Fall Walks, Made Easy
Cool air, gold leaves and no sweating through your shirt. A few simple tips for comfortable autumn walks.
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If I had to pick the best walking weather of the year, fall would win easily. The air is cool, the trees are putting on a show, and you can make it around the block without sweating through your shirt. It’s a lovely time to get outside, whether that’s a stroll to the corner or a loop around the park.
A few simple tips keep it comfortable and steady.
1. Dress in layers
Fall mornings can start chilly and turn warm by lunch.
- Start with a long-sleeve shirt and add a light jacket or fleece.
- A hat and light gloves make a big difference on cold mornings.
- Choose a jacket with pockets for your phone, keys and a tissue.
You can always peel off a layer and tie it around your waist, just like in grade school.
2. Wear shoes with good tread
- Comfortable walking shoes with a non-slip sole are worth every penny.
- Wet leaves can be as slippery as ice. Walk around piles, not through them.
- Stick to paved, cleared paths when it’s damp, and take curbs and steps slowly.
- A walking stick or a pair of walking poles can help on uneven ground.
3. Be seen, and bring a buddy
- As the days get shorter, wear something bright, or a reflective vest or armband if you walk near dawn or dusk.
- Carry your phone, and let someone know your route if you’re walking alone.
- Better yet, walk with a friend, a neighbor or the dog. Conversation makes the time fly, and you’re more likely to go when someone’s waiting for you.
Try this today
- Pick a route you enjoy, even a short one.
- Walk for ten easy minutes, three days this week.
- Add a few minutes each week as it feels good.
Make it pleasant
Turn your walk into something to look forward to. Walk to the coffee shop, visit a park with good leaf color, or listen to a favorite radio show or audiobook on the way. Some neighbors I know keep a running contest for who spots the reddest tree.
Listen to your body
Warm up with a few minutes of easy strolling before picking up the pace. Drink some water, even when it’s cool out. If you feel dizzy, short of breath or have any pain, stop and rest.
Please check with your doctor before starting any new exercise. Stop if anything hurts.
Rainy day? Bring it inside
Bad weather doesn’t have to stop you. Many people walk laps at the mall before the stores open, or at an indoor track at the community center. Some churches and senior centers open their halls for walking groups too. And on a day when you’d rather stay home, a few minutes of marching in place during the TV news keeps the habit going until the sun comes back.
Where’s your favorite place to walk in the fall? Tell me in the comments.