I thought I'd made the changeover, at least in my mind, to fall weather. I'd even written a column about transitioning from summer to fall not two months ago.

But after a weekend run in all-the-weather-at-once, I decided that seasonal change deserved another look. This time I consulted experienced local runners employed by two local running specialty stores.

Lyn Sudak, road and trail racer from Mars, had run last Sunday's InFirst Veteran's Half Marathon in Blairsville through wind, rain, more wind and dropping temperatures. She shared some of her suggestions for surviving and thriving through fall and into winter.

Lyn says the first, most important and easiest step in preparation is to check the weather.

“Use a weather app on your phone or just Google it,” she says. “That way you'll know what to wear now or what to pack if you're running after work.”

Matt Imhof agrees. Checking the weather is the first step for him as well, but because the weather prediction is only an estimate, he suggests dressing or packing for uncertainty.

“If you're packing for later, take more than you think you'll need,” Matt says. “And extra clothes to change into so you're not chilled on your ride home.”

Whether driving to a trail run or heading out your door for a jog around the neighborhood, both Lyn and Matt suggest layering with a base layer of a long or short sleeved shirt of a technical fabric — no cotton! Cotton holds moisture close to the skin and can lead to hypothermia. Lyn showed me a base layer shirt with a soft fleece liner to be worn alone or under a jacket, fleece shirt or vest.

Matt suggests layering with a half or full zipper to add flexibility in changing conditions. Both mention Mizuno's clothing line of Breath Thermo fabrics which actually get warmer as they get wet.

As a top layer, Matt and Lyn suggest an ultra-light windbreaker. Possibilities are plentiful. Some are water resistant. Others feature reflective strips or patches. All are light enough to tie around your waist if not needed. Matt suggests one that conveniently stuffs into itself and attaches to your waistband or vest.

Lyn and Matt both choose wool socks for cold weather. Matt wears lightweight wool year round. Add gloves and a hat. Both can go on or off mid-run for heat regulation.

Clothing comfort is subjective. Both Lyn and Matt say that their suggestions are merely guides. With experience, you will know your own body and your particular needs.

Weather isn't the only issue for runners in this season of fall into winter. Now that we've turned the clocks back and days are shorter, visibility is critical to safety.

Although a flashlight will light your way, Lyn suggests a headlamp, especially on trails when you may need your hands. And Matt showed me several models of lights of various levels of illumination. Be sure to buy one that fits comfortably on your head or in your hands since you'll be spending a lot of time and miles together.

On the roads, it's as important to be seen as to see. While reflective gear is a good start, lighting is better. There are plenty of options for lighting yourself, including arm bands, clip-ons and vests with batteries or rechargeable.

Matt showed me several lightweight and effective light vests but his favorite is the Noxgear Tracer360 with 360 degree visibility for up to a quarter mile. Their LightHound does the same for your canine running companion. Both are available online.

Whatever your lighting choice, Lyn suggests that charging or replacing batteries should be part of your running checklist.

To arm yourself for fall and winter, visit a running specialty store near you. Friendly and knowledgeable staff like Lyn and Matt will be happy to help you run safely and comfortably.

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Buffalo Township Veterans' Day Race, Sarver. Choice of 10k or 5k on Butler-Freeport Rail Trail. 724-201-1210 or https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Sarver/BuffaloTownshipVeteransDayRaceSaturday, 9:30 a.m.: Dirt Monster 5 Mile Trail Race and 1 Mile Trail Walk, Allison Park. Challenging trail run or walk in North Park to benefit OCD Foundation of Western PA. ocdirections@verizon.net or https://trailrunner.com/event/dirt-monster-trail-race/Sunday, 9 a.m.: Fall 4 Miler, Kirkland, OH. Run through scenic Lakes Metroparks Farmpark. Also virtual option. https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Kirtland/FallFoliage4MilerSunday, 9 a.m.: Operation Troop Appreciation Veterans Day 5k, Allison Park. Scenic 5k through Hampton Community Park. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/OPERATIONTROOPAPPRECIATION5KNov. 14, 9 a.m.: First Responders 5k, Cranberry Township. Also virtual option. https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/PA/CranberryTownship/PAFirstResponders5kNov. 16, 9 a.m.: Red Kettle Run for a Reason 5k, Brackenridge. Also Kids Mile Run at 8:30 A.M. Entry includes pancake breakfast. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Brackenridge/RedKettleRunForaReason5kNov. 14, 10 a.m.: Helicon Brewing Food Truck 5k, Oakdale. Out and back on Panhandle Trail. Free pint of craft beer and food truck voucher to all participants. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Oakdale/HeliconBrewingFoodTruck5KNov. 21, 9 a.m.: Wild Turkey 5 Miler and 6 Hour Challenge, Kittanning. Starts at Richard G. Snyder YMCA, run on flat and scenic Armstrong Trail. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Kittanning/WildTurkey5Milerand6HourChallengeNov. 21, 9 a.m.: Duff Park Hill Buster 10k, Murraysville. Starts at Westmoreland Heritage Trail with 3.5 miles of single track hills in Duff Park in the middle. https://runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/Murrysville/DuffParkHillBusterNov. 21, 9 a.m.: Oil City YMCA Turkey Trot 5k, Oil City. Run or walk on Samuel Justus Trail. 814-677-3000 or ocywellness@oilcityymca.net. Online signup at https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/OilCity/OilCityYMCATurkeyTrot5kRunWalkNov. 21, 10 a.m.: Knoch Basketball Boosters 5k Turkey Trot, Cabot. Run at Winfield Township Community Park. https://knochyouthbasketball.sportngin.com/register/form/084698412

