Running Into Spring
April 14th, 2025
Writer: Emma Weiss
Editor: Emily Pawlak
As the weather is finally starting to warm up in Ann Arbor, I’ve been finding my way back to one of my favorite things: running outside. It’s something I’ve loved since I was thirteen, when I first started running along the Charles River back home. There’s just something so calming about it—blasting cheesy emotional music as I let my feet run to the beat. It’s become more than just a workout for me; it’s always been a way to clear my head and release whatever negative energy I’ve been holding onto. No matter what’s going on in my life, running has been my go-to way of reconnecting with myself and my community.
When I first got to Michigan, I kind of lost my passion for running outside—not because I didn’t want to, but because I was honestly just scared. The idea of running through the Diag felt way too vulnerable. What if I looked weird while running? What if I bumped into someone I was trying to avoid? There were just so many “what-ifs” swirling around in my head, and they ended up keeping me from doing the one thing that usually helps me feel grounded and connected to the outdoors.
However, this year has felt different. One Friday afternoon, I convinced one of my best friends, who also hadn’t run in a while, to go for a run outside with me. Instead of popping in our headphones, we ran side by side, playing music out loud. It turned into this really sweet pocket of time just for the two of us—we gossiped, laughed, and explored parts of Ann Arbor I didn’t even know existed. We ended up running farther and faster than we thought we could, just because we were distracted by each other's company.
Running with a friend made me stop caring about who might see me or what I might look like. It helped me reconnect with something I used to love so deeply. What used to be such a personal, solo ritual became something I now get to share—and bond over—with one of my closest friends. And now our little running duo is growing! Two more friends have joined in, and it's slowly turning into a mini running club.
I’m so grateful I found a friend who shares this love with me. We’ve motivated each other to not only start running again but to challenge ourselves. And now that I’m back in the rhythm, I’m remembering all the physical benefits too— I’m sleeping better, feeling way more productive, and overall just a lot happier. As spring begins to bloom, I encourage everyone to revisit an old hobby they once loved, especially if it gets you outside. Whether it’s running or just going on long walks, there’s something so special about reconnecting with the things that bring you joy. You never know how much you’ve missed it until you start again.
