Runners Corner: Useful tips for the all-season sport

I’m not complaining. It’s been a wonderful summer for sitting on the beach sipping a cool beverage, and getting a full dose of natural vitamin D.

As a matter of fact, the record number of sunny days and lack of rain has limited the hours I’ve had to dedicate to mowing the grass, which means more beach time.

The problem for those of us who run is that temperatures stubbornly stay in the 90s with humidity at correspondingly high levels, transforming even an easy run into a challenge.

Lunchtime runs are replaced with pre-breakfast runs, and the few rainy days are great opportunities to get in a longer run.

Last week, my wife and I spent the weekend in Vermont. Staying within my summer regimen, I got up earlier than usual to go for my five-mile Sugarbush Ski Area run.

Knowing it would be hilly — Vermont has no flat roads — I was prepared for a long expedition, but what happened as I walked out the door was almost shocking; it was a chilly 55 degrees.

The hills were just as big as always but required half the effort, and I got back to our place in far less time than I expected. It wasn’t the fall, but it sure felt like it, and it reminded me that my favorite running time of year is right around the corner.

Now, that I’m no longer a student or a teacher, I look forward to the cool, crisp days after Labor Day. For those of us who live in New England, each change of season brings new opportunities and challenges for runners.

The toughest time for most is, of course, the winter. Snow-covered roads are not only slippery, but snow banks make them narrower. There is much less daylight making many runs after dark excursions, and all the more dangerous. And then, there are the frigid temperatures.

But there are upsides as well.

New high-tech running gear is designed to handle extreme temperatures, while dealing with the perspiration generated by running. With proper clothing, it is possible to enjoy exercising in the fresh air, while most others are suffering from cabin fever.

Spring ushers in the opportunity to shed the long pants and long sleeve shirts, and start the process of getting into race shape, not to mention that in a few months it’s beach season once again, and bathing suits can’t hide a winter of bad eating habits.

Summer is typically when runners test themselves at road races. The days of having to travel to find a race are long gone. Within striking distance for most of us are more race options than we could ever exhaust.

Once a new runner enters his first race, it’s a very good bet that there will be more.

The heat of the summer like the one we are experiencing right now can test the will of the most passionate runner, but we’re getting close to the best running season of the year.

By late August, we’ve already been inundated with back to school ads, and sunsets come earlier each day. But with them comes the refreshingly lower temperatures during morning and late afternoon runs. With the lower humidity and cooler temperatures comes better running performance. It’s a great time to plan a stretch event.

For some, it might be planning to enter their first 5K. In our neck of the woods, the Thanksgiving Day Feaster Five Road Race is a great option.

For more seasoned runners, it might be time to attempt a half-marathon. If you planned in advance, perhaps the BAA half-marathon is your target.

If there is a marathon on your radar screen, the fall is the best time to find an option that has the highest likelihood of a favorable weather day.

The Portland Marathon in Maine is a great example of a beautiful fall New England event. Then, there are those who are truly stretching the limits with an ultra-marathon.

How about the 24 hours of Waterbury in Vermont? It’s billed as the toughest trail run in the country. For me, it’s the Pumpkinman Half-Ironman on Sept. 12.

Wherever you are with your running, the best months are near, and they last too few weeks. Get out the calendar and plan a stretch event. You’ll have all winter to brag about it.

Tom Licciardello is a founding member of the Merrimack Valley Striders. Licciardello has participated in 86 marathons, including the last 33 Boston Marathons. He has also completed the Hawaii Ironman triathlon. Professionally, he is a certified financial planner and resides in North Andover, Mass., with his wife, Lyn. He may be reached at tomlicc@verizon.net.