Whether you’ve never been a runner or you’ve just hibernated for the winter, this spring is the perfect time to break out a new pair of running shoes and hit the roads. From offering numerous health benefits to helping you manage the stress in your life, a regular running routine will re-energize you. If you’re still not convinced, check out these eight reasons to start running this spring:

1. The weather is just right—not too hot, not too cold.

Okay, if you’re from central Illinois you’re probably laughing right now. Spring weather around here can go from 30 degrees to 65 degrees in a single weekend. But it’s certainly better than consistently cold and snowy or consistently hot and humid.

2. Spring and early summer are prime time for road races.

If you’ve never run before, you might be thinking that you’re in no place to sign up for a road race in the coming months. That’s not true! Choosing a local road race a few months down the road is a great way to stay motivated, stick to your running plan, and conquer your goals. And just a little secret: once you finish your first 5K, you’re going to be hooked on racing.

3. It’s the perfect stress reliever for a hectic semester.

Dozens of studies have shown a connection between regular running, decreased stress, and higher grades. Aerobic exercise, in general, enhances memory and cognitive functioning, and the endorphins produced by your brain while you run make you feel less stressed.

4. Running can help you develop a routine and get your life on track.

People always ask me how I can manage training for marathons amidst the typical college course load, but really it’s my running routine that allows me to stay on top of everything else in my life. When you run every day, you create structure, and more structure often means higher productivity. By filling your day with meaningful routines like running, you don’t have the option of procrastinating on everything else.

5. It’s good for your mental health.

Running has been shown to protect you against anxiety and depression by improving sleep quality, mood, and concentration. The best part is that it doesn’t take much running to reap these benefits; just a little bit goes a long way.

6. Get a head start on your summer tan.

Running outside exposes you to the sun long before it’s warm enough for your friends to venture out to the pool in their bathing suits. Plus, getting out in the sunlight helps your body absorb vitamin D for healthy bones. Just don’t forget to wear sunscreen!

7. Get in shape now so you can go on amazing adventures this summer.

From the Rocky Mountains to the Grand Canyon, our world offers so much natural beauty. The best way to explore the world is to get out in it, and that’s a lot more fun when you’re fit. Run now to get fit; then reward yourself by hiking through beautiful places without having to stop and catch your breath every couple of minutes.

8. Most of all, running is fun and it makes you feel great.

The first few weeks can be challenging, especially if you’ve never run before. But once you get over the initial hump, it’ll become your new obsession.

Now let's lace up those shoes and go for a run!