect time to start running, Fall...

Summer and Winter have to be the two toughest times of the year to get started running for a new runner. If the lack of physical conditioning isn't enough to contend with, there is the heat and cold of the hottest and coldest times of the year. But now, in the Fall or equally so in the Spring is perhaps the best time of the year to begin running for someone like myself who had not seriously exercised in years.

As I have said before, begin by spending your money wisely on the most important part of your running gear, your shoes. Find a good running store. This is not the time to try and save a few dollars ordering something online or at the mall store where the person who is selling shoes is as likely to be running as I was a year ago. Find a serious and friendly running store. They should not only fit you properly for shoes, but also have you run in the shoes so they can help fit you as well so you can find the best shoe for your feet. And think foot comfort before you start worrying about how they look. Spend your money well here and you will at least be taking care of your feet and body. I'm not going to talk about my shoes, because they are just that, my shoes and they work for me, but they may not work for everyone.

As the weather starts to cool, you will find those clothes you wore in the hottest days of the year are perhaps a bit too cool for much of your run.

As the temperature cools, I will pull out the Balega Enduro 2 Quarter socks which cover the ankles and offers a bit more warmth when you want it. With no seams to rub between your foot and shoe, combined with cushioning on the bottom and mesh construction on the top for ventilation, these are my sock of choice. 

When it comes to shorts, I prefer a pair which has a built in liner. I wear boxers so it seemed silly to go buy underwear when so many pairs of shorts offer either built in liners or built in compression shorts. In the fall months I've selected the Saucony Throttle Shorts. These have built in compression shorts and are great for cooler days when it is still warm enough to wear shorts, but too warm to wear anything more.

And with these cooler temperatures, my long sleeve running shirt of choice is one which was a race premium at my first December race, the Asics Thermopolis LT Crew. A super soft shirt which offers exceptional comfort and dries quickly after a run.

Occasionally you need a bit more than just a shirt in the early mornings or evenings. In this case I pull out another race premium, this from my second December race, the Asics Lite-Show Favorite 1/2 zip. With thomb loops and a pocket for your iPod, this will be sure to keep you warm enough for most cooler fall runs.

I'd also recommend having a few days worth of running clothes available. With three days of running gear on hand, I have fewer excuses to not run. You can spend a fortune on running clothes, but if you shop smart you can save quite a bit of money. Even looking at the websites of the manufacturers you can find clothes at half of retail. And if you sign up for races, they usually have a "race premium" which is usually a shirt. This not only adds to your small collection of running clothes, but provides that training incentive to run regularly.

Remember to spend your money and invest wisely in a quality pair of shoes from a good running store, and then spend your money on your clothes.

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