There is no better way to enjoy the Midwest summer weather than to head outside for an invigorating run. Start your watch and head out for 20 minutes. Feeling ambitious? Make it an hour. If your new year’s resolution never left the starting blocks, get a fresh start now. There is plenty of land to cover. Running trails are webbed throughout many cities, and a quick online search can help you locate those closest to you.

One of the best things about running is that it ’s extremely convenient and requires not much more than a decent pair of running shoes to get you on your way. what’s more, running is a sport that is often supported by dozens of groups to help keep you motivated and goal-oriented. In Chicago, one of those groups is Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA).

CARA has been around since 1978 and currently boasts over 8,000 active members. CARA executive director Valerie Bushey says “runners of all abilities, from the beginner to the seasoned marathon runner,” are welcome at anytime to join the group. CARA accepts new members throughout the year and accommodates every runner’s goal, from the running enthusiast to the marathon runner, with a plan that will help keep them on track. Bushey, who has been involved with CARA since august of 2009, leads the organization’s premier race, the lakefront 10 Miler, in April. Registration for this race, or nearly any other race held in the Chicagoland area, can be found on www.cararuns.org.

If you’re interested in running simply as a means to stay fit, the benefits are tremendous. From cardiovascular improvement s to weight loss to improved muscle definition, running is one of the easiest ways to achieve success. Chicago runner Jenni Smith knows this firsthand. Having played soccer throughout college, smith knew what it took to stay fit but didn’t actually start running until 2004. She ran her first marathon in 2006 and quickly began leading running groups and Lincoln Park and Lakeview Athletic Club’s Running Club. “Chicago has such a great running community,” Smith says. “The lakefront path is so unique in that it’s well-marked with beautiful scenery … and always busy. Running groups like CARA and Chicago Endurance Sports (CES) are really popular and draw more people to running, which just adds to the strength of the running community. Having local races makes it really accessible and feasible for people to make a goal, train, and then accomplish their goals.”

Whether you’re a warm weather runner or a newbie altogether, the biggest thing that will hold you back from running is not taking action. Lace up your shoes and get out there. here are a few tips that will help build momentum to keep you going throughout the year – and who knows – perhaps one day a marathon will be calling your name!

Start Small

Integrate a few short runs every week, running on non-consecutive days, to give your body a chance to break into running. Even if you ran last year, taking a winter hiatus can bring a shock to your system when you start back again. Integrate run/walk combinations for at least 30 minutes, starting with a 2-minute jog, followed by a 1-minute walk. Continue this until you hit a predetermined mileage or time.

Start Slow

If the start/stop concept doesn’t work for you, then take it slow out of the gates. Nothing is more discouraging than feeling completely winded 30 seconds after you star t your run. Head out on your run at a nice, easy pace. easy, for running purposes, is defined as the ability to have a conversation throughout your run. If you can’t do this, you’re probably running too fast and will hit the wall before you know it!

Set a Goal

You started running. Great. Now what? Before you start an ambitious running program, set a goal. If it’s not a race, then perhaps you’re out to lose a few pounds or shed unneeded body fat. Make that your goal, and stay accountable to it. Write down your goal, and mark your progress every step of the way. Don’t forget that there are an abundance of organizations out there to help you reach any running goal you set. Rely on these groups to maintain your momentum and reach your goal.