I used to loathe running. I didn’t understand how anyone could run for miles, it seemed boring. I was born a soccer player and played for 14 years, and still do on occasion. I was a sprinter. Soccer players, except the goalies, run anywhere from 5-8 miles per game, so I could run, but a soccer player is sometimes walking, sometimes jogging, and sometimes full on sprinting, and those were always my favorite moments. I’ve always enjoyed suicides over distance runs. But, sometime over the summer, running finally clicked with me, and I love it.
Unfortunately, I’ve probably been overworking my knees because of my running schedule, and to top it off, my running shoes are somewhat old and worn. My parents instructed me to take a break from running such long distances (anywhere from 12-17 miles each weekend, spread out of course, because I’m training to run a half marathon), and I know I should listen, but not running is difficult, and I miss it. And I’ve got ten reasons why I love it, and why maybe if it’s not your thing, you should give it a go because running is so empowering:
1. Running burns so many calories! So if you’re looking to trim some fat, fit into that bikini, or you just want to give your body a good workout; go run. On average, you burn 100 calories per mile. This is one of the highest calorie burners, so what’s not to love about that?
2. Running gives you time to think. Running especially helps me de-stress because I’m finally alone and doing something I enjoy. I can think about relationships, replay moments in my head, plan my day, make decisions, or just daydream for a long time. And let’s be honest, time to yourself and just your thoughts is rare.
3. Running energizes you. Running wakes me up and after I finish a run, I feel invincible, and like I could go running again. You feel unstoppable, and the best part: your stamina is excellent. Sometimes I have those moments when I’m with friends and we’re trekking up stairs and I can quickly ascend the stairs, thanks to running; whereas, my friend is telling me to slow down. You have an extra pep in your step.
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4. Running is good for your health, of course. All exercise is, but get this, according to a study published in the Archive of Internal Medicine, people who run for 30 minutes five times a week live 3.5 to 7.5 years longer than non-runners. And, running is proven to boost your circulation, resulting in radiant skin, and improve muscle tone, giving your body a youthful appearance. AND, running, like other fitness regimes, can improve your memory, concentration, and ability to process information.
5. Running gives back. Do you know how many 5ks, 10ks, marathons, half marathons charities sponsor? A lot. So no only are you helping your body, you’re being altruistic.
6. Running is easy to do. Workout garb, check, sneakers, check, done. You can run anywhere outside, and competing is pretty easy as well because so many cities and town host runs. Personally, I want to compete in the 5K Color Run in my city this year.
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7. Running gives you a sense of accomplishment everyday, if you choose. Every mile you run is a victory and you constantly increase your distance or how fast you run, and thusly it’s easy to compete with yourself. Which allows you everlasting room to improve, but you can set goals and make them. For the longest time, I was determined to run a 5k effortlessly, done! Onto bigger, better, and more difficult runs.
8. Running clothes are comfortable and cute. I have a plethora of T-shirts from soccer, but my favorite thing to run in is Spandex and a pinnie so I feel like my body is breathing. I wish I could traipse around in my running garb all day. And running shoes, though some are pricey, they’re worth it and they come in an array of styles, colors, and fits.
9. Running allows you to eat. Because you’re burning so many calories when you run, you need to refuel. Of course you need to eat healthy, but you definitely eat more if you’re active. I eat a Belgian waffle, a pound of strawberries, bacon, an omelette, hash browns, a muffin, a glass of chocolate milk, and of course water for breakfast after a run. But I’ve earned it. And somedays I cheat and I indulge in froyo, but I earn it after running seven miles that morning.
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10. Because running makes you feel like a badass. When someone asks you what you did and you respond, “I ran a 10K,” yeah you’re awesome. Running gives you a high, it makes you fearless, determined, driven, and it’s enjoyable.
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