Friday Five- Favorite Fall Activities

Well, it certainly doesn't feel like fall here in Phoenix, AZ. While the temps are actually decent in the morning, the 10 day forecast still shows us getting to 100 degrees. But since it is technically fall, here are my favorite fall activities. I'm linking up with the DC Trifecta- Mar On The Run, You Signed Up For What? and Eat Pray Run DC.

1. Fall Races

This is the first year since 2011 that I don't have a fall marathon on the schedule. Granted, I trained for the same marathon 3 summers in a row and finally ran the NYC marathon last fall. I can't tell you how happy I am that not only do I not have that big scary event staring me in the face, but it makes my fall half marathon seem like a walk in the park.

NYC Marathon 2014

 

This year, I'm running Wine & Dine Half and I'm so excited to run it. I've also never experienced the Food & Wine Festival at EPCOT, so that'll be an adventure, too. I'm doing the half, but also walking the 5K with my mom in the morning. I haven't been to a race weekend with my mom since the Disneyland Half in 2012.

 

My sister, my mom and me at the Disneyland Half 2012

 

2. Fall Horse Shows

Every year, we have an Arizona State Championship show in the fall. Last year was my first year to compete and I psyched myself out and didn't do very well. This year, I'm much better prepared and doing really well, so I'm excited to compete this year.

In addition, AZ is hosting the Regional Championships. We're part of Region 5, which is AZ, UT, NM, CO, Eastern MT and Western TX, and WY. This is my first year qualifying and I'm really hoping just to place. There's quite a few qualified riders in my level, so just being in the top 8 would be amazing. Unfortunately, Lou isn't the fanciest of dressage horses, but we make a good team and ride really accurate tests. Hopefully, that will make up the difference.

But Louie is also a magical unicorn. That should help.

 

3. Wearing Fall Attire

I hear that in some parts of the country, people are already wearing long sleeves. Wha...? I'm still wearing flip flops. And will be until after Halloween. But then it's suddenly really cold here and I can't find anything warm to wear. And by "cold" I mean something below 60. Sweaters and boots? Yes, please.

My niece is so cute!

 

4. Fall Running

It's no secret that I hate running in the sun. Ironic, right, since I live in the land of blistering sunlight. Once fall kicks in, I start running right after work. It's always dangerous for me to have to go home first and wait for it to cool off because typically, I'm already comfy on my couch before that happens. I don't really have time to run before work because I ride before work and I'm already leaving my house at 5:45 to get to the barn on time.

There's a small window where the temps are just perfect for running. It's not too chilly, but not too warm. Pretty sure that lasts like a week in November. I'm a Goldilocks runner: everything is just too warm or too cold. I'm never happy.

Doesn't everyone dress like M&Ms to run? Hot Chocolate Race 2013

 

5. The Holidays

I love the holidays. My family is big on gift giving (which is unfortunate for my bank account) so there are always lots of presents I need to get wrapped. Surprisingly, I actually like wrapping presents. I find something on Netflix to binge on and set up shop wrapping. My cats usually like to help.

 

He's so helpful.

 

Louie has outfits, too.

What are your fall favorites?

 

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