Pumpkin this, foliage that. Even though Autumn doesn’t start for a few weeks, we all know it's here! It is easier to embrace it than to fight it.

Autumnatic is the next MEAN GUY running challenge, to help kick off autumn (a tad early). This challenge will run from September 13th through October 3rd.

This challenge will be a tad different than others. Points will automatically be earned by just running.

How does one earn points?

Run. The more days run, the more points earned.

The first week will be basic. Run the one day, earn 7 points. Run a second day, earn six more points. A third day? Earn five points. This continues all the way to the seventh day and one point.

Week One (9/13-9/19)

One day = 7 points

Second day = 6 points

Third day = 5 points

Fourth day = 4 points

Fifth day = 3 points

Sixth day = 2 points

Seventh day = 1 point

The second week will be different. In fact it will be the complete opposite. One day run is worth one point. A second day will earn two points...all the way to the 7th day earning 7 points.

Week Two (9/20-9/26)

One day = 1 point

Second day = 2 points

Third day = 3 points

Fourth day = 4 points

Fifth day = 5 points

Sixth day = 6 points

Seventh day = 7 points

The third and final week will be completely random. Pay close attention for the points.

Week Three (9/27-10/30)

One day = 5 points

Second day = 1 point

Third day = 7 points

Fourth day = 2 points

Fifth day = 4 points

Sixth day = 6 points

Seventh day = 5 points

A perfect score is 84 points and 21 days in a row of running. If there is a tie, mileage will be the tie breaker. All runs need to be at least one mile.

The challenge is free for MEAN GUY running members and $5 for non-members. Winners will get either a $75 gift card (MGr member) or a $50 gc (non member - it’s totally worth becoming a member)

Head to www.meanguyrunning.com/autumnatic to log runs and check results.