Shoulder Season

I recently used the term “shoulder season” casually in a conversation, only to be met with a blank stare. It was then that I first realized that there are people and places in the world that don’t experience what we Nordies both dread and look forward to: the crummy season before real winter in which mother nature can’t make up her mind and inevitably surprises you with a freak storm(s) leaving you soggy and cold. If you’re one of those people who can only imagine this, rather than knowing firsthand, I’d kindly advise making your current place of residence permanent.

Growing up in Minnesota and competing for Michigan Tech through college, I’ve had my fair share of the worst of shoulder season. Especially when living in Houghton, the Gales of November were a real thing, and training for weeks on end in freezing rain and enough wind to blow your poles sideways was normal, if not expected. 

Now that I’ve moved to Bozeman, shoulder season has a different energy. Generally speaking, I’ve gotten soft. Fall in Montana tends to be absolutely beautiful: crisp sweater-weather mornings with just enough sun in the afternoon to warm your skin and lull you into a sense of relaxed ease. However, for all its lovely tendencies, don’t be fooled. Mountain weather turns in an instant, and it’s easy to get caught in an unexpected storm with only your high-viz t-shirt and spandex half tights for warmth. 

While I can’t guarantee that every day will be pumpkin-spiced lattes and flannel scarves, here are some of my tricks for keeping the spookies out of shoulder season. 

1. Be flexible. If it snows on the day of your rollerski workout, switch to bounding. Better yet, take the day off and scrape your storage wax. If the sun is out on your gym day, go for a hike or run with your friends.

2. Never trust the forecast. No matter what it says, it will be wrong. Always have sunglasses, shorts, and a rain jacket. If you live in the mountains, add a puffy coat and mittens to that list too. While you’re at it, be prepared for your friends and teammates to forget layers, so bring at least two of each. Make sure to always have something warm and dry for after your workout (frankly this is a good rule no matter the season, but especially important for fall).

3. Plan ahead for recovery. If you’re like me, your energy will drop along with the daylight hours. Let yourself go to bed early. Just keeping your body warm takes energy, especially if you get caught in an especially nasty fall precip event. Pack lots of snacks and make sure to eat well after. My personal favorite is to bring a thermos of well-honeyed tea to every workout so I have some warm carbs that are easy to drink immediately after working out.

4. Take the good days when you get them. While winter means we can finally ski after months of praying for snow, don’t forget to enjoy fall. Winter is long and winter nights are longer, so take every opportunity to get out and play in the sun. 

5. Take the bad days when you get them, too. Ski in the rain, run in the sleet, splash in the puddles. Winter will be here soon enough and the fresh corduroy will be even sweeter when contrasted with a muddy slog just weeks before. I promise, you won’t melt.