Four tips for transitioning from winter to spring running

Runners across Canada are embracing the arrival of spring. Milder temperatures, longer day and more sunshine are just a few of the things we look forward to as runners in the northern hemisphere. Here are some tips to help you transition from winter so that you don’t miss a stride in your spring training.

1.- Layer up

Most Canadian runners can put away the heavy-duty thermals now that April is here. But dressing for runs in spring can come with its own challenges. Light layers can help you stay warm when you first head out and prevent you from overheating as the temperatures rise with the morning (or vice versa). Here are some great running pieces we’re loving this spring.

2.- Choose the right shoe

While most of us spend our winter runs finding ways to not slip on the ice, spring can mean mud, wet ground and soft terrain. All of these changes can affect the way we run, so it’s important to find shoes that can transition between seasons . Our March favourites feature some great versatile options (think road-to-trail, which can be useful on the mud).

3.- Stay safe on the roads

We’ve got longer days to look forward to, but spring mornings can be dark, damp and overcast. Think about your visibility on the road and bad weather and head out with reflective gear, and even lights, to help you stay visible on early morning and evening runs.

4.- Challenge yourself

You’ve made it through another winter. Why not test your fitness with a spring goal? Many provinces’ 2024 race seasons are kicking off this month. Signing up for a race or challenge is a great way to realize the work you put in this winter and give yourself something to look forward to. If racing isn’t for you, spring is also a great time to check out running clubs welcoming new members. If you’re generally a solo runner, adding some social runs into your week can be an uplifting change.

posted Thursday April 4th
by Claire Haines