Spring Running

Spring has finally arrive as far as the calendar goes but perhaps you're one of the unlucky few who still finds rotting snow lining your front yard. Or maybe you're like myself, and you fall under, EXTREMELY unlucky where a fresh 2 inches fell in your yard today. Either way, Spring running is either upon us or just around the corner and I felt that now is a great time to talk about some Spring Running tips to get us all off on the right foot.

Sherpa's Things to Consider for Enjoyable Spring Running

Shoe Choice

Let's face it, it's very probable that you're going to get wet and muddy on your trail run this time of year. If you are taking to the trails, now is not the time to bring your favorite pair of NEW shoes out for a tour. Instead, pick a pair of shoes you don't mind transforming into a pair of wasted fabric. Water and mud/sand does a number on your sneaks. After a run like this, you'll be hosing them off and leaving them out to dry causing some heavy damage to your shoes. With this in mind, try to use a pair of shoes you don't mind doing the damage too.

Road Hazards

If you're on the roads this time of year, be wary of the potholes left behind from winters harshness. It's easy to roll an ankle in one of these "holes to china." Also, be aware of the debris that lines the sides of the streets and lays just off the pavement and in the shoulder of the road. Nails and other sharp objects are easily hidden underneath the sand left behind by the town trucks. You'd be pissed if you ended a month of training due to a rusty nail in the foot.

Also keep in mind that now that the snow is gone and cars can actually see you, the new found freedom of driving faster is in full effect on the roads. Drivers forget that you're likely to be out and about or perhaps they don't expect you yet because they wouldn't run during this time of year themselves (if at all). Remember, not everyone is a runner.. you're just another object that the eyes scan only briefly. Run against traffic, keep your headphones OFF for now, and pay attention. Someone has to!

Tread Lightly

Try to stay off of trails that are primarily single-track and are still sopping wet from the melting snow and rainy days. If you run down a trail and you're leaving a 1-2" foot hole in the ground with each stride, you should have run elsewhere. Keep in mind that the trails don't take care of themselves and the effects of trail users (like you) heavily decides the future uses of some area's. The damage you cause on a "soft trail" could adversely affect your ability to use the trail in the future.

It's the time of year to pick up the trash, not contribute to it. If you're out for your run and it's time for a gel or snack, make sure your wrappers aren't flying in the wind. Secure your trash and pay attention. If you see any trash on the trail.. pick it up. If you see plenty on the road, spend one of your weekly runs doing your part to clean it up. Make your runs more enjoyable by making it more attractive to look at.

Ice Patches

Lets face it, while the snow is gone in your yard it might still be prevalent in some areas of the woods. Area's that are heavily travelled in the winter by snowshoers, nordic skiers or snowmobiles have been packed down hard and a slowly melting ice patch is often times still present. These patches tend to last much longer then most of us anticipate. Keep in mind that running on these patches comes with a variety of inherent risks. Make sure the patches you're running on aren't frozen deep puddles or ice hovering over bodies of water. You never know! Keep in mind that if you're breaking up the ice and it's slicing into the trail beneath, you're likely doing some damage to the trail from the ice chunks digging in. No matter how minimal this damage may be, you're not helping the process of erosion. Stay off ice patches and wait patiently for the thaw to complete it's work.

Water Crossings

As the rains have come in and the snow has melted rapidly, keep in mind that the deep rushing waters of spring are often times altering the river banks. What you might remember as being one way back in October before the snow flew is now looking completely different thanks to the effects of the running water. Also, a river/stream crossing that is traditionally shallow may now be much deeper than you can handle. Wait until Early May to begin fording those rivers. This also gives the rivers a chance to recede some as well as the water to warm up a bit. Hypothermia is still a real concern with daytime temps hovering in the mid 40s.

This is not an all encompassing list but hopefully it has given you some food for thought. We all get excited when the snow finally goes away but we all must remember the risks we take in running this time, and other times, of the year. Use common sense, have a plan, know when not to head down a trail.. and we'll all be able to enjoy an entire season of epic trail runs.