As I cruised through a late-afternoon dirt road bike workout this past week, the temperature was a pleasant 50 degrees with light drizzle.
I didn't see a single person out cycling or running, although (to me) these were some beautiful fall conditions.
With the change of seasons and recent “fall back” on our clocks, there are obviously fewer hours of daylight during which we can exercise outdoors.
The temperatures are also getting cooler with frequent cold fronts that bring northerly winds and sometimes even a little rain.
This causes some fair-weather athletes to start thinking they should put away the bike and running gear until spring.
That’s completely the wrong attitude — in fact, fall and winter here in West Texas is arguably the best time of the year to get in some solid workouts.
If you don’t believe that, just think back to the dog days of last July and August when exercising outside meant endless sweating in 100-degree or higher temperatures under a hot sun.
The onset of fall also means that some of the best events of the year will be coming up over the next few months.
For most competitive cyclists and triathletes, the fall/winter season is a good time to slow the pace down, start back doing those enjoyable “base season” rides with friends, and maybe do some cross-training such as hiking, running, and strength training.
Cyclocross racers are an exception — their race season starts in September and continues through the winter months with state and national championships in January.
The normal training focus for cyclists during base season is to let the body recover from the stress of racing and start building the foundation for next year’s competitive events.
Most will continue to do some intensity during the off-season via an occasional winter race, fast rides with a group, or indoor spin class sessions at the club.
Multisport athletes will focus on getting ready for the spring duathlon season and the triathlons that follow as summer approaches.
The winter months are also a great time to get in some relaxed fun workouts that just don’t happen during the heat of the summer, such as exploring remote back country dirt roads on the bicycle or running trails on that perfect 40-degree day with light rain falling.
Many runners will be ramping up their miles during cool weather as they train for fall, winter, and early spring races, some of which are arguably the most fun events of the year.
On Nov. 16, the planned annual West Texas Masochist Run will let runners (both individuals and teams) enjoy the scenery between San Angelo and Abilene.
The running action continues on Nov. 23 with the Turkey Trot on the Angelo State campus, the ever-popular Run Rudolph Run under the river trail Christmas lights on Dec. 14, and the end-of-year Resolution Run at the East Concho Volunteer Fire Department.
In late January, the local trail running series kicks off. This three-event series goes through February and is an annual favorite for local runners and trail walkers.
The trail series includes distances of 10K, 12K, and a 15K with a shorter 5K trail run held on each of the three event dates.
Last but not least, the local trail running season will wrap up with the Crazy Desert Trail event on March 22.
Trail runners can test their fitness during the Crazy Desert event by running a 10K, half-marathon, full marathon, or 50 K (31 mile).
The take-home message is that shorter days and cooler weather means it’s time to get outside, enjoy the nice conditions, and use the “off-season” to build up your fitness.
Ride On, San Angelo, and remember — fall and winter weather in Texas is great time for outdoor exercise.
Upcoming Events
Nov 16: West Texas Masochist Run, roadlizards.org
Nov 23: Turkey Trot 5k, angelo.edu/asufit
Dec 14: Run Rudolph Run, angelo.edu/asufit
Nov 23: Turkey Trot 5k, angelo.edu/asufit
Dec 14: Run Rudolph Run, angelo.edu/asufit
