Are you feeling spurred on by this weekend's London Marathon to get fit? The days are getting longer, summer clothes are in the shops and the reality of bikinis and beachwear is getting nearer.
Dreaming of holidays and lounging by the pool, could get you thinking about shedding the pounds and toning up. Gone are the long dark nights, where all you want to do is curl up with a bar of chocolate and a hot drink.
Over 34,000 athletes and charity runners really showed us how it was done in London in Sunday, battling the typical mix of English weather with rain, shine, and back to a torrential downpour.
Amongst them were celebrity runners including Amanda Holden, Gordon Ramsay, and James Cracknell.
But you don't have to commit to a marathon to get fit. Running is one of the most accessible forms of exercise. All you really need is a good pair of trainers (and a decent sports bra) and you are off.
It is worth investing in a good pair of trainers as they are designed to allow your foot to hit the ground properly, reducing the pressure on your joints. They're also made to fit your foot snugly, which reduces the slipping and sliding that can lead to blisters.
It is a great way to tone up for summer, and you can run at any level and at any speed. Benefits from running on a regular basis include weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, improved bone health and the endorphins released (happy hormones) can really put you in a good mood.
How to get started
First of all, choose where you are going to run. The best places are safe, well lit and free of traffic.
It is always good to have a nice view to take your mind off the running when it gets a bit harder. Smooth grass is better than roads because it minimises the impacts on your joints. Wear a watch to guage your timing and distance.
Running with a friend is the best way to start a regular exercise plan. If you set a time and date to go, you are less likely to back out than if you were going for a run on your own. It's always nice to have someone to talk to.
Music is another great way of getting you motivated: perhaps make a playlist on your mp3 player full of songs you love, whether it be Eye of the Tiger or Girls Aloud that really gets you moving.
Start with a brisk walk of around 30 minutes with 2-minute intervals of running. Repeat this, gradually increasing the length of the running intervals until you can run for the whole 30 minutes.
It's normal to feel some discomfort when you get started, and as you add intensity and distance to your workout. Feeling out of breath is also normal, but you shouldn't feel serious pain or be huffing and puffing as you improve. If you experience excessive breathing difficulty or severe pain you should consult your doctor.
How to stick at it
It's best to have a goal in mind. Looking gorgeous on the beach, losing a few pounds or completing a race for charity. Consider entering a short race like the five kilometre Race for Life with some friends or relatives.
There are over 260 events all over the country to choose from to raise money for Cancer Research UK. To enter or for more information see www.raceforlife.org or ring 0871 641 2282.
Tara Hounslea- Female First