Finally, they're here. Those days we dream of in the depths of winter. When, for some of us, icicles form on hats, headbands and on the frames of glasses. When your mind negotiates with your body – usually over a second cup of coffee – before you'll step out the door and get some exercise.

The summertime. It's been late in coming to southern Ontario. Yes, the B.C. interior and the Northwest Territories have seen some of their hottest weather ever. But not here – at least not until well into July.

We've missed those days that are so hot and soupy, you don't want to do much more than sit on a shaded patio and sip on a complimentary beverage – with one of those tiny, colourful umbrellas. Days where your toughest decision is which body of water to dangle your toes in or what to barbecue.

Yes, the sweat may flow far more freely. Feet may even slosh around in running shoes – for some of us – halfway through a long, hot trip on the trails. But once you're acclimatized, it's only those ultra-oppressive days that slow you down. And, like I said, we've had very few of those in this neck of the woods.

It's that time of marathon season where the next big effort is still far enough away that you don't obsess about getting out and putting in a serious workout every day. Some days, you might not even lace up the runners at all. The pressure is so not there, that you might run just for the fun of running.

Had one of those the other day. Got me thinking of a Nelly Furtado song. You see, I was gliding down Sawmill Valley, in the wooded heart of Mississauga, not hearing any traffic noises and not thinking about the rhythm of my steps, my breathing or whether my heart rate was bordering on anaerobic. Like a bird.

Everything was working just right. Close to, but not quite that sought-after runner's high. Effortless. Free. As a bird.

You don't get runs like that every day. It's the kind of run you pine for when your knee, hip or IT decides to remind you of your limits. When you're seeing more of your physiotherapist or massage therapist than your family.

When a run like that comes your way, you soak in every second of it. You can't help but smile. And your smile is infectious – people you come across on your route sense your spirit and often smile back. It's all the better when you're doing a run like this in shorts, feeling the breeze on your legs and the wind in what hair you may have.

Damn, it is good to be fit. Even just fit enough to get out there and enjoy the wonder of summer without feeling out of breath walking up a slight incline. It doesn't take much to get to that state. You don't need to be a long distance runner.

You do need to take that first step, though, and get out the door. It's easy to stay in your cocoon and promise yourself that you'll go do something physical soon. Before you know it, life steps in and puts off that workout.

Another promise to tackle fitness some day. Another missed chance for one of those magical workouts. It's so easy, in the summertime.