In just a few short weeks, spring will arrive! With the warmer weather, we are all anxious to get outside and get moving. As you begin to transition to outdoor walks and runs, here are a few tips to remember:
*Always remember to do a warm up and a cool down to help your body adjust to the in and out of active exercising.
*Dress in layers for changing weather conditions. This time of year, it will still be a little chilly in the a.m. but will warm up quickly as the sun rises. Also in the evening, it will start out warm towards the end of the afternoon, but quickly cool down as the sun starts to set.
*Be aware of your walk/run surface. Over the winter, sidewalks and roadways take a beating with ice, snow, salt, and sand. Consequently, the surfaces often start to break down, i.e. potholes, sidewalk cracks. Along with these conditions, there will also be debris left behind from melting snow and ice including sand, twigs, rocks, and gravel making for tripping hazards or slip and falls.
*Start out slowly and gradually increase your pace and distance, especially if you have been rather sedentary during the winter months. As always, starting any new exercise routine it is important to not overdo as you start which helps to prevent injury. It will take a bit of time to work up to where you want to be, but spring, summer, and fall give you plenty of time to be outside and enjoying the warmer weather!
