After a hot and humid summer, I look forward to my favorite running season of autumn. I love the cool crisp air and golden glow of leaves showering on the trail. But even fall in all its glory has a few potholes to avoid.

Time. Days grow shorter as we speed toward December. Last week saw the last sunset past 8 p.m. If you're used to an evening or early morning run, soon you will be in darkness.Dress to be seen in the flat light of pre-dawn or dusk by wearing light and bright colors. Now is the time to break out the reflective clothing or flashing armband. Night can creep up on your evening run, so wear a headlamp or carry a small flashlight so that you can see and others can see you.

Almost time. There's something special about greeting the first piercing rays of morning sun or chasing your 15-foot tall shadow down the road on a late September afternoon. But dawn, dusk and danger all start with the letter D. That big yellow ball on the horizon can blind oncoming traffic.In both morning and early evening, be aware and avoid running on busy roads. And remember, if you can see your shadow on the road ahead, oncoming drivers will be staring directly into the sun as they come toward you. You'll be safer running North/South rather than East/West.

The chill in the air. As days get shorter, shade feels shadier and wind windier. That cooler air is one of the blessings of the season. And even a cold wind is tolerable for a short run or race.But if you're running long or using Galloway's run/walk method, you may experience a dip in body temperature during your slower running or walking. Wear a shirt made of a wicking material to avoid that cold, clammy feeling. A running hat acts as a temperature regulator. Put it on if you're cold to capture heat; take it off to let out the steam.

Rain. Remember slogging through a run on a stifling day in July? Suddenly it begins to rain and you feel born again. That day in July is gone. Instead, September and October bring bone-chilling drizzle and suddenly dropping temperatures.Get used to checking the weather forecast before heading out to run. If there's a chance of showers, tie a light jacket around your waist just in case. Or pin some poortex (an unused garbage bag) in your shorts or waist pack.

Fall foliage tour. Trail running is my favorite way to experience the spectacular fall foliage our Western Pennsylvania forests are known for. But it's not the time to barrel through the woods at top speed.Slow down and enjoy the scenery. Run lightly to avoid turning an ankle on hidden roots and rocks beneath the leaves.

They're back! Pennsylvania leads the nation in reported cases of Lyme disease. Spring, when nymphs of the black-legged tick hatch, is the most dangerous time to contract the disease. But ticks are on the move again in fall.To avoid ticks, stay on maintained trails and avoid trekking through tall grass and weeds. Use an insect repellent containing deet, picaridin, or natural oils on exposed skin and spray clothing with Permethrin that can last for up to six washings.When you return from running or hiking off road, toss your clothes in the dryer for 10 minutes. The heat should kill the ticks. Get a shower and check your entire body, including cracks and crevices, for those creatures that can be as small as a poppy seed. Remember to also check your dog if they run the woods with you.If a tick does attach itself, it takes about 48 hours to transmit Lyme disease. Remove the tick carefully with tweezers or a special tick removal tool, then apply antiseptic. Watch for signs of a bull's eye rash, an indication of Lyme, or redness which may indicate a bacterial infection.

