It seems like there is a national holiday for just about everything these days. National Brownie Day, National Leave Work Early Day (that was yesterday in case you missed it…I did), National Talk Like a Pirate Day, National Ball Point Pen Day (really?), the list goes on… However, one day that I can totally get behind is National Running Day, which happens to be today. Lucky you!

National Running Day was designated for all hardcore and wanna-be runners alike. So whether you are a newbie or a seasoned marathoner, get out there and run today! According to the Running Day website, it is also a day for “runners to join in by planning a run, spreading the running bug to a friend, signing up for a race, or setting a new goal.”

Me and my favorite running partner. Mid-run selfie!

So, how am I going to celebrate this all-American holiday? BBQ and beer like every other ‘merican holiday, duh. Just kidding. I am going to go for a run with my favorite little furry running buddy, of course! It won’t be a long or fast run today (I am still really sore from my weekend long run and hike to the summit of Mt. Tallac), but it will be fun and I will enjoy every second of being able to do something that brings me so much happiness. Running is a privilege and I am just so grateful that I am able to do something that so many other people either cannot physically partake in or do not have the discipline to do.

If you are a runner, celebrate your passion and commitment to the sport today. Not everyone physically can or chooses to run and you should be proud of your bad ass self. Run today for someone who can’t. While you are out there, think about how lucky you are to be in the moment. Think about how much your mind and body thanks you for doing something for YOU. Think about how you are a better person because of this simple, no-frills required, primal sport called running. Think about what running goals you want to accomplish in the second half of the year. Runners are some of the most disciplined people I know and anything is possible when you put your mind to it.

Now, if you are not a runner and are thinking, ‘Whatever. I could do that. I just don’t want to.’ (like many ex-boyfriends have said to me over the years), today is a good day to just give it a try. Grab a friend (the two-legged or four-legged kind) and go for a run. It doesn’t have to be long. It doesn’t have to be fast. And it doesn’t have to be pretty. Just do me one favor, wake up tomorrow and the next day and the next day and do the same thing. Stick to it for two weeks minimum. Don’t just go for one run and say, “That sucked. I’m never doing that again.” Runners are not born overnight (okay, in Kenya they are) and it takes time and determination to get to a place where you will really enjoy it. Two weeks seems to be the amount of time it takes for things to begin to click. Give it a try and let me know how it goes.

Are you a runner or someone who aspires to be? What are you going to do for National Running Day to celebrate?