With the advent of spring (real spring!) I’ve been thinking of ways to get out and enjoy the weather. Running seems like a good solution. I can do it just about anywhere. Done properly, it will help me get in shape and improve my health. Now, it is possible for other people to decide to go running and then just go outside and run, but I can’t do that. I’m a researcher by nature. I looked through the books offered by the library on how to start a running program! Here are a few you can take a look at, in case you want to start running yourself.

The Principles of Running: What I Learned from My First 100,000 Miles.

Runner’s World Best Injury-Free Running.

Runner’s World Complete Book of Running: Everything You Need to Know to Run for Fun, Fitness, and Competition.

Running and Racing after 35

Galloway’s Book of Running.

Here, too, are a couple of websites you may want to browse before beginning a new program. They have lots of tips on warm-up, what to wear, and what to do to stay safe and healthy while running.

Runner’s World

Run the Planet

An article from MedicineNet.com about running - health and safety issues

Armed with the books from the library and tips from the websites, you’ll be in much better shape. You’ll be able to get out and enjoy the spring weather, see the trees bud and bloom and improve your health. See you on the paths!

Here’s a great idea for this spring - build your kids a treehouse! The library has a small collection of wonderful books to give you some inspiration. You may even decide to build your own retreat in the trees and make the kids guess the password for entry!

Treehouses of the World, by Peter Nelson.

Build Your Own Treehouse: A Practical Guide, by Maurice Barkley.

How to Build Treehouses, Huts & Forts, by David R. Stiles.

Ultimate Treehouses, by David Clark.

Treehouses You Can Actually Build, by David R. Stiles.

A Treehouse of Your Own, by John Harris.

The Complete Guide: Build Your Kids a Treehouse, by Philip Schmidt.

Home Tree Home: Principles of Treehouse Construction and Other Tall Tales, by Peter Nelson.

Treehouses& Playhouses You Can Build, by David R. Stiles.

Treehouses by David Pearson.

Even if you don’t plan on building a backyard retreat, check out a few of these books, you’ll be amazed at the whimsy of some of the creations.