This week’s Friday Five post is a really open topic: SPRING! As we continue move towards spring, I thought I’d talk about how to transition from winter to spring running. Yes, I am choosing to ignore the fact that we keep going from winter to spring to winter in the course of a couple of days and I’m charging forward. Because spring is coming and we’ll need to adjust.Per usual, I’m linking up with my girls Cynthia and Mar for the #Friday Five. You can read our linkup rules here. Please note that if you don’t play nicely, we will delete your link. Have a wonderful weekend!!
- Layers are your friend. Spring weather can be crazy and often fluctuates a LOT. Dress in layers when you head out on your run. I’m a fan of wearing two layers on top along with some solid running tights. If I get too warm, I can easily tie a top around my waist. Don’t overdress but beware of wind and dropping temps!
- Bring your water. Sometimes in the winter, I’ll head out for a run without water because I’m less thirsty and more comfortable relying on water fountains (when it’s not freezing). As I transition to spring running, I have to remind myself to get back in the habit of carrying water on just about every run.
- Don’t forget about the emergence of things like pollen and bugs. This is an unpleasant reality. Take your allergy medicine (note to self!) and close your mouth (trust me on this one).
- Pay attention to the time you run. I got so used to running during the warmest part of the day during winter. Those days are sadly coming to an end. As the temps rise, the time I head out to run gets pushed earlier and earlier. It’s not a fun adjustment but ce la vie, right?
How do you go about getting ready for spring running? Any other tips?
I think it’s always better to underdress than to overdress. Between the sun and the warming temps, it’s easy to overheat.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Catching up…
100% agreed! I always dress like the temp is 20 degrees warmer than it actually is.
Bringing water is something I am bad at. Even if the summer I sometimes do not even bring it.
Water is a summertime must for me!
Ugh, I am so looking forward to the warm weather that I forgot about bees. Last summer I rode my bike into a yellowjacket twice in two weeks. I have severe local swelling reactions. Timing of runs is interesting, too. Important to avoid overheating, but also good to acclimate and run at a similar time of day as you expect to be running (if in a tri, sometimes in a hotter part of the day)
Kelli recently posted…Friday Five: Spring Cleaning!
I always try to continue running in the warmest part of the day until it’s full on summer. That way, if one of my spring races ends up on a hot day, I’m more acclimated. (But I also sometimes do short runs at noon during the summer, so I’m admittedly a little crazy.)
MCM Mama Runs recently posted…Lifetime Half #39: 2015 RNR DC
In the thick of July it’s really just trying to beat the sun! But yes you are crazy 🙂
I’m a fan of layering during these transitional times, too. I start old cold but get easily overheated, and it can be really difficult getting an accurate read on temperatures during the early spring. I also tend to use arm warmers!
Molly @alsoranagain recently posted…Weekend Update
I am such a lazy person when it comes to morning running. I like getting up early, but I don’t really like running in the morning. Usually I do it in the evening. 😀 The nice thing about Colorado is that it doesn’t get that hot in the summer. Or maybe that’s not a good thing for my laziness.
Emily recently posted…Thursday Thoughts + Cupcake Recipe
Oh I so agree – layers are key. Arm warmers are a must for me!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Believe it or not it’s Spring!
Great tips! I hate the emergence of the bugs! Yeah, especially when it’s warmer out, don’t forget your water or electrolytes.
Sherry recently posted…Friday Five: What I Love About Spring
Great post. I know with winter running… I do not carry water with me for all my runs (6 miles or less)… will need to get a replacement water bottle. I also need to remember sun screen (I guess technically I should remember it year round).
Jennifer recently posted…30 before 30 List….Wait I Just Turned 32!
I’m so ready for it to be spring! And to run outside. This is going to be a huge transition year for me since I feel like I haven’t run outside in ages! Thanks for putting some important ideas to the front of my mind!
Lara @ Uptite Mamas recently posted…Friday Five – Spring
I also try to run routes that include an easy stop back at my house in case I need more water or need to ditch some clothing!
Pam and Christine recently posted…Friday Five: I love VA in the springtime!
Layers are definitely a runner’s friend during the changing seasons. The weather is constantly changing, and is hard to plan for, which is why I’ve had to overpack for Shamrock this weekend because I have no idea yet what I’ll be wearing for my races tomorrow and Sunday.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – March 20th – Five Things I’m Looking Forward to About Spring
Great tips! I just get soooo pumped when the weather warms up and I can wear less layers!
