Happy National Running Day!

When you woke up this morning you may have assumed it was just another Wednesday (unless it's your birthday, in which case, happy birthday), but the first Wednesday in June is National Running Day. Who says? The folks at the Atlanta Track Club, Boston Athletic Association, Chevron Houston Marathon, Chicago Area Runners Association, Competitor Group Inc., Little Rock Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon, New York Road Runners, Oregon Track Club, Running USA, Twin Cities In Motion and USA Track & Field. In other words, everyone. Okay, the whole thing is maybe a little gimmicky, but that doesn't mean it can't be fun.

Today running groups across the country are putting on all kinds of fun events. For example, my team is putting on a predict-your-time run. No one gets to wear a watch (except the person timing the event) and the winners are the runners who predict their finish time the closest. In other words, whether you're a fast run or a newbie you still have a chance at winning. There are lots of other events in NYC and elsewhere, all listed on the National Running Day website.

What if you don't have time to meet up with a group today, can you still celebrate? Duh, just go for a run! You were supposed to meet co-workers for happy hour after work? Get them to come along! Been thinking about a new pair of running shoes? Today is also the perfect day to go buy them. Who knows, your local running store might even have some freebies or giveaways.

If enough of you participate, maybe we can turn this into an official holiday and get the day off work next year. Well, I can dream, can't I?