CREDIT: KERRA SEAY
Running in the gym can help you exercise on cold and rainy days but with the warm weather on the way try and get outside and catch some Vitamin D.

Now that spring is rapidly approaching and the snow may be gone for good, it is time to start thinking about getting in that outdoor exercise. The best way to get a good work out and some fresh air is by running.

Having been a jogger for as long as I can remember, I take the habit and knowledge of running regularly for granted. Running regularly makes people happier, stronger and more confident. And those benefits are added to when you run outside.

So why don’t most people run?

Besides the obvious issue of people not wanting to get up off the couch and start, there are many other reasons that people don’t run.

A lot of people are afraid that they are too slow and are embarrassed to be seen while running. The funny thing is, almost all runners consider themselves slow. This actually makes runners one of the most welcoming groups of people. Everyone is self-conscious of their pace and is willing to slow down to run with a friend. There will always be someone faster. No matter who you are, you are going to run slower that someone you know. But that’s the beauty of this sport; it’s a never- ending challenge. Setting goals and achieving them increases feelings of power and self-assurance no matter what those goals are.

Runners work just as hard no matter how fast they are. The person that just ran five kilometres in 30 minutes is working just as hard as the one who ran the same distance in 16 minutes. Both of these runners will be feeling the same way about their progress. Regardless of your pace, you’re still doing better than most people just by doing it.

Some people don’t want to run because they don’t have a place to. This is easily solved in the London area. Being by the Pioneer Village and Springbank Park, there are many nice neighborhoods and parks to run in.

Another big issue is the weather. There are certain conditions that make it unsafe to run such as icy roads or hail. However, don’t be afraid to run if it’s cold, hot or raining; just dress properly and embrace the challenge.

Running is one of the easiest activities to get involved with; however, it takes a lot of patience. You’re not going to see results in a day or sometimes even in a month. Running takes time and commitment, but when you look back you’ll see your progress and be proud.

The most important thing to remember is to always get a good night’s sleep, eat breakfast with lots of potassium and stay hydrated. These tips will put you in the best condition to get a good run in.