Seven Reasons to Try Running (Even If You Aren’t a Runner)
For some people, the concept of running stirs up feeling of dread, such as in elementary school when a gym class requirement was to run a mile within an allotted 10-minute time-frame to pass. The feeling of standing at the starting line of a race can cause anxiety for some. For others such as myself, we feel excited and enlivened by the thought.
I really didn’t get all that into running until sometime in my 20’s. Perhaps it was the pressures of “adulting”, but my mind needed an escape, and running provided that to me. The endorphins and general sense of well-being were a bonus effect I was aware of from my years as a student athlete.
I will admit that running isn’t for everyone, but if you are able to, I’d ask you to consider it. The medals and general sense of accomplishment are nice, but I’d like to focus on other reasons to give running a try. There are many reasons, but for today I’ll share seven effects of running with you.
Seven Effects of Running to Consider
1. The “Runners High” Effect
I won’t explain this much because you’ve likely heard of this phenomenon from running, but basically it releases endorphins into your system which can cause that “top of the world” feeling that many runners will try to explain post-run. Any aerobic activity can have a similar effect but it became so synonymous with running that it was named accordingly.
2. The Community Effect
The social connection and genuine friendships which can organically occur between a like-minded group of running enthusiasts is real. It’s can be like another family.
3. The Philanthropy Effect
Many races are held with the purpose of raising funds for a particular charitable cause. Therefore, you get to experience the positive effects of running personally, all while helping to make the world a little better place in the process. Win-win!
4. The Physical Effect
Endurance, a metabolism boost, increased energy, improved health of the heart and other organs, and more. There are also physical effects that are less well-known, such as increased lung capacity (which means easier breathing), better conversion of nutrients from food (which means better digestion), and the ability to fall asleep and gain more restful sleep at night.
5. The Balanced Mind Effect
Running is a chance to zone out, meditate, think through things. I do all three of these things during a run, depending on what my brain needs on any given day. Research suggests even 30 minutes of running is enough to significantly improve a person’s overall sense of well-being.
6. The Travel Effect
It provides a good excuse to travel to a wide variety of places you may not have otherwise thought to explore. There are more than 30 thousand running events each year in the United States, so you can venture as far or stick as close to home as you’d like.
7. The Fun Effect
You may agree or disagree with me here, but for many of us, running can legitimately be fun. The feel of the wind whooshing past while running all around in a playground as a kid, chasing the family dog running around the softball field, a swell of happiness while crossing the finish line of a half-marathon… I have so many fun memories which can be attributed to running.
Now Go For That Run
Did I convince you yet? If I didn’t, it’s ok because I still appreciate you reading through my list. But if you are willing to give running a try, an easy resource to find a helpful listing of upcoming races in any U.S. state can be found at Race-Find. I also subscribe to Runners World, which is one of my favorite resources regarding all things running. Hopefully I’ll be seeing you at the starting line of a race soon.
Questions, comments, or just need to chat? Send me a direct message via LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram.
Cheers until next time,
Crystal