Christine recently posted…Spring {Workouts}
all the layers. Like in winter running–you can always take them off or tie something around your waist. Especially once the sun comes up, as it is now “doing it’s job” and actually heating the world!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Friday Favorites: Springtime in the South
Happy spring! For me spring running means getting out my hats with visors because it rains so much. I only run in the early mornings so it will still be cold for a while for my runs, but I’m okay with that since I prefer running in the cold. It’s the rain I don’t love!
Jennifer @ Running on Lentils recently posted…Five Brands for Spring Activewear
Great tips! I definitely need to remember to use my inhaler now.
Coco recently posted…Exploring Heart Rate Training
Layering is definitely key and remembering that hydration requirements are going to change!
Great tips! I am readjusting to running with water again and layers are always your friend!!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Friday Five: Best Things About Spring
Thanks for the tips! Starting to run again and these are great!
I always have a hard time deciding what to wear but once I get moving I would rather be under dressed than over. I tend to over heat pretty easily. I need to work on my hydration while running. I just hate having to carry anything so I really haven’t been all winter, with the exception of having to spend the better part of February on the treadmill. When I had to do 12 miles on the treadmill I walked in the gym with 2 bottles of water and my nuun tabs. I was set! I’ll have to start carrying water again outside with Spring then Summer coming around again.
Important things to remember…all of them! I’m having a heck of a time transitioning off the treadmill and back onto the road, never mind making the transition from colder air to warmer. (Although let’s be honest…not warming up soon enough for my liking!)
Salt recently posted…Spring Has Sprung! {The Friday Five}
I wish I could dress in layers for Spring running weather! Instead, I am worried about wearing the least amount of clothing when it comes to running 🙁 My last three runs have been pretty sweaty and it’s only going to get worse as we move into the summer months. I definitely agree with you on having water with you when you run. I’ve gotten more comfortable running almost up to three or four miles without water in the winter time but already I can see from my last few runs, with the warmer weather I am needing water a lot sooner.
One thing I started using is arm sleeves. It may be cool enough for another layer, but too warm for a full long-sleeve shirt. My shoulders and neck stay cool and for some reason that seems to be important to my body.
Lesley recently posted…Five Signs of Spring
Unfortunately, we skip from Winter to Summer and have very little Spring. I’m already in summer running clothes and complaining about the temps! Allergy meds are a must right now for me.
HoHo Runs recently posted…Hello Spring!
Haha, hard to believe that spring is here when you look out the window today! My goal for this year is to learn how to run with my camelbak without wanting to die. Have a great weekend, Courtney!
lindsey recently posted…Friday 5: My First Half
Great tips! I always forget about the allergies that come with spring… 🙁 I’ll take them over these cold winter temps anyday though!
Nora @ 2 Generations Running recently posted…Spring into the Friday Five!
I’m always terrible about remembering to increase my water consumption when it gets warmer! Thanks for the reminder 🙂
Katie @ Fit Life by katie recently posted…Friday Link Up- Spring!
I agree about the layers, it’s better to over dress than under dress! I wore layers yesterday and was really sweaty when I got home, but i was warm when I was out!
The water is a really good reminder!! I hadn’t thought about how I get used to not carrying it with me and just chewing gum in the winter.
Amy @ Mama Running for God recently posted…Five Favorite Things about SPRING! {Five on Friday}
I’m so ready for this transition, haha. Layers are good. I got a good wind / rain resistant jacket at RnRDC due to the weather that should help. Also looking to invest in some arm sleeves to help to avoid having to wear long sleeve shirt when on the border line.
John @ run. geek. run(disney) recently posted…Five Ways to Spring into It | Friday Five
arm sleeves are my favorite. they are the best for spring running!
It’s always harder for me to transition from winter (low humidity in Mississippi) to summer (over the top extreme humidity in Mississippi) My times and breathing really take an toll. Thank you for the link up and I love the themes! 🙂
Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin recently posted…Friday 5 Link Up #4
These are great tips! Living in California we don’t get much winter running in but the water is crucial! I definitely have to remember to drink more water when its cooler outside
Juliana @ 4 Well Rules recently posted…friday Five LinkUp: Spring!
