A beginners guide to spring running
Spring is the perfect time to run, especially if you’re new to the sport. Spring running is the bomb for many reasons.
I’ll 100% own this fact: I’m a fair weather runner. I don’t run in winter. I do at home workouts, Crossfit, & Spin classes to help the dreary winter days go by. I’m simply not into running through all that snow and ice. It’s not my thing. Maybe I’m not considered a “true runner” to some. Whatever. I’m not out to prove anything. I’m a runner, who simply likes to run in nice weather. 😉 Now that the time change is in full effect and the days are longer I’m all about hitting that pavement again. And if you’re a new runner? Well there’s no better time of the year to start your running journey! Here are 5 reasons why you should learn to run in the spring.
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5 reasons why spring running is the best for beginners.
The days are longer
Nothing shouts run girl run like more daylight. To make sure I’m out and back before it gets dark in early spring I’ll have dinner ready for everyone about 5:30. (when my husband typically arrives home) As soon as we’re done eating, around 6ish, I’ll take off on my run. If I put about 3-6 miles in that gets me home before sunset which in late March in the Pacific Northwest is about 7ish.
Newbit tip: I like light carbs before heading out since I tend to get side aches. After the run I typically finish up with one of three things: 1. a Premier Protein Shake (I get mine from Costco) 2. some greek yogurt with a scoop of protein, or 3. I’ll whip up a little Shakeology with a banana, pb, and almond milk. Carbs before a run + protein after = the perfect combo for a solid run and good recovery.
The temperatures are perfect
Spring provides this small window of time when it’s near perfect to run. Learning to run in summer or winter can be hard because of the extreme temps. Spring means it’s not too cold, but also not so overly warm that you’re pouring sweat. I typically wear a tank top & capris and although it’s a bit brisk when I start, a mile in and the cooler weather feels perfect against my skin. You’ll get this again for a month or so in fall, which is super refreshing after all those hot summer runs.
You get to watch the world come back to life
Nature comes bursting into life in the spring, and you get a front seat (er, road) to all the action. This provides a perfect distraction on days when running feels tough. Flowers, baby animals, deer nibbling at the new spring grass, raging rivers, it’s all there. Make it a point to run different parts of your town or city as often as possible. It makes running boredom near impossible. Hit some country roads and then maybe a trail in your local park or river. It’s so fun to see the sleepy winter melt away to a very active and exciting spring.
Spring running lifts wintertime depression
It’s impossible to feel anything but amazing after a springtime run. Getting outside again after a winter spent mostly indoors does so much. Soaking up vitamin D while inhaling the fresh spring air is an instant anxiety reliever and mood improver. Life just seems better after a healthy spring run!
Spring is a great time to work on building mileage
If you’re a newbie runner spring is a great time to work on building mileage. Want to run a 5k, half marathon, or even a full in the future? Spring’s the time to pile on those miles. You’ve got all the above mentioned reasons, so get busy! Find a solid training plan and just start.
My experience with building milage: When I first started I couldn’t run two miles together. I didn’t grow up involved in sports so when I started running in my late twenties I had no previous experience to glean from. Running was a mess. I could never seem to run further than a mile and a half before my legs gave out. Finally I asked running friend of mine what I was doing wrong and she said, “slow down!” Go much slower than you think you need to, and keep that pace for as long as you can.
Well the very next day I ran those two miles, very slowly. I thought to be a “runner” you had to run a certain speed to qualify for the title, but that’s not it at all. If you hit the pavement at any pace faster than a walk, you’re a runner! When that same friend and I started training together for my first half I remember so many times her saying to me 2, 4, or even 6 miles in, “Slow down Eryn” and I’m so glad for her friendly cues. She knew adding on the miles was more important than how fast I ran them.
Are you going to hit roads this spring? Have any friendly tips? Drop them below!
My favorite running gear:
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First 14 miles ever and Bloomsday 10K
Training for a full or half marathon after baby
Thoughts on my first 20 mile run
People generally try an exercise for one day in full enthusiasm but then their body starts to revolt and so they give up… you very rightly mentioned in your blog that we should start small and then slowly increase our potential… that is really the right way to go about it.
This is what happened to me with yoga… earlier even easy exercises were a challenge but as I continued with my practice, I am now able to do harder asanas with ease.