Running with others may be healthier than running alone

Running Adventures Travel Club at Bay to Breakers

Runners know the long list of health benefits associated with running. Running benefits both the mind and the body. Experts say that running improves respiratory health, reduces risk of stroke, reduces blood pressure, slows bone loss and even slows the aging process.

Most runners, who train for marathons, also know that running with others, or in a running club, is more fun than running alone. Completing an 18 to 20 mile training run alone can be a grueling experience.

Fleet Feet Racing Team

Have you ever wondered why this is true? Is it the distraction that running in a group provides? Or are we mentally wired to prefer social interaction as opposed to running alone.

Click here to see Sacramento Running Club Slideshow photos

Team in Training Sacramento Chapter in Alaska

 Whatever the reason, a study completed in 2008 reveals that social interaction has its own separate health benefits. An article published in the November, 2009 issue of Scientific American Mind reports that membership in a social club can be an important predictor of health.

The study reports that belonging to social networks can help us cope through difficult life events. They also improve our physical well being. People who belong to several social groups are even happier.  In contrast, the study compares the health risks of social isolation to smoking, high blood pressure or obesity. 

For more information on local Sacramento area running clubs read "Sacramento Marathon and Racing Clubs"

For more info on travel events for Sacramento area runners visit  the RAT Pack Runners website.
You can email Nancy at nancy@nancylancaster.com.

  Nancy Lancaster is a Sacramento run-walker and organizer of the Running Adventures Travel Club and Five Tool Fitness Running Club. She is also a Realtor for Lyon Real Estate in Sacramento, CA.