As the winter blues start to fade away, there's a certain excitement in the air that urges us outdoor enthusiasts to dust off our running shoes and hit the pavement. Spring, with its pleasant weather, blooming flora, and longer days, creates a perfect environment for runners to embrace the great outdoors and reinvigorate their fitness routines. So here's Nicky's top tips for running in Spring!

1. Take the opportunity to check your shoes for any signs of wear and tear. If you are preparing for a specific event, make sure your shoes are in good condition to avoid any injuries.

2. Sort through your warmer weather running clothes and donate any that you don't use anymore to a charity shop or sell them on one of the many running buy and sell pages on Facebook. If you are preparing for a specific event, consider rewarding yourself with a new piece of kit to motivate you to keep moving.

3. Remember to stay hydrated properly. We tend to drink less in colder weather and may need a reminder to drink enough as the weather gets warmer.

4. Invest in arm sleeves for those cooler days when it's too warm for a jacket or long sleeves but too cool for a T-shirt or vest.

5. If you've been avoiding running during the winter or running on a treadmill to avoid mud, make sure you ease back into running gradually to avoid injury.

6. Even though the evenings are getting lighter, it's important to stay safe by wearing high visibility clothing and carrying a torch if you run late afternoon or evening.

7. Sunscreen does expire, so make sure you get a fresh tube for the spring and also invest in a good high-factor lip balm.

8. Don't forget to wear sunglasses with UV protection for good eye protection.

9. Check your water bottles. Are they all black and moldy inside? It might be time to invest in some new ones.

10. If you suffer from hay fever, it's a good idea to get antihistamines in readiness for the pollen season.

Whether you're a seasoned marathoner, a casual jogger, or someone just starting out, spring offers a lively setting for all runners to thrive. In this season of renewal and growth, running in spring isn't just about staying fit; it's about celebrating the awakening of nature and embarking on a journey towards personal wellness.