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Rockin the Knob Trail Challenge Marathon, Half Marathon and 10k, Claysburg. Challenging trail runs at Blue Knob Four Seasons Resort. http://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=71078Saturday, 8 a.m.: Youngstown Ultra Trail Classic 25k and 50k, Youngstown. Run through Mill Creek Metro Park. runsignup.com/Race/OH/Youngstown/YoungstownUltraTrailClassicSaturday, 9 a.m.: Bags and Blessings 2nd Annual 5k Fun Run/Walk, Bridgewater. Supports those undergoing cancer treatments. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Bridgewater/BagsBlessingsSunday: NOTSOB (Boston Fever Reliever) Marathon, Lake Latonka. https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=134686Sunday, 8 a.m.: FAAP 20k, 10k and 5k Trail Runs, North Park. No day of event registration. Packet pickup on September 12. http://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=71060Sunday, 11 a.m.: Brookville YMCA Share the Love 10k, 5k and 1 Mile Run/Walk, Brookville. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Brookville/BrookvilleYMCASharetheLoveSept. 19, 9 a.m.: Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County 10th Annual 5k Run and 2 Mile Walk, Hermitage. Also kids fun run at 8:30 A.M. 724-981-0353 or sworthington@foodwarehouse.orgSept. 20, 8 a.m.: Boston Harvest 5k and Half Marathon, Boston. Run on Yough River Rail Trail. Limited to 50 participants in each distance. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Boston/BostonHarvest5k10kSept. 25, 6 p.m.: Elderton 5k Run/Walk. 724-354-3779 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/Elderton/Elderton5KRunWalkSept. 26, 8 a.m.: 5k Walk/Run for Veterans, Saegertown. Run on wooded trails at Woodcock Creek Dam benefits local veterans' organizations. 440-503-6216 or amatt@edinboro.eduSept. 27, 1 p.m.: Stoltz Family Dealerships 5k for PA Wounded Warriors, Dubois. Flat and fast course. Includes post-race lunch. 814-371-3333 or online registration at secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=133849Oct. 4, 9 a.m.: PUSH Beaver County's Path to Wellness 5k, Beaver. Kids' 1k fun run at 8:30 a.m. and are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite superhero. Also virtual race option. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Beaver/BeaverCountySuperhero5kKidsRaceOct.4, 9 a.m.: Ohio River Trail Council River Run 5k and 10k Fall Road Race, Rochester. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Rochester/OhioRiverTrailCouncilRiverRunRoadRaceSeriesFall2019Oct. 4, 10 a.m.: Ole 5k, Allison Park. Starts at North Park's Harmar Pavilion. Also virtual option. https://tashinc.org/ole5k/race-info/Oct. 10, 9 a.m.: OLSH Rally for McNally 5k Run/walk, Coraopolis. Benefits Our Lady of Sacred Heart High School's Michael McNally Endowed Scholarship Fund. www.olsh.org/apps/pages/rally/Oct. 10, 9 a.m.: Life Run 5k/10k, North East. Run through PA wine country. Also Fun Walk. 814-897-6632 or peopleforlife.org/runinfo.htmlOct. 11, 7:30 a.m.: Hot Cider Hustle Half Marathon and 5k, Erie. Run on Presque Isle State Park. 224-757-5425 or https://hotciderhustle.com/erieOct. 11, Noon: King of the Mountain, Clearfield. Five mile hill climb time trial. 814-591-6811 or fg6@psu.eduOct. 17, 7:30 a.m.: Sinnemahone Ultra Trail Run, Emporium. Choice of 12k, 25k or 50k. 814-486-4324 or www.sinnemahone.orgNov. 1, 9 a.m.: InFirst Veterans' Marathon and Half Marathon, Blairsville. Out and back on Ghost Town Rail Trail. Fast, certified, Boston qualifier. 724-599-5929 or https://veterans-marathon.com/

