If fall teaches us anything, it’s how to be prepared.

One day we’re cruising in T-shirt and shorts, crunching leaves underfoot like a road of Rice Krispies. The next day, we’re leaning into gale force winds and driving rain.

Autumn in Western Pennsylvania can be one of the most beautiful seasons for runners. But the transition can leave runners with decisions they haven’t had to make in months of warmth — decisions about what to wear and where to go. Here are my suggestions for safer and more comfortable fall running.

Dress for the future — the near future. Temperatures can change rapidly in fall, especially on morning and evening runs. What works as you step out the door feels uncomfortable an hour later. As you dress, picture the weather at the end, rather than the beginning of your run and dress accordingly.

Weather report. If you’re packing for a race or after-work workout, be sure to listen to the day’s weather predictions. What looks like a crisp, sunny day may later turn ugly. So will your mood if you have to skip your run because you forgot your rain gear.

Wind. In the words of Bob Dylan, “You don’t need a weatherman to tell which way the wind blows.” A cold autumn wind can make your run feel much harder and adds to the risk of hypothermia. Check the wind before you start. Run into the wind in the first part of your run and cruise home to a tailwind.

Rain. That gentle shower that felt so good in August is now uncomfortable at best. When temperatures drop below 60 degrees, wear a water resistant or repellent but breathable top layer to stay comfortably dry throughout your run. Don’t forget your water repellant hat as well.

You can only get so wet — but you can get colder. To avoid that bone-chilling cold and the risk of hypothermia, carry emergency waterproofing when the weather turns threatening. Tie a lightweight rain jacket around your waist or pin a folded garbage bag to the inside of your waistband. It’s not fashionable, but it is practical.

Know your neighbors. I’ve run through the same neighborhoods for decades. If I’m threatened by bad weather (or any other danger on the road), I could ask for help from any of the neighbors along my running routes.

When it comes to unexpected rain, sudden thunderstorms or precipitous drops in temperature, don’t be too proud to ask to wait out the weather on someone’s front porch, to borrow a garbage bag for a poncho or to have someone call home for a rescue ride. If your neighbors include local businesses, thank them by patronizing their stores later when you’re properly dressed and carrying more cash.

They don’t call it fall for nothing. It’s fun to kick through layers of color on the roads and trails, but rocks and twigs hidden under those leaves can lead to twisted ankles and stubbed toes. Run lightly with weight centered over your feet. Keep your arms up and elbows slightly out for balance. Scan the road or trail ahead to anticipate dangers.

Wet leaves on the road can make running slick. Watch out. More important, watch out for those cars that may have trouble stopping or avoiding runners on the road.

Cars win. Drivers may have trouble seeing runners in the lower light of fall’s shorter days and against the swirling colors of autumn leaves. It’s up to you to look out for them.

Now is also the time to get out that attractive reflective vest, not only for the cars, but for the upcoming hunting seasons. Blaze orange with reflective striping is in fashion for runners this fall.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Fall Frolic 5k, Johnstown. 814-262-6434 or bcoughen@pennhighlands.edu

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Auggie 5k, Wheeling, WV. 304-277-4739

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Steve Jerman Memorial 5k Run and 2 Mile Walk, Kane. 814-837-7360 or chuckandpeg@pennswoods.net

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Salem Township 5k Walk/ Run, Greensburg. 724-668-8305

Sunday, 10:15 a.m.: Peace Race10k, Youngstown, OH. Also 2 Mile. 330-583-2423

Nov. 4, 10 a.m.: Butler Family YMCA Turkey Trot 5k, Butler. Shower facilities available, award division for YMCA members. 724-287-4733 or www.bcfymca.org

Nov. 12, 1 p.m.: Flight 93 Memorial 15k, Shanksville. Starts at Shanksville-Stonycreek High School. 814-445-6213

Race results

IKEA Montour Trail Half Marathon, Sept. 9: Matt Meurer, 1st Overall M, 1:10:56; Heather Parks, 1st Overall W, 1:20:33; Lawrence Ross, 1st 55-59 M, 1:30:36; Mark Muzzana, 1:28:42; Dan Nguyen, 1:32:00; Derek Bale, 1:37:29; Bob Pavlowski, 1:38:48; Matt Drohan, 1:39:20; Kirk Haberman, 1:42:44; Michelle Heinz, 1:43:10; David France, 1:43:42; Brian Christopher, 1:45:05; Doug Saunders, 1:46:43; Bob Puolo, 1:46:49; Jerry Heinz, 1:48:51; Steve Diantonio, 1:49:20; Franklin Bame, 1:49:21; Monica Kemper, 1:50:51; Renee Goodman, 1:51:34; GiCordisco, 1:52:17; Christine Murray, 1:54:24; Kevin Nigh, 1:54:36; Carleen Czobba Latess, 1:57;13; Joella Baker, 1:57:51; Robb Fort, 1:57:56; Barb McCandless, 1:58:07; Carl Hill, 1:58:32; Brad McHugh, 1:58:48; Brenda Nigh, 1:58:58; Kristin Kelly, 1:59:37; Cyndie Delucia, 2:00:16; Phil Lope, 2:00:19; Charlotte Kirk, 2:00:55; Chris White, 2:01:55; Dianne Brooks, 2:01:59; Michael Beyer, 2:03:16; Jeff Straub, 2:05:15; Marie Murdick, 2:05:58; Avery Lawson, 2:06:37; Sean Moore, 2:06:50; Tammy Moore, 2:08:44; Lauren Lutz, 2:11:55; Stephen Arn, 2:12:22; Lindsey Baker, 2:13:57; Angela Mencer, 2:14:25; Sher Gallagher, 2:24:39; Daniel Austin, 2:28:15

Applefest 5k, Oct. 7: Jerry Maher, 1st Overall M, 16:41; Leah Shouey, 1st Overall W, 18:05; Fred Weaver, 2nd 25-29 M, 19:09; Jessica Richards, 2nd 30-34 W, 24:23; Bob Sands, 2nd 60-64 M, 24:24; Renee Decker, 2nd 40-44 W, 24:33; Kristin McDeavitt, 3rd 11 & Under W, 25:06; William Dundore, 3rd 55-59 M, 27:29; Merle Hughes, 3rd 70-79 M, 31:50; David Caldwell, 20:51; Tiffany Witt, 23:07; Ron Ripper, 23:37; Kolby Ripper, 24:33; Stacy Matz, 26:59; Margy Somora, 27:43; Patty Barb, 27:52; Thomas Prager, 28:18; Jinny Hertweck, 29:17; Emily Hertweck, 29:39; Elizabeth Donaldson, 30:03; Doug Witt, 30:05; A.J. Terwilliger, 30:16; Kimberly Sheffer, 30:21; Jennifer Dundore, 30:56; Jim Falorio, 31:19; Tedd Nesbit, 31:38; Shannon Gish, 31:53; Jennifer Senkowski, 31:54; Jessica Adamczyk, 32:45; Denise Boughner, 36:59; Kim Falorio, 39:04; Casey Hanna, 39:05

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, Pa. 16056. Phone or fax 724-352-4395. E-mail bigp16@connecttime.net.

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle.