Spring Forward: Your Guide to a Feel-Good Running Routine

Words By Root Staff

SPRING HAS SPRUNG, FINALLY!

The grass is greener, flowers are blooming, and the world just feels more awake. It’s that time of year when being outside actually sounds like a great idea. And if you’ve been thinking about moving more, running more, or just shaking off that winter slump—consider this your sign.

With summer around the corner, now’s the perfect time to get into a rhythm. Not for a “summer body” or whatever (this is just a plus!)—but for you. To feel good, get fresh air, and build momentum in a way that actually sticks. So, if you're ready to hit the pavement (or the trails), here are some tips to make running this spring a little easier, a little more fun, and something you actually want to keep doing.

TIP: 01

Shift Your Mindset

Running shouldn’t feel like a chore. It’s not some task you have to do to look better; it’s an opportunity. A chance to move, breathe, and take in the world around you. And honestly? That’s what made me fall in love with it.

When I started running, I didn’t do it to train for a marathon or hit some goal on a scale. I did it because it felt good. It was my time to step outside, feel the wind on my face, soak up the sun, and watch the sky shift into those dreamy pink hues at sunset. When you stop looking at running as something you have to do and start seeing it as something you get to do, everything changes.

START SLOW, STAY CONSISTENT

Running for joy is a great reason to start! But over time, building strength, endurance, and speed becomes just as rewarding. The thing is, you don’t build that overnight. You’re not going from couch to 5K in a day (at least, not in a way that actually sticks). The key? Consistency. You want a routine that challenges you, but also keeps you coming back.

And if that means starting slow? Perfect. Some of the best runners out there swear by the Galloway Method, where you mix running and walking in intervals to build endurance without burning out. So if you need to walk, walk. If you need to slow down, slow down. What matters is that you’re showing up, putting in the work, and letting progress happen naturally. Speed and stamina will come with time—you just have to keep going.

Make It A Group Thing

What better way to make running a habit than by doing it with people who make it fun? Community is such a huge part of our lives, and when it comes to sticking to good habits, it makes all the difference. One thing from Atomic Habits by James Clear that’s always stuck with me is this: “Join a group where your desired behavior is the normal behavior.” Basically, if you surround yourself with runners, you’re way more likely to keep running.

Plus, running with others just makes it easier. On the days when you’re feeling lazy or unmotivated, having a friend (or a whole group) to encourage you can be the push you need. So, grab your best friend, your sibling, or even your dog, and make it a thing. Imagine an early morning jog with your sister, both of you half-awake but laughing as you go. Or a weekend run with friends that ends with grabbing coffee after. Running with others keeps you on track, makes it way more fun, and gives you a chance to connect with the people around you.