Over the past year, I’ve picked up running. Let it be known I could not stand running when I was younger. Literally, the mile run for Phys Ed was my worst nightmare. But, each year of college led to a crazier and more stressful schedule. One day, I actually told myself that if I wasn’t going to mosey my way over to the gym, I needed to try going for a jog. What’s the worst that could've happened? I got winded and had to walk home in some beautiful sunshine? So, I ran…And now I am still running, every day.
Here are the 5 best things I’ve discovered about running.
1.) Great Exercise:
Hello there, Captain Obvious
I used to get home from class or wake up so tired that I physically couldn’t will myself to work out. And, while I appreciate rest days, taking them nearly all seven days of the week wasn’t doing me any good. In fact, it added to my fatigue. Personally, I enjoy morning runs because it kick starts my day and makes me feel energized. But, when the dreaded all-nighter happens, mornings aren’t always the best choice. Simple solution is going in the early evening to beat the heat and cool down after a long day. Some other major health benefits of running are core and leg strengthening, calorie burning and a better mood. Win-win-win.
2.) The Scenery:
Views
The best thing about living in Coral Gables is the endless sunshine and the hidden sights. To sum up the key details of my run, there’s the street I live on, which is shaded with a canopy of trees. There’s also this old-fashioned house that is covered in ivy and looks like it’s straight from a Shakespeare play. And, towards the end of my run, I cross over the canal that pans out towards the Biltmore Hotel in the distance. What you discover on your run is a key part of it, which makes all the difference.
3.) Alone Time:
Clear Out Your Headspace
By far, my favorite part of running is the quiet time. There is nothing like setting your phone to Do Not Disturb and looking at what’s going on around you. Plus, it gives me fully focused time to think about things or, find answers to questions I couldn’t come up with before. I also have an entire playlist dedicated to running and I swear it gets me through when I consider turning around, mid-run. My advice: create a playlist, find your breath, and run with it.
4.) Running in a Race:
Take On A New Challenge
The experience of running in a race, surrounded by other people, is sort of surreal. I mean the city blocks off roads for you, police officers wave as you jog by, and hundreds of people seem to have smiles glued to their faces. Take it from someone who ran a 5K on Thanksgiving morning in 35-degree weather—people were beaming. Sounds crazy, but the adrenaline you feel is a recipe for high spirits. It’s definitely an experience worth trying.
5.) No Pressure, No Expectations:
Go At Your Own Pace
The best part about running is that you can set your own speed, distance, route and playlist. There are no rules to running! If you get bored running along the same streets everyday or at the same incline on the treadmill, switch it up. Overtime, your stamina will also improve so you may be able to run a faster mile or longer distances. The most important thing is to listen to your body. We all have those days so, if your shins start aching, slow it down or walk for a bit. No one is going to judge you for taking care of yourself.
Crossing Your Finish Line: Maybe you try out running and it’s still not for you. That’s OK! The idea is to try new things until you find what fits you. Maybe it’s kayaking or rock climbing or reading a book in some cool, new place. Whatever gets you out of your head and into a new, clearer mindset—that is the end goal!
