It's that moment of panic. Spring is quickly passing by and soon summer will be here, which you're not ready for at all. There can be a multitude of reasons for falling off the running wagon. Maybe you got injured and couldn't run. It always feels like a long winter and who really wants to go outside when your bed is so darn comfy. Or perhaps you've experienced some lifestyle changes that make running difficult, like welcoming new members into your home or moving cities. It often feels like there are simply not enough hours in the day to do everything you want, and running ends up falling to the wayside. Well, push all of that aside with this comprehensive guide on how to get back into running.

1. Ease In

Health isn’t a swimming pool, there is no need to dive in head first. Start out slowly and build up to longer runs. If you haven’t run in a while, then ten miles right off the bat will only leave you feeling exhausted. As you get more into the groove of things, increase your speed and distance.

2. Prepare Yourself

Mentally prepare yourself for the fact that you won’t be as good as you were, but remind yourself that there is no shame in that. Don’t get frustrated at your lack of movement. Make sure to have some items on hand, such as bandages for blisters and braces/wraps for injury-prone knees or ankles. Finally, wear the right shoes for running.

3. Clean Slate

Forget about your personal best and clear out any apps that might have stored data about previous runs. You are starting again and you shouldn’t be weighed down by your previous accomplishments.

4. Chose a Goal

Do you have a 5K that you’ve been eyeballing ever since you started to run? Well now would be the time to do it. Having a goal is extra motivation to stay on track.

5. Stick With It

You might not be at the same level you were before and that's okay. It's easy to compare yourself to what you once were, but this type of thinking is not conducive to meeting your goals.

6. Join a Running Club

This is super helpful in keeping you motivated. Running with a friend is nice, but both of you might be able to talk the other one out of it. Running with a group ensures that multiple people are keeping you in check and that you live up to your commitments.

7. Cross Train

Cross training has a lot of benefits, depending on which direction you choose. Yoga, for example, helps stretch the muscles; increasing flexibility so you spend less time recovering. Overall, cross training helps with muscle recovery, and prevents you from becoming bored by allowing you to switch up your routine.

Always consult a doctor before starting any exercise routine.