Spring just around the corner, so now is the time to hop off the treadmill and hit the open road. Exercising in fresh air is bound to make you happier, but it might be a little rougher on your joints since treadmills are more forgiving than concrete and asphalt. Plus, moving your run outdoors means you lose the assistance of the treadmill pulling your legs backward , so your body works harder striking the ground with a bit more zeal. I encourage you to get outside, but use these tips to make the transition as smooth as possible. Ease into it . Move your runs outside gradually to allow your joints time to acclimate to the new running surface.

I suggest adding one new outdoor run to your regimen each week decreasing the number of treadmill runs you do until all your runs are outside. If you run four times a week, the transition will take a month. Also, don’t make your long run your first run outside. You might feel slower . You might feel slower running outside with wind resistance, unpredictable road surfaces, and the challenge of propelling yourself forward off of solid ground. On the brighter side, you might be so inspired by the beauty of nature that you won’t even notice your pace. Keep on reading for more tips.

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Spring Running: Transitioning From the Treadmill to the Road