Classic Autumn Events, the Journey, and Training Fundamentals
With fall officially in full swing, you’re likely trying to squeeze in some final fun events, tuning up for that A-race, or putting your feet up for a much-needed break. September has turned into a bit of a rest period in our house thanks to various life interruptions, and personally, I’m already looking forward to planning some 2027 fun. It’s a great time to reflect on the “why” that drives our training and consider how our lifestyle choices can help support those goals.
Classic Early Autumn Events:
October 4 Fall Foot Races 5K, 10K, Half Marathon Bend, OR
October 10 Whiskey Row Marathon, Half, 10K, 5K Prescott, AZ
October 17 Columbia Gorge Marathon and Half Marathon Hood River, OR
October 24 The Great Pumpkin Run 5K, 10K, Half Marathon Portland, OR
October 24 Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon & 5k Run/Walk Tusayan, AZ
At only 13, Péma Franchi has made a splash in mountain running over the last couple of years. Her brother, several years older, has also had recent trail-race success, and the family talks about keeping a healthy perspective, making sport fun, and “balancing prodigy-level talent with long-term development” in this uplifting profile of a young athlete.
This 13-Year-Old from Ecuador is Mountain Running's Rising Star
It’s not like we don’t know running, or competing at anything, is hard. In fact, that may be why we started this sport in the first place, but sometimes we forget, perhaps falling into the easy path day after day. “It’s easy to be tough when you know you can handle a situation. The true test comes when you can’t, and by then it’s too late to start building your identity. So you must decide ahead of time that difficulty is the price of anything worth having.” Just something to keep in mind before lining up for that next race or personal challenge.
Podcaster and running coach, Floris Gierman, discussed the basics of a training program and healthy lifestyle habits with veteran coach Mario Fraioli last week. Their conversation hits on basics including how to use speed sessions, hill intervals, and joy to build fitness and longevity in the sport.
The 3 Fundamentals Every Runner Should Master | Mario Fraioli
Our favorite gear: Socks are a very personal choice, I realize, and I am blessed with heels and toes that have never suffered the blisters so many runners deal with (toenail issues, yes). So I cannot vouch for every foot, but generally, merino socks are a solid choice in any condition, and these Icebreaker Merino Blend Run+ Ultralight Crew Socks are the perfect thickness, warm enough but not too hot. Check out the shorter version as well, if your fashion sense is more current than mine; I can’t keep up.
