From Daylight To Headlight

Autumn is also the perfect season to build the foundation and prepare the body for all winter adventures. Let thoughts like "I don't feel like it" or "it must be cold or wet outside" just be bad excuses.

For me, everyday life after work often looks like the following.

I log off the computer at work and travel home. Back home, I grab something quick to eat at the same time as I get ready to go out. I put on a wool sweater closest to the body and a wind vest over it, to protect me from the wind. I choose long running tights to protect my legs against the cold and branches in the forest.

I lace up my shoes in the hall, pack the headlamp and some water in my senja econyl70 7L Pack. Outside I am met by cold, biting cold, but it's just a matter of getting started. My father's words echo in my head

The heat creeps out of the body and the breathing starts, my steps bounce against the cool earth. The thoughts and kilometers disappear with the light of the sun's last rays. I like to have a peak as a goal on my runs to get a view and the feeling of having overcome something.

After about 30 minutes I reach the peak of the day and turn off the light on my torch and enjoy the darkness and silence. It is here, you become one with nature.

Before returning home, I put on a pair of thin woolen gloves so as to not freeze with the short, quick steps following the path downwards. Back home, my cheeks are hot and I’m bursting with endorphins. Another night out on a local adventure has come to an end.

How to stay motivated this time of year:

1. Explore new trails, areas, or peaks. Make the tours an adventure in daylight first so you are more comfortable with your surroundings before you head out at night with a headlamp.
2. Turn your commute into an adventure. Pack your work necessities in a running bag so you have the option to explore and get some fresh air on your way to or home from work.
3. To avoid the “I ran out of time excuse,” make it easy on yourself and pack your bag the day before.
4. Mix it up! Book a run with a friend, partner, or family member instead of meeting in a cafe or talking over the phone.
5. Pack something delicious for your next longer outing. Go for a run and take a break to sit down and enjoy a small portion of something you love in the autumn sun.

In order to best enjoy running in autumn, clothing is important. Here are some tips on a few things to keep in mind when dressing for running in the fall.

1. Autumn is often cold and damp. Choose a top with wool or a wool blend closest to the body to keep you dry and warm.
2. A windbreaker or jacket is nice to wear or keep in your backpack to protect yourself from the cold wind.
3. Socks made of wool. It is often wet in the forest, and a wet woolen sock still warms the foot.
4. If you want to run in the dark, a headlamp is a good investment. Find one with excellent reviews so you can trust that it will work in the darkness of the wilderness.
5. If your hands get cold easily, a pair of thin wool gloves can save you and be packed away when not in use.