Cranberry Township Police Association Virtual 5k, July 11: Tiffany Shaffer, 1st Overall W, 22:53; Brian Schlichtkrull, 1st Overall M, 24:15; Anthony Buzzelli, 24:50; Kalin Wilson, 25:06; Robyn VanDyke, 25:41; Becky Frey, 27:19; Denise Traubert, 27:30; Cindy Waltemire, 27:41; Chrystal Zinkham, 27:42; Crystal Horan, 27:45; Brett Fox, 28:09; Sharon Buzzelli, 30:45; Jonathan Dempsey, 30:50; Christopher Maloney, 31:13; Michael Weleski, 31:33; Alison Irvin, 32:03; Abby Sannes, 32:03; Christine Koenig, 32:12; Bill Wilson, 32:13; Dakota Koenig, 32:15; Edward Horan, 32:18; Stacey Tornifolio, 32:31; LouAnn DoDico, 32:52; Carrie Ohorodnyk, 32:56; Matthew Irvin, 33:00; Cheryl Fox, 34:03; Virgil Palumbo, 35:06; Seth Prentice, 35:38; Justin Hewitt, 36:12; Joshua Berg, 36:42; Christy Wilson, 37:30; Jessica Maxin, 37:41; Sydney Schlichrkrull, 38:25; Kevin Lesniak, 38:49; David Smith, 39:12; Kathy Schnarre, 41:31; Bridget Weleski, 42:11; Sara Kramer, 42:31; Tiffany Lachelli, 43:06; Joseph Taylor, 43:20; Jennifer Murnock, 44:06; Spencer Shea, 44:20; H. Wozny, 45:00; Rachelle Haberberger, 48:25; Katie Maloney, 49:01; Kim Swendsen, 49:12; Jessica Wozny, 50:00; Jason Mentel, 50:00; David Schuman, 50:10; Audrianna Bly, 50:44; Tammy May, 52:48; Nancy Auer, 53:12; Michael Sedon, 53:18; J. Berg, 54:07; J. Berg, 54:07; Charlotte Hewitt, 55:04; Erin Berg, 55:07; Steve Berg, 55:07; J. Berg, 55:07; K. Horan, 55:32; N. Horan, 55:32; L. Wilson, 55:50; B. Wilson, 56:20; Rose Hawk, 58:20; Paul Hawk, 58:20; Katielyn Mannas, 1:00:38; Kyle Mannas, 1:00:38; Sara Ahlgren, 1:00:38; Becky Ahlgren, 1:02:34; William Ahlgren, 1:02:34; Linda Schuman, 1:15:00; Kristen Vargo, 1:15:03; Debbie Ambrass, 1:15:05Road to Trail 5k, Aug. 8: Patrick Driscoll, 1st Overall M, 17:33; Natalie Mclean, 1st Overall W, 19:25; Meredith Price, 2nd Overall W, 19:44; Jacob Fisher, 3rd 13-17 M, 20:00; Alaina Hicks, 2nd 13-17 W, 21:00; Julia Zalenski, 3rd 13-17 W, 21:10; Makenzie Shandor, 3rd 18-25 W, 24:11; Chloe Verdin, 1st 12 & Under W, 30:56; Isabella Verdin, 2nd 12 & Under W, 33:07; Joan Petty, 1st 60-69 W, 41:21; Nicole Lusk, 22:18; Ava Dzurenda, 22:22; Cami Noll, 24:02; Savannah Blosser, 24:03; Aidan Hicks, 25:28: Kyaujay Springs, 27:55; Carl Hanselman, 28:54; Eli Kite, 29:43; Alexis Blosser, 39:38; Alexa Krznaric, 39:56; Brett Kite, 41:21Hastings Boro Police Donut Dash 5k, Aug. 15: A J Kelly, 1st Overall M, 17:19; Jaci Mennetti, 1st Overall W, 20:46; Jonathan Galinis, 2nd 19-29 M, 23:13; Eric Drake, 3rd 30-39 M, 25:55; Brittany Omstead, 2nd 19-29 W, 29:55; Nancy Baker, 3rd 50+ W, 32:49; Brian Dzurenda, 27:46; Brooklyn Galinis, 31:02; Jess Fergeson, 31:51; Susan Bernard, 36:49; Brenda Schilling, 38:40Run to Breathe Half Marathon, Aug. 23: A.J. Kelly, 1st Overall M, 1:16:28; Melissa Conjack, 1st Overall W, 1:28:04; Jared Famiglietti, 2nd 20-29 M, 1:35:12; Gwendolyn Sudak, 3rd 30-39 W, 1:40:04; Calum Munro, 3rd 40-49 M, 1:50:53; Micci Hutterer, 1st 60-69 W, 1:49:42; Chuck Sarver, 3rd 60-69 M, 1:57:24; Johnny Patrus, 1st 70+ M, 3:22:25; Vanessa Snyder, 1:50:53; Ryan Dufford, 1:58:38; Wendy Wick, 2:07:10; Traci Hanna, 2:04:33; Eric Hauff, 2:10:22; Kyle Sasala, 2:09:55; Nick Reitz, 2:12:56; Erick Hortert, 2:15:16; Alisha Dodds, 2:26:03; Jennifer Eckenrode, 2:27:24; Melissa Eckenrode, 2:27:24; Bill Swanik, 2:26:28; Brett Hines, 2:36:12; Chris Glover, 2:36:13; Lisa Jamison, 2:44:52; Pamela Beck, 3:20:16; Tasha Werner, 3:30:46Run to Breathe 5k, Aug. 23: Ryan Parris, 1st Overall M, 50:42; Gianna Guerino, 1st Overall W, 51:00; Jim Gallagher, 2nd 50-59 M, 56:20; David Suber, 1st 60-69 M, 53:43; Tessa Szymanski, 1st 19 & Under W, 53:55; Darren Waid, 2nd 20-29 M, 58:48; Cindy Suber, 1st 60-69 W, 57:48; Douglas Waid, 3rd 40-49 M, 1:02:46; Tony Sunseri, 3rd 70+ M, 1:02:22; Deborah Takacs, 1:07:47; Debra Kuminkoski, 1:12:13; Dezso Csizmadia, 1:17:21; Wyatt Bowman, 1:12:51Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net<b>Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle</b>