Marathon Training: Spring vs Fall

There is no season such delight can bring,

As summer, autumn, winter, and the spring.

William Browne (c.1591–c.1645)

Despite growing up in the north where seasons were very much a reality of my daily existence, in terms of my athletic life they played no role at all. As a figure skater, I had always practiced in an indoor rink, otherwise known as a perfectly controlled cool environment with very little variation. When I decided to run my first marathon, the NYC Marathon, last year, I quickly learned that training without the creature comforts of the indoors definitely comes with its challenges in the summer. Then choosing to do two winter marathons and then train for a spring marathon, I learned that (surprise!) the flipside has its challenges as well.


Many differences exist in terms of training for a fall marathon versus a spring marathon. One of the most obvious differences is the weather. Training for a fall marathon will have you training through the summer and it can get really hot and humid. It is essential that you drink enough fluids. However, it is encouraging when the temperatures start to cool and running becomes easier. On the other hand, a spring marathon necessitates training through the winter. Days are shorter. Winter brings ice, snow, and temperatures that can be terribly brutal making it essential to have proper clothing to stay warm and to take the time to let your muscles warm up. The quality of workouts can be drastically decreased if you are stubborn like me and insist on running outside no matter what because you cannot bear the thought of the treadmill. However, having never made the winter to spring transition as a runner, what worries me most about a spring marathon is that I will not be acclimated at all for the possible heat.


Overall, although I prefer cooler temperatures to run in, I think I prefer training for a fall marathon. Not that I loved some of the freezing temperatures, but I did not mind them that much. It is actually two things unrelated to weather that make me not crazy about winter training. I do not like the oppressive darkness that comes with winter and I found the lack of water fountains to be extremely challenging on long runs. I also think training in the heat makes you a stronger runner. I am not totally convinced that training in the cold makes you anything except crazy.


Despite the challenges, so many good things are associated with the different seasons. Beautiful snow-covered landscapes, flowers blooming and leaves changing color to name a few. The changes make you appreciate each season for its own unique beauty. As runners, we are so lucky we get to experience the beauty of the outdoors and nature even in a big city. I used to love circling the same indoor rink hour after hour, but I feel so incredibly lucky that running has opened up a whole new world for me.
- Celia K.