Spring training time in the Rockies.  No, I am not talking about baseball but the windy, cold, usually wet season we have to endure here in Colorado between the cold days of winter and the long, sunny play days of summer.  I have lived in Colorado for 34 of my 37 years and I have come to the conclusion that I just do not like spring.  With winter in Colorado you expect cold, snow, and wind, but as the days grow longer and your races and events get ever closer the cold, snow, rain and wind can really start to wear on you.  The most important thing to remember with training in the ever changing weather of a Colorado spring is to dress appropriately.  Your run, ride, hike or whatever you choose to do that day may start off nice, but by the time you are halfway done you could be exercising in sleet being blown sideways by the wind.  Carry extra clothes with you and be prepared even if your adventure for the day does not take you far enough into the backcountry to make it a life or death situation, you may need the extra layers to keep your muscles warm and your skin safe.  Frostbite can develop quickly when the wind-chill drops, and hypothermia can strike fast especially when the wind hits sweat soaked clothing.  With the unpredictable temperatures in the spring make sure that your muscles are warmed up well before you push yourself too hard.  Do an easy warm up of calisthenics and then stretch your WARM muscles before you begin the day's training.  Injuries are most likely to happen to cold, tight muscles.  Even if you warm up properly your muscles can tighten quickly, especially towards the end of a long workout when your body is exposed to dropping temperatures.  Old injuries and tightness can reappear and cause you trouble.  So listen to your body and be prepared with extra layers.  If you are lucky enough to have a whole workout with nice weather in the spring carrying a little extra clothing weight just burns a few more calories and strengthens your muscles a little more.  Plus if any mountain races or 14ers are on your agenda for the summer it gives you a chance to train and figure out the best way to carry your extra layers.  The ones that just may save your life, or at least keep you healthy, strong and moving.  Bring on the summer!