7 Reasons to Run and How It Will Change Your Life ...

By Jennifer

7 Reasons to Run and How It Will Change Your Life ...

There are so many reasons to run – to be fit, to clear your head, to be able to eat as many cookies as you want – it seems like every runner has a different reason to lace up their trainers and run every day. If you start running, chances are you’ll completely agree with some of these brilliant reasons to run. Which might motivate you to give it a go? Let’s find out.

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1

You’ll Be Fitter

For most runners, this is one of the reasons to run that got them to the track, or on the trail, in the first place. In a time when so many of us are battling obesity and its related health issues, the fitness aspect of running can’t be ignored. If you’re on your own weight loss and fitness journey, reap the fitness benefits of running safely, by starting slow, with walking, then gradually building your distance and pace til you’re (literally) off and running. Your body will thank you!

2

It’s Cheap and Easy

Aside from a good pair of running shoes, there’s no special, pricey equipment needed to run; there’s also no big learning curve, since our bodies were designed for this movement, and it’s instinctual. Remember your first Zumba class, or the hundreds of dollars you’ve spent over the years on gym memberships? Running is a far cry from either of these.

3

It Will Clear Your Head

This is one of the benefits of running that doesn’t get much attention, but to me, it’s so important! There’s something about getting lost in the rhythm of your footfalls and breathing, the fresh air, the solitude of the trail, that clears your mind and, oddly enough, helps you relax. I liken it to meditation with movement and cardio.

4

It Makes You Re-think Your Lifestyle Choices

Again, this may sound odd, but once you start reaping the other benefits of running, you’ll want to start making other healthy lifestyle choices. You’ll naturally pay more attention to your diet – it is your running fuel, after all! – and you’ll seriously consider quitting smoking, if you’re a smoker. These changes aren’t necessary to be a runner, but you’ll be surprised how often thoughts of healthier living just pop into your head as you’re lacing up your shoes to head out for a run.

5

You’ll Form New Friendships

Once you’ve found your running groove, and perhaps your own schedule, pace, and place, you’ll notice others along your route, runners and joggers and such. You’ll nod and smile as you pass, and maybe someday even chat as you run down the trail together. These friendships can stay on the track or trail, of course, but some of these casual, unofficial running buddies may become real-life friends, people who will encourage you as you become a runner.

Famous Quotes

Meaning is not what you start with but what you end up with.

Peter Elbow
6

You’ll Set a Good Example for Your Kids

If you have children, now is the time to teach them, help them form the healthy lifestyle habits they’ll have for life. What better way to teach them than by example? As they see you evolve along your fitness and healthy lifestyle journey, they’ll see first-hand that diet and exercise go hand-in-hand with health and happiness. As a parent, I can’t think of a better reason to run!

7

You’ll Become an Inspiration

You might not know it, but someday, you may become an inspiration to someone else, someone in your family or circle of friends who’s wanted to make a healthy change, and just needs a little push in the right direction. You might not even have to say a word: merely watching your healthy lifestyle transformation, live or on Facebook, might just be the nudge they need. How do I know this? Because a few of my own friends gave me that inspiration and motivation, and someday, I hope to do the same for someone else.

With so many good reasons to start running, all you need now is a good pair of running shoes and maybe a running buddy to keep you motivated as you find your groove. Remember, as with any other fitness or diet change, it’s important to check with your doctor to make sure you’re healthy enough to run. But once you have her thumbs-up, hit the track or your favorite local trail. Which of these reasons to run might have inspired you to give it a go? Or, if you’re already a runner, what are your own reasons to run? Please share!

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

@Toni Don't run every day, it's too strenuous and injury prone. Only very advanced runners should run every day! Better is to combine it with something completely different such as swimming or yoga

I've heard doing the same exercise everyday isn't good bc it makes your body get used too it. Does running go into this category? Bc I plan on running everyday and now I'm confused on what to believe. Help!

Right now I need to clear my head and running would do me great right now, when it gets warmer out I guess I try running to help with these issues.

I had back surgery in October 2012 in physical therapy now. I would love to run I hope at some point I can and most definitely get back into yoga!

Running is a great stress buster!

Thats true about the inspirstion. My aunt does running events all the time

Is there an article to motivate people to run? Or little steps to get in the motion? Running isn't my favorite exercises. But I do love to dance! :P

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