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"[#image: /photos/57d8cef350778cef321a61e0]||||||\\n\\nEven though he's technically only accurate about [39% of the time](http://www.stormfax.com/ghogday.htm), I'm totally buying into the Puxatawney Phil's prediction that spring will come early this year. Don't get me wrong; I'm loving the cold (I'm even embracing it, thanks to [cute gear](/beauty/2013/01/cold-weather-gear-slideshow)), but I can't help but long for the days I won't have to wear those (albeit chic) six different layers just to walk my dog in the morning. ([Find out how to layer up and look lean, BTW.](/beauty/2013/01/layer-up-look-lean-slideshow)) While I'm still warming my hands, I'm also crossing my fingers the groundhog is right--because spring totally rules. Here are five reasons that'll have you jonesing for warmer days.\\n\\n__1. Longer Days__  \\n This one is happening regardless of the weather or the temperature: Between now and the summer solstice, we'll see a little more light every single day. And let's face it: It's much easier to get [\\\\#UpNOut](/flash/2013/01/5-reasons-why-morning-exercise-is-better) in the morning--or to find the energy for a workout after work--when it's not pitch black outside.\\n\\n__2. Cool Temps, Cool Races, Cool Shoes__  \\n There's always one or two races held in the middle of winter, with names like \\\"Jingle Bell Jog\\\" or \\\"Snowflake Sprint,\\\" and at least one crazy runner who strips down to his skivvies. But the real running seasons are spring and fall. Check out [Active.com](http://active.com/) to find a race near you, and embrace the mild, perfect-for-running spring weather. (Need new shoes? Check out [Brooks' PureProject](http://www.brooksrunning.com/Brooks-PureProject/pureproject,default,pg.html) and [Merrell's M-Connect](http://www.merrell.com/US/en/Barefoot_Collection) series, two awesome spring lines of [minimalist kicks](/fitness/2013/02/what-are-minimalist-sneakers-slideshow) with different fits for every foot.)\\n\\n__3. New Denim Trends__  \\n Warmer temperatures means [brighter colors](/flash/2013/02/amazing-nail-colors-for-spring), [feminine fabrics](ww.self.com/beauty/2012/04/pretty-outfit-ideas-for-spring-slideshow), [bold makeup](/flash/2012/10/5-of-our-favorite-looks-from-s), and fun with fashion. Just ask our #DenimDoc, Senior Fashion Market Editor [Lindsay T. Huggins](http://www.twitter.com/lindsaythuggins), who'll be chatting about [spring denim trends](/beauty/2013/02/denim-doctor-favorite-looks-slideshow) on our [Twitter](http://www.twitter.com/selfmagazine) page today at 3 PM EST using that hashtag! Expect Linds to talk about style highlights like over-the-top patterned pants and even a sweet skirt or two.\\n\\n__4. More Local Fruits and Veggies__  \\n No offense to [root veggies](/fooddiet/recipes/2012/11/rosemary-beef-with-root-vegetables), but our trips to the farmers market have been a bit monotonous lately. A sooner spring may mean an earlier appearance of local [asparagus](/about/asparagus), [artichokes](/fooddiet/recipes/2010/05/artichokes-with-quinoa) or [strawberries](/search?qt=dismax&amp;sort=publishdate+desc%2Cscore+desc&amp;subsection=&amp;query=strawberries&amp;submit=&amp;section=&amp;docType=recipe). Not there yet? Try one of these [ten-minute meals](/fooddiet/2013/02/ten-minute-dinners-slideshow) to hold you over till March.\\n\\n__5. More Sunshine__  \\n Not only does spring mean longer days, but it also means that we can tolerate being outside--maybe even showing some skin--for more than a few painfully cold minutes a day. That means more exposure to Vitamin-D producing, mood-boosting sunshine. Research shows that a few minutes of daily exposure to sunlight can lessen the effects of [seasonal affective disorder](/flash/2012/12/winter-solstice-facts-and-tips-to-help), promote better sleep and may even help [prevent us from packing on extra pounds](/health/2013/02/sneaky-winter-weight-traps-slideshow#slide=9). And a new study, out today, shows that daily sun exposure can also [help prevent arthritis](http://www.medpagetoday.com/Rheumatology/Arthritis/37187) in women. (Of course, if you're outside for more than a few minutes, be sure to slather on an SPF.)\\n\\n*What are you most looking forward to this spring? Tweet us at [@amandaemac](http://twitter.com/amandaemac) and [@SELFmagazine](http://twitter.com/selfmagazine)!*\\n\\n- [Mud, Sweat &amp; Beers! (Sounds Fun, Doesn't It?)](/mud-run)\\n- [Emerald Is 2013's Color of the Year](/flash/2012/12/emerald-named-2013-color-of-the-year-by-pantone)\\n- [Eat Out, Order In, Lose 2 Pounds a Week](/jumpstart)"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.self.com/story/5-health-fitness-mood-fashion-reasons-to-be-excited-for-spring>