Do This: Summer Beach Run series

As the weather continues to get hotter, finding excuses to avoid the outdoors continues to get easier. Trust me; we understand. In the dog days of summer, that after-work stroll to the car can be all the outdoors action you need for one day, nevermind a several-mile run in the heat.

But what if we told you there was a way to be outside, run and actually enjoy it? Hear me out.

For 10 weeks each summer, the Manasota Track Club hosts its free Summer Beach Run series on Siesta Key Beach. Between the gulf breeze, the varying courses and themes and free post-run beer, this is the ideal scenario.

And everyone is welcome. Each week, hundreds of runners — young, old and everywhere in between — lace up, get some fresh air and enjoy the beach with fellow participants.

The 2015 series kicks off tonight at 6:30 p.m. with a 5k beach run and continues each Tuesday through Aug. 11. Visit Manasota Track Club's website to keep up with each week's theme.