Happy National Running Day!

Just in case you indulged a little too much last week at all those Memorial Day barbecues, today is a chance at redemption. It's National Running Day, and celebrating is easy -- just lace up your sneaks and hit the road!

Making this day particularly interesting is the fact that it's the very first National Running Day. Road racing clubs and organizations all over the country are joining forces to encourage Americans young and old, fit or fat to get out and run. According to Active.com, president and CEO of New York Road Runners Mary Wittenberg said, "Everyone can run. That's the message of this day."

OK, let's say you want to do more than just take a leisurely jog around the neighborhood to celebrate. Or perhaps you've never run a day in your life, but you're interested in getting started (and what better opportunity will you ever have?). What can you do?

For starters, check out the National Running Day website. It offers loads of encouragement (including the fact that participation doesn't have any sort of minimum requirement -- just getting out and doing what you can is perfect) as well as a number of safety tips.

You can also look at joining a running club in your area -- USA Track & Field is a great resource, as is the Road Runners Club of America. Becoming part of an organization will not only keep you accountable, but you might learn that you really enjoy the social aspect, too.

Finally, whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just gearing up to try running for the first time, be proud! Get the most current information by joining the National Running Day Facebook group, and be sure to tell your friends. The more the merrier!