Autumn is here and Winter is coming!

Sorry!

As much as Autumn is my favourite time of year, it brings a new set of challenges to the running life so here's a quick reminder of things that are important over the coming seasons, whether you are out running alone, or with the club.

1. Watch your footing. This time of year brings fallen leaves, acorns, fir cones, conkers and all sorts of extra debris on the floor, this can lead to slips, trips and ankle twists, and add in the rain and it's even worse, please watch your footing out on runs. And remember often these beautiful fallen leaves hide unpicked up dog poo too!!

2. Loop. The nights are darker earlier, so club runs will soon be dark for some if not all of the run, This really emphasises that we must be looping. If you have a mixed pace group in your run, the front runners must be sticking close by and using side roads, or the same road to loop with the rest of the group so that everyone sticks together for the duration of the run. Road crossings should be done together as the whole group. Looping must be used to keep groups together. 

3. Lead from the back. One for the leaders. This is a year round rule, but a reminder that leaders should be leading their runs from the back. If there is a support leader they can decide between them which leader remains at the back and if the other leader goes at the front or the middle, or even also remains at the back, but the leader should remain at the back, another reason why the above point of looping is vital for the rest of the runners, so we can ensure the group stays together and visible to the leader at the back

4. Be Bright! Reflective or hi-vis clothing is mandatory and also wear a light if possible. A range of products across prize ranges are available. This isn't just so that you can see (which helps with watching your footing) but most importantly means you can be seen by other road/path users and helps us to remain safe. 

5. Share paths with care. If you come across other path users, please go single file and keep to one side so that all users can safely use the path. For example if you're at the front and see a pedestrian coming towards you on the left hand side, call back to the runners to keep right. If you hear this, please follow the instructions, we don't want to be one of these running clubs that is notorious for not sharing the path and forcing other path users into the road so that they can pass.

6. Dress appropriately. Don't be tempted to put too many layers on too early and remember to dress for the second mile. How you dress is an individual decision but try to dress for the second mile so that you don't overheat during the run from too many layers too soon, it's not the dead of winter quite yet! 

What else do you do in the Ber months and darker mornings and evenings to keep safe?