Whatever it takes.

It’s spring! Time for the sun to shine, the chill to clear, and the flowers to bloom. Oh, and it’s also time for that wonderful limbo between clear roads and icy ones. You can expect a nice dose of mud, and more climate uncertainty than you thought possible. Is it going to be sixty degrees today or six? You’re a runner and you don’t have time to be sidelined by any of these wonderful and simultaneously awful spring problems.

With that in mind, here are our favorite spring running hacks.

Duct tape: not just for snow! 

I learned a few winters ago that covering your shoes in duct tape can be the difference between perfectly dry feet and a sopping wet mess. It works well in the snow, especially if you have the straps of something like YakTrax going over your shoes, and it adds some warmth for really frigid runs. Since spring can be tropical or sub-zero, pouring rain or dumping snow, keep a roll of tape around to use as needed. Keep in mind that the terrain is going to get muddy, and if you don’t want your shoes full of muck, a good tape job can help. If you do run through a poopy brown mess, follow the instructions for cleaning your shoes properly. Pro tip: you get extra coolness points if your tape matches your shoes, or is particularly awesome.

Layers, layers, layers.

Unless it’s so warm that you can run in a tank and shorts, layers are your friend. I like to have some throw-away layers that I can wear for a block or two and then toss—either toss during a race to be donated, or toss on my route for me to grab on my way home. If you don’t have a good place to ditch something and then grab it later, just do a warm-up run around your house a few times and see if you really need that outer layer or not. Invest in a light-weight jacket to keep out wind and rain, then have handy a light long sleeve, a heavier long sleeve or quarter zip, and a t-shirt or tank. Stick to technical fabrics for the best moisture-wicking and comfort.

Accessorize.

Unless you’re a night owl, you can put away the headlamp (yay!) and it’s pretty safe to assume that you won’t need extra traction on your shoes anymore, so you can pack up the traction devices. You’ll want to keep a few things handy until it really warms up: something to cover your ears, light gloves, and a neck covering. Pro tip: have an old race tee lying around that you don’t wear anymore? Cut off the sleeve and use the fabric around your neck or as an ear-covering headband that adds just a little warmth and protection from the wind.

Don’t let the cool weather fool you.

You still need protection from sun, and it’s expected that you’ll need protection from the wind even if it’s not that cold. Use sunscreen (always!), get a good visor or sunglasses, and protect your face and lips from wind burn. Pro tip: coconut oil makes a BOSS balm.

And you’re all set! Check the weather daily and watch out for puddles! See you on the streets—

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