Its August in the South, and everyone knows that that means-its *STILL* hot and humid, school buses are on the roads again, and the kids are back in school….and after spending all summer focusing on the kids, its time to concentrate on YOU, and getting back in shape! The end of the summer heat is in sight, and there is no greater time to hit the street, the paths, or the trails of Atlanta, than now. The leaves will be changing soon, the breeze will be back, and all you need is a little motivation. Added bonus? No gym membership required! You don’t have to be a trackstar to be able to get out there and enjoy the benifits of a good run. Your adreniline gets pumping, your heart is racing, and when you are finished you’ve accomplished something good for your mind, your body, and your soul. So to begin on what is to be a series of entry’s about getting running integrated into your daily routine, here are a few tips on where to start:

• Make sure you have good running attire. Good fit and comfort are key. Cotton is NOT your friend.

• Get fitted for a pair of running shoes at www.bigpeachrunningco.com, or try the latest in running “shoes”, www.vibramfivefingers.com With either choice, make sure you get a pair that are personalized to fit YOU. Running shoes are NOT a “one size fits all”.

• Sign up for a race! There is no better motivation than having a deadline. Fall is a great race time in Atlanta, and there are plenty of free training programs online-for 5K’s, 10K’s, half-marathons, or full marathons. Check out www.racevine.com and www.active.com or local races in your area.

• STAY motivated. Get friends and family to run with you. You can’t back out once you have other people committed to run with you!

• Listen to your body. If you are feeling pain, or you body is telling you something isn’t right, pay attention.

• Join a local running club. www.bigpeachrunningco.com offers information on running clubs for all ages and abilities

• Be smart. Each day go a little further, or a little quicker. Ramp up gradually as you get into “running” shape.

• If you like to run with music, create a great, upbeat playlist. It’ll keep you going when you want to stopindividually to retain this template’s appearance. Highlight and replace each paragraph individually to retain this template’s appearance. Highlight and replace each paragraph individually to retain this template’s appearance. Highlight and replace each paragraph individually to retain this template’s appearance. Highlight and replace each paragraph individually to retain this template’s appearance.

Once you run one race, you’ll be hooked. You’ll want to sign up for another one right away, and then another one as soon as that one is over. Everyone has their own goals for a race-most people are just happy to finish. Don’t shy away from running an event becuase you know you won’t be the fastest one out there. Just get out there and enjoy the experience of being with people all doing the same thing you are-getting healthy, being active, and having a great time!

Running helps you clear your head after a long day, step away from the computer, and turn off the television-if only for 30 minutes. It gives you time to yourself if you prefer to run alone, or if you have a running partner a nice time to catch up without any distractions. The keep to staying on the path, street, or trails is staying motivated…here are a couple quotes to help keep you motivated when you are feeling like staying home and watching tv instead of getting outside:

“The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start” -John Bingham

“You have a choice. You can throw in the towel, or use it to wipe the sweat off your face” -Gatorade Ad

“I run because its cheaper than therapy” – unknown

“There are clubs you can’t belong to, neighborhoods you can’t live in, Schools you can’t get into, but the roads are always open” -NIKE

For more info: Contact me with your feedback and/or comments at aliburbage@aol.com or follow me on twitter at: @burbsonthego