Firefly 2 Miler, Oct. 16: Austin Stewart, 1st Overall M, 12:24; Annette Aho, 1st Overall W, 13:06; Stephanie Schofield, 1st Masters W, 13:55; Carl Kondrach, 1st Masters M, 14:52; Mitch Radella, 2nd Masters M, 15:00; Erin Kohlmeyer, 17:45; Christine Black, 19:57; Michele Napoletan, 19:59; Tasha Hall, 29:52Sinnemahone Ultra Trail Race 50k, October 17: William Huber, 1st Overall M, 5:27:35; Jessica Weinman, 1st Overall W, 6:12:58; Jesse Fox, 5:45:07; Ben Troy, 5:52:31; Sam Dever, 5:52:34; Chris PAbian, 5:57:17; Benjamin Kauffman, 6:04:39; Kevin Voelker, 6:07:40; Dana Wood, 6:15:07; Tim Abbey, 6:18:37; Kylene Utah, 6:34:50; Justin Pokrivka, 6:37:07; Saul Solveson, 6:38:54; Meg Parke, 6:39:21; Steve Warnock, 6:39:22; Mike Collins, 7:21:56; Todd Lewis, 7:21:58; Michael McTighe, 7:35:14; Ronald Jordan, 7:36:07; Colin Deibler, 8:16:52; Jack Bingeman, 8:17:11; Ruth Cunningham, 8:32:53; Seth Kehr, 9:32:20; Carlos Wallace, 9:42:007th Annual Two Face 10k (Road), Oct. 25: Evan Conti, 1st Overall M, 35:24; Cara Donohue, 1st Overall W, 38:23; Ben Hines, 1st Masters M, 40:16; Heather Hudak, 1st Masters W, 43:08; Matthew Slagle, 38:14; Christian Labash, 39:21; Caleb Rauscher, 46:47; Melissa Roche, 47:42; Kate Hrach, 48:42; Amanda Temple, 49:21; Bethany Sauers, 51:29; Rebecca Baker, 52:49; Donna Barker, 53:06; Erick Hortert. 53:40; Kimberly DeBaene, 55:44; Jamie Richards, 57:08; Carrie Birckbichler-Smith, 57:12; Gary Lutz, 57:52; Jessica Irwin, 58:16; Maria Branagan, 1:00:05; Michael Eisen, 1:02:257th Annual Two Face 10k (Trail), Oct. 25: Aaron Kostiuk, 1st Overall M, 56:07; Rich Dallas, 1st Masters M, 59:54; Cara Donohue, 1st Overall W, 1:00:23; Alicia Crow, 1st Masters W, 1:11:58; Amanda Temple, 1:13:59; Jen Paz, 1:14:18; Michael Labos, 1:17:39; Caleb Rauscher, 1:20:54; Kimberly DeBaene, 1:21:56; Rebecca Baker, 1:23:51; Kate Hrach, 1:27:24; Melissa Roche, 1:33:50; Maria Branagan, 1:35:40; Donna Barker, 1:36:10; Michael Eisen, 1:36:24; Jamie Richards, 1:44:55; Carrie Birckbichler-Smith, 1:45:05; Bethany Sauers, 1:52:22Kinzua Valley Half Marathon, Oct. 25: Daniel Henry, 1st Overall M, 1:25:37; Cleofe Rose Poloyapoy, 1st Overall W, 1:36:56; John Armstrong, 1st Masters M, 1:53:06; Alyssa Lawson, 1st Masters W, 1:54:36; Dana Nicklas, 2nd Masters W, 1:55:21; Kris Proctor, 2nd Masters M, 1:57:43; Trevor Zaliponi, 2:00:11; Shawna Zaliponi, 2:09:44; Amy Farr, 2:22:15InFirst Bank Veteran's Marathon, Nov. 1: Jeremy Ardanuy, 1st Overall M, 2:33:56; Kara Donohue, 1st Overall W, 2:58:44; Amy Brown, 2nd Overall W, 3:11:38; Jack Kelley, 3rd 30-39 M, 3:04:25; Meredith Heusey, 2nd 30-39 W, 3:42:40; Brett Gwynn, 3rd 20-29 M, 3:43:39; Amanda Hardt, 2nd 20-29 W, 3:59:57; Jinny Hertweck, 3rd 40-49 W, 4:15:43; Sean Fox, 3:07:11; Anthony Beilstein, 3:38:24; James Dankovich, 3:49:27; Chad Coblitz, 3:58:19; Melanie Hoy, 4:34:57; Debbie Courtney, 5:05:33; Stephanie McCreary, 5:05:34InFirst Bank Veteran's Day Half Marathon, Nov. 1: Angie Jenny, 1st Overall W, 1:27:22; Melissa Conjack, 3rd Overall W, 1:28:02; Jared Lantzy, 1st Overall M, 1:30:57; Gwendolyn Sudak, 1st 20-29 W, 1:32:27; S. Mark Courtney, 1st 60-69 M, 1:36:11; Christie Beaver, 3rd 40-49 W, 1:59:13; Mary Morgan, 1st 60-69 W, 2:12:10; Steven Nichols, 1:44:24; Jenna Bench, 1:54:14; Victor Bench, 1:54:14; Timothy Miller, 1:56:07; Mandy James, 1:56:33; Jennifer Eckenrode, 1:58:25; John Kuhn, 2:02:22InFirst Bank Veteran's Marathon Relay, November 1: Team White Chocolate (Brian Bell, Devin Carosi, Ronnie Michlena, Dan Tomak), 1st Overall, 3:07:27; Team Beer (Jim Csonka, Tim Heusey, Daniel Mitchell, Eric Slagle), 2nd Overall, 3:20:04Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net<i>Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle</i>