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There are many benefits to running. If you asked a group of runners why they run you will probably hear many of the benefits that are outlined here echoed amongst the group. There may also be some new reasons to get you out the door this spring. Or maybe just a reminder of the reasons that you started running in the first place will motivate you. If you are a first time runner and you need some reasons to take that first, most difficult step, here are my top 10 reasons to run.
10. Experience new things. Running gets you outside and interacting with your environment like no other sport. Even running through your neighborhood you may see something new or meet a new neighbor. Running in races in other places also provides the opportunity to see places in a way that not many do.
9. Excuse for a road trip. No one really needs an excuse to take a vacation or go on a road trip. However opening any issue of Runner’s World and looking at the picture of the rave run will encourage even the most die hard local runners. So get out there and see the world from the comfort of your running shoes.
8. Meet new people. Runners are a group unto themselves. They are also the most open and accepting group of people that you will probably ever meet. It is so easy to strike up a conversation with someone at the park if you are going to same pace or close to the same pace. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with the runner next to you at the start line.
7. Inexpensive. There may be some scoffing out there regarding that statement but running can be inexpensive. All you need are shoes, shorts and t-shirt, and even for some those are optional. Runners make running expensive with the goo and the gear and the race registration. Remove all of that and you have the most inexpensive sport on the planet.
6. Psychological benefits. In simpler terms running makes you feel better. Running relieves stress and can be an outlet for frustration. There is no better way to vent frustration than by speeding up and down those hills outside your door. Running has been used for years in therapy to treat depression and addictions. The confidence that running builds for people helps them to accomplish any goal they set for themselves.
5. Improve attitude. Running creates a release of endorphins that can cause that euphoric sensation that we all know and love. More commonly referred to as the runner’s high this feeling is actually caused by your body releasing endorphins.
4. Weight Loss. This could be the most common reason given that people start running. Running workouts can provide your body the more vigorous workout that you may need to get your body to burn calories in a more efficient way. Even if you don’t need to lose weight, running can help you maintain your current weight. You still need to watch what you eat even while you are running.
3. Spend time outside. Not that we need an excuse to get outside when the weather is nice but even the best of us need a reason to go outside. Sometimes walking the dog just doesn’t provide enough of an adventure. But going outside with your running shoes and no plan but the desire to move will give you the purpose to get out there and just run.
2. Running improves your health. Running strengthens your heart which ensures that blood and oxygen move efficiently throughout the body which reduces the risk of a heart attack. If you have high blood pressure, running, along with healthy eating habits, will help to lower your blood pressure.
1. Better sex. Yes, you heard it here first. Runners have the best sex. All of those other reasons to run leads up to the number one reason to run. Well it isn’t really the number one reason to run but it certainly is icing on the cake, right?
www.active.com
www.vanderbilt.edu/ans/psychology/health_psychology/running.html
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