Oh, Lord…the allergies. I take allergy medicine every day, year round, and this is the time of year when I feel like I should double up – ha! I wonder what that would be like. Oh, well; we’ll survive, I suppose. I do forget about bugs, though; I need to make sure I get more the stuff that helps with bug bites/stings because we’ll inevitable have some at our house – yikes! Thanks, Courtney! Hope you have a great weekend and thanks for another great Friday Five!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Five Things About Spring
I love spring running! Not to warm yet but still cold enough to layer up. 🙂
Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner recently posted…Friday Five: Spring Into Shape!
While I’m super amped for the warmer temps and sun, I am not looking forward to summer bugs and having to time runs outside of the warmest hours! But, man, is it nice to have all of this extra daylight! 🙂
Elizabeth recently posted…Friday Five: Spring!
My friend was talking while running and a bee flew into his mouth and down his throat. He said that suddenly everything got blurry and he went down. Fortunately he wasn’t too far from the parking lot and his friends were able to carry/drag/get him to a car and get some Benadryl in him. He was lucky!
During the summer I keep a tiny tube of sunscreen in my pack so I can reapply it when I sweat my previous coating off.
Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Spring Has Sprung, The Snow Has Come
Great tips!! I also start wearing sunscreen/hats….gotta prepare for those runner tanlines!
Joanna @Crazy Runner Girl recently posted…Five friday: Spring running playlist
I like to have one part of my body cold when I run usually. I rather be cold and run than overdressed! I’m such a sweater and I have to dress a bit cooler than others. I also just thought the times for our later long runs were getting ready to come to an end as the temperatures start getting warmer. You are so right!!
Melanie recently posted…Spring is in the air!
close your mouth is good advice 🙂
kristin | W [H] A T C H recently posted…LONG RUN: RISING FROM ASHES
Good tips now all we need is actual spring!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Happy Blogiversary & Skirt Sports Giveaway
I always forget about the allergy pill and I don’t feel that bad until my first spring run. And then I die!
Lindsay @ Broke and Bougie recently posted…Tips for planning an alternative wedding ceremony
The biggest thing I have to watch is getting out before the sun comes up so that it’s tolerable for running. Other than that, our transition to spring is pretty unremarkable. I wish it lasted a little longer before the temps soar again.
Jenn recently posted…winner: march to get screened 5k walk/run giveaway
I’ll be transitioning this weekend! 🙂
Mar @Mar on the Run recently posted…Friday Five: Spring Race Goals
Great tips. We are already warming up nicely around here and these are great things to be reminded of. Hydrate early and often 🙂
Kristin recently posted…Friday Five: Spring Favorites
Layers are so important! I keep underestimating how cold it is, so I end up a little too cold on my morning runs.
Olivia @ Balancingmommy recently posted…Spring Into Your First Indoor Tri
Great reminder about the bugs ! We are lucky to not have very many in France. I would also add be careful about slipping on muddy ground !
Karen – Fit in France recently posted…20 facts about the seriously crazy past 5 weeks
You are lucky! I need to really get out to France!
These are some really good ones! Adjusting to running in the morning instead of the evening is still taking me some time. I have also had to think about sunscreen since it’s been so warm and sunny in Atlanta lately.
Alaina @ The Simple PEach recently posted…CREAMY CHEESY POTATO SOUP {vegetarian}
thanks for the tips!im looking forward to spring running but haven’t thought about the transition. Swallowing a bug last year was one of my most unappealing running moments.
CHaitali recently posted…Friday Five – my plans for Spring running
Here in South Georgia, running EARLY in the morning is a MUST!!! Trust me this hot humid Georgia heat is nothing to mess with!!! And the mosquitos will eat you alive!!! They are bad already!! UGH!!! But, gotta get the runs in to save sanity! So early morning riser I will be!!! :O)
LOL on the closing your mouth part. Tis truth! I’ve swallowed one too many bugs. Extra protein for the road! My only extra tip is to ENJOY the sunshine but remember the sunscreen!! 🙂
Jess@Flying Feet recently posted…5 Spring Favs, OOFOS Recovery Footwear, + a Miracle
For me it is all about the allergy meds. Everything here is now yellow from pollen.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…An Accidental Long Run