I love to run. Of course, there are days when I hate it, when I struggle to get up the first hill, let alone the last five. Yet even on those days I have to admit that running is truly one of the best sports around – both physically and mentally. You build strong bones, reduce your risk for disease, relieve stress, and feel more accomplished. And let’s face it – you burn a LOT of calories! I know that alone is enough to motivate me some days!
I’ve been running for years, and even though I don’t have the opportunity to run as much as I used to, I’m still addicted to the road. I love the sense of freedom that comes when you just step out the door and run. I also love the peacefulness of being alone on the road – my problems somehow seem to melt away. Plus I get the best ideas when I’m running!
Thus, in this post, I’ve decided to share with you all the wonderful benefits of running, in the hopes that you’ll embrace the sport as I have. If you’re not a runner yet (or even if you are!), then read on for the ten reasons that you, too, belong on the road.
1. A Healthy Heart
Cardiovascular exercise does wonders for your heart and circulatory system, including reducing blood pressure, decreasing resting heart rate, improving general heart function, reducing total cholesterol, increasing HDL cholesterol, and drastically reducing your risk for cardiovascular disease.
2. A Slimmer Body
Any sustained cardiovascular activity will help you burn calories, decrease body fat, and lose weight, but running in particular is a major calorie blaster. Start training for a race and you’ve not only guaranteed your own exercise adherence, but you’re sure to burn about 100 calories per mile!
3. A Longer Life
Regular exercise has the power to reduce your risk of acquiring major diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and some cancers. In addition to these, running will build strong bones to help prevent osteoporosis later in life.
4. Consistent Results
Participating in a running program requires motivation, discipline, and consistency – the same principles that guarantee workout results. And when you take your run outdoors, you have the opportunity to switch up the terrain, elevation, scenery, and speed with every workout. This versatility makes running one of the best sports for avoiding those dreaded workout plateaus!
5. Fewer Gray Hairs
Life can be stressful. Fortunately, you can run away (at least for a little while). Running combines the calming effects of exercise with strong mental & visual elements. The act of running allows your mind to escape the day-to-day and relax into the scenery and steady rhythm of your stride. Your problems might be there when you return, but you can take those in stride too
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6. A Strong Community
Although running is considered a solitary sport, there can be a great sense of community on the road – if you want to take advantage of it. Join a training group for the marathon, a local runner’s circle, or convince your family to run with you. Participating in the sport with someone creates a bonding experience that goes beyond the duration of your run. Get fit and meet new people at the same time!
7. A Lighter Suitcase
You take vacation in the summer, travel on business, get away for the holidays… if you count all the time you spend traveling, you’re barely left with a few months of routine workouts. But if you’re a runner… you can bring your workout with you! Running doesn’t require any equipment, workout space, or club membership. It’s just you, your sneakers, and the wide-open road. So no more excuses!
8. You Could Win (Frequently)
The physical and mental benefits of running are all well and good, but sometimes there’s nothing better than being rewarded for all your hard work! There are lots of road races every month – some of which offer a monetary prize. And if you’re feeling charitable, why not race for a cause? You’ll be putting in the miles and getting double the reward.
9. More Money In Your Pocket
Running might just be the least expensive sport around. You won’t need specialty equipment, helmets, or gear (you do have sneakers*, right?), nor will you need to invest in training to understand how it’s played. You just step out the door and RUN.
10. More Confidence in Your Step
There will be days when you don’t want to run. We all have them. But running despite that feeling… that’s what gives you confidence. Knowing you conquered that morning run, that hilly terrain, that 26-mile race – whatever it is, you survived and triumphed. The rest of your day will be a piece of cake. Because you are a runner.
*I should mention that you will need good, supportive sneakers if you plan to start a running routine. A lot of sports/running stores will offer gait analysis, which analyzes your running style and arch height. These results help the store associates recommend the best sneakers for you (which can prevent common beginner running injuries like shin splints).
