Hey, Hey, It's National Running Day

What's better than getting over that midweek hump--even if this work week is shorter than usual thanks to the Memorial Day holiday--with a little time spent outdoors? Nothing in my book, especially if it includes a run or a ride, too.

Well, my bike might have to sit on the trainer today (call it laziness and tired pedaling legs after too many miles in the saddle over the long weekend) but there are plenty of ways I can get out running. And plenty of reason too: June 2 marks National Running Day.

Forget the excuses you usually give yourself for skipping the treadmill or the trail--even if you've never run before, you can lace up your shoes for this second annual holiday. Today is all about running's accessibility and how easy it can be to go for a run no matter your activity or experience level. In fact, National Running Day encourages newbies to the sport to give it a try today, offering tips on its website to get started. Call it following the phrase, "If everyone else is doing it, why can't we?" Plus there are free events around the country begging for your participation. Check this calendar to find one near you.

Now rarely do I go for self-promotion on here but I actually have a Chicago-based event begging for runners tonight. I run with Team LUNA Chix here in the Windy City and we happen to be hosting a run at Universal Sole, 3052 N. Lincoln in Chicago, at 6 p.m. It's free, it's fun, it's fast--if you want it to be. And it's a great group of women who love to run and want to share their running love with the rest of the city--and share some LUNA bars in the process. The LUNA Chix are big on encouraging women to get out and active in a non-competitive environment--this blog does a great job of summing it up. Read more about LUNA Chix teams around the country at teamlunachix.com and if you're in the Windy City, come out and run with the Chicago group. Or if you're not in my neck of the woods, consider going for a run to join the masses on this running holiday. Photos courtesy of Team LUNA Chix and Running USA, on behalf of National Running Day.