My college track coach would often describe a run as "delicious," and for anyone who has run in the spring, you know what he's talking about. The air is warm enough to awaken, but damp enough to calm. The sun is friendly, without the harsh intensity that lies ahead. The greens popping out of the ground are rich, filling the air with smells that have been dormant or dead for almost a year. Simply put, a run in the spring time makes you feel good.

So why would this be bad? Hamstrings. Ankles. Hips. IT Bands. The Western runner's body is prone to overuse injuries, yet overuse injuries are also connected to underuse and any or all of those areas might not be ready for "spring running." You'll likely want to run faster than you've been running all winter because it's so nice outside (and you're off that damn dreadmill). Faster running too soon is a bad thing and you need to be honest about you pace when the weather is gorgeous. Or maybe you've been getting in just three or four thirty minute runs a week in the winter but want to go for an hour each day of the week now that spring is here, you'll likely have something pop up, a little "niggle" that could lead to a full blown injury.

So enjoy the spring and get out and run, but make sure that if you feel good you slow down a bit and just run your normal mileage for a week or two before you fully make the transition to more running and some faster running.

*Coach Jay's advice is provided as general training information. Use at your own risk. Always consult with your own heath care provider for questions relating to your specific training and nutrition.

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