Here's Why Running Is The Best Sport To Take Up In Autumn

Autumn is an amazing season for so many reasons. The beautiful leaves. The pumpkin spice-flavoured foods. I even like the nip in the air. But – perhaps due to decreased light, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), grim weather, or all of the above – it seems a lot of us find it the toughest time to work out.A 2022 study by Peleton found that “autumn apathy” affects a lot of us in the UK.Only 2% listed October and November as their least favourite time to work out compared to the 27% of people who felt motivated to get moving in spring. That’s a shame, as moving more and getting more sunlight may help to alleviate some symptoms of seasonal low mood.While all exercise is good exercise, one sport may be easier than usual to pick up around this time of year: running.Why is autumn the best time to start running?Part of the reason is the weather. Speaking to HuffPost UK, Dr Bryan Mota, Senior Director of University Fitness Centres at Case Western Reserve University, said: “Cooler temperatures and lower humidity are ideal for running outdoors.”A 2007 paper published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that runners perform best at around 7-15°C – in other words, autumn temps. No wonder Dr Mota said, “On the perfect autumn day, you can feel like you can run forever!”There’s also a logistical element. If you’re training for a marathon, half-marathon, 5k or 10k in spring (when lots of events take place), starting now gives you time to develop your cardio base by race season.Consider, too, the endless small races and park runs already happening. Little wins are key to motivating beginners.“There are many fall fun runs (or walks) that are easy and attainable short-term goals you can enjoy with your friends, family and a newfound running community,” Dr Mota told us.Sports partners seem to help people stick to their exercise plans, so bringing a friend or joining a group is a great idea.And speaking to The Independent, keen runner Ania Gabb also pointed out that kids’ return to school frees up some parents’ time a little, making autumn the perfect time to get started.Anything else?Autumn runs aren’t just a mindfulness-boosting feast for the senses (Dr Mota said, “The sound of the leaves beneath your feet, smell of falling leaves, the crisp air, and the colourful landscape both invigorate and relax you”).They can keep your body safer over winter, too. Exercising in chillier climes can help you to build your immune system’s defences in time for winter when bugs abound, exercise-focused social enterprise Better Health says.It may even help to lessen the symptoms of SAD.Dr Milica McDowell, an exercise physiologist and vice president of operations at Gait Happens, told us: “Running in the autumn can help to set you up to be more active in winter; if you establish a consistent running habit throughout the fall, it’s easier to stick with it as the weather gets even colder”. She added, “many individuals experience seasonal mood changes, and committing to a running practice can help counteract this.“Running (and walking) have both been shown to boost your mood, reduce feelings and symptoms of depression and help to manage anxiety.”So, if you can, avoid that “autumn apathy” where possible – and consider getting your running shoes on.Related...The 1 Common Stretching Mistake People With 'Tight' Hips MakeWhy The '10% Rule' Could Save You From Running InjuriesI Took My VO2 Max From 'Fair' To 'Excellent' With This Running Plan

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The Skincare Switch You Need This Autumn

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The Skincare Switch You Need This Autumn

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