The Best Transitional Pieces for Summer to Fall Running

I know others are saying the same thing, but I honestly can’t believe it is August already! (I’m not complaining because there have been too many points in my life where time has passed so slowly, and I hated it.) Cullen won’t start school here in Minnesota until after Labor Day, so he gets an extra-long summer break after ending the school mid-May in Anchorage. 

That’s good because there are a lot of things I want to do yet before summer ends: more trips to the water park, boat rides, fishing, camping, going to the state fair, seeing cousins, and soaking up as much warmth as I can because I’ve got 15 years of frozen blood to unthaw.

However, if you are getting the itch to grab some new items for fall running, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite transitional pieces as the fall months will be here soon. I linked many of my favorite items, found a few things on sale, and also some must-have accessories as the days get shorter.

8 long sleeves to transition from summer to fall:

1. lululemon Swiftly long sleeve – A staple everyone must have in their closet for fall running. Nice and thin and breathable for those cool but not cold fall runs.
2. New Balance Heat Grid Hoodie (pictured above) – A super cozy hoodie I’ve worn more times than I can count. Currently 50% off!
3. rabbit EZ Tee Perf ICE LS – I see this as the perfection transitional long sleeve with the perforations to keep you cool during those in between temps. I have this in the tank, and it was amazing for hot summer days, so the long sleeve version would be amazing for those days you can’t decide if you want a long sleeve or short sleeve.
4. Athleta Momentum Seamless Top – This reminds me of the lululemon Swiftly tops but a little more relaxed fit.
5. lululemon Lightweight Stretch Long Sleeve – I haven’t tried this one personally, but someone did recommend it to me, and it sounds like the perfect transitional long sleeve into cooler temps.
6. Nike Therma-FIT Element – This long sleeve is similar to the New Balance one above with fuzzy material on the inside, so it is more suitable for those chilly fall days. I have this shirt from a previous season and wear it often and often get compliments on it as well. Plus it is on sale for about 50% off.
7. Oiselle Flow Long Sleeve – This is a very lightweight and breathable long sleeve from Oiselle, which makes it perfect for those in between temps. Also: watch window!! No need to say more!
8. Tracksmith Horizon Long Sleeve – I have one Tracksmith item: the Harrier Long Sleeve, which is made of a Merino blend. This Horizon long sleeve is soft and whisper light making it great for fall running.

4 bottoms that will transition well into fall:

1. lululemon Fast and Free Tight (pictured above)- I still think this is one of the best pairs of running tights ever made.
2. Nike Epic Lux Tight (pictured below)- These are nearly identical to a pair I have that still remain one of my favorite pairs of tights to run in after owning them for several years.
3. Athleta Rainier Tight – These remind me of the lululemon Fast and Free Tights: thin, lightweight, and a barely-there feel to them. Not fully stocked in all size but all of them are on sale!
4. lululemon Base Pace Tight – These are made from the same material as the Fast and Free (thin, lightweight, and not restrictive) but without a side pocket. I personally don’t carry my phone (or anything for that matter), so having a pocket is not essential, but I know it is for some people.

If you’re really getting some chilly weather soon (or just like to plan ahead), here are some jackets that would work well depending upon what you want:

1. lululemon Cross Chill Jacket (pictured above) – This is definitely a warmer jacket that would be great if falls are cool trending toward cold where you live. I used mine so much in the fall and winter last year. I also love that it is waterproof which was so nice because in Alaska we got a lot of rain in the fall.
2. Oiselle Vim Jacket – I’ve recommended this one before, and I’ll continue to recommend it.
3. Nike Impossibly Light Running Jacket – I love using a windbreaker style jacket for shielding the cool breeze and rain as the temperature drops. This jacket comes in a variety of colors and is on sale.
4. lululemon Fast and Free Windbreaker – This is my favorite non-hooded jacket. The material is really high quality and has a 4-way stretch, so it is easy to move in when out running.

As the temperatures drop and our long summer days disappear, don’t forget some of these other essentials for fall running:

1. Skida headbands (pictured above)- I can’t live without them. I get asked all the time what brand my headbands are, and I own too many to admit. The ‘nordic’ ones are the unlined ones, which are perfect for fall running.
2. Tracer360 Lighted Vest – A MUST for running in the dark! Incredibly lightweight, and I forget I am wearing it. Plus, it is on sale at Amazon.
3. Run for It All Gloves – Once the temperature dips below 40*F, then I want something on my hands, and these are thin, lightweight, and sweat-wicking.

Well, I’m off to enjoy summer as long as I can here in Minnesota. The temps are already starting to drop into the 50s in the morning, so it is starting to feel cool here, but back in Alaska there’s rain in the forecast for the next 10 days, so I will take it! I guess the one “good” thing about living in Anchorage was that by the end of August, the temps were fall temps, and I was able to wear fall clothes before anyone else. Ha! However, I am thoroughly enjoying my tanks, short sleeve shirts, and shorts for the time being.