Run it.

I have always had a love-hate relationship with running. It is the hardest activity for me to get back into once I have been out of it for awhile. I curse my knees and my lungs while I am in the midst of it. But there is no better feeling once I am done a good run! I now run my stress away, clear my head with each step pounded on that pavement, and it is a full session where it is just me and my thoughts.

When I first started out I could barely run for 10 minutes straight. It is hard work! You are taking the full body mass and working it to the extreme. I figured because I was always pretty athletic in a range of different activities that running would be a piece of cake. Boy was I wrong! But it is a great challenge to try. Especially now as the weather is warming up.

For any of you non-runners out there who have been debating on giving it a go, here's some easy tips on how to get you started.

. Start light. I first started by going for 30minutes. I would walk for 4 minutes and then run for 1 minute. And repeat. Once you have that down, the next time decrease the walking time by a minute at a time until you are full on just running. This may take you a couple weeks, or longer- work at your own pace. It's your own race and you can determine yourself at which pace you should be going. Your body will tell you!

. Invest in a good pair of shoes. Your knees will beg you!

. Find a running buddy who is about the same pace as you- time seems to go by faster.

. Test out treadmill running and outdoor running. You may find one you prefer better that will make your run more enjoyable.

. Take a furry friend. I have a much better run when I have my lab with me. She keeps me going!

. Fuel up on the H20. Your body needs the water.

. Bring along an epic play list! Everybody has those songs that make you run a little harder, get your heart pumping a little faster!

I would love to hear any more tips that some of you veteran or new runners have found helpful!