Jogging outside is such an amazing thing. I started track and field in kindergarten and was a Boy Scout all throughout childhood; so I loved the outdoors as well. Outside jogs combined these two passions for me because I could experience great scenery and quality exercise at the same time! Here is a list I made to remind myself why outside jogging, and jogging in general, is so beneficial to me and even to others.

1. I feel good when doing it.

It feels good to give something my all until I do not have anything left to give.

2. I can go far for free!

No gas money, just my legs and lung power.

3. The scenery of wherever I am is likely to be beautiful.

Unlike the days of track and field, I am running through concrete jungles, mountains and plains. This makes running even more worth it. I run on Alameda Creek Trail in Union City, California, and it's a great mix of natural and urban scenery.

4. I always see wildlife!

When running on the trail I have seen countless lizards, geese, swans, monarch butterflies, and various types of birds in packs or by themselves.

5. Apps galore!

I have an excuse to download great running apps.

6. I can listen to music.

There are many great sites such as Pandora and Spotify, or one can listen to their 3,000 songs they've been collecting on iTunes since 2005.

7. You can get a six pack.

If you run, you lean out.

8. I have a nice shower after I run to wash the stench and sweat off!

It's nice to wait a little though because it's annoying to wash myself in a hot shower after I am heated up from just running.

9. I look and feel athletic.

Everyone who repeatedly sees me running around the neighborhood, are probably like, "Damn, that guy goes hard, running and sweating everyday."

10. My mind gets cleared.

In the hectic world of today, where so many things are thrown my way, it is necessary to clear my mind and running is a great way to refresh myself and start anew.

11. I get better at it just by doing it.

Unlike other sports where I would need specific coaching to train myself to get used to throwing a ball a certain way or to shoot a ball I don't need much coaching when it comes to running. I just need to do it a lot.

12. There are a lot of cool marathons, 5Ks and 10Ks that I can participate in.

Even at Whitman we have cool runs like the A-Phi Color Run where powdered paint is thrown at us. I can go to these runs and feel even more competitive since I have so many running skills.

13. I can discover the town and area I live in.

I remember when I was freshmen and how weird it felt moving from Union City, California to such a small out of the way town that was so unfamiliar to me. But thanks to running, not only do I feel more familiar with the town, but I am more comfortable with it and can more call Walla Walla my home with more confidence!

14. I can run anywhere.

It's true!

15. Getting to know the people you run with.

It is a great bonding activity.

16. Sleeping.

It's fun to nap afterwards.

17. It's a great way to think about whatever I want.

Running clears my mind, but also provides it with an open canvass to think freely.

18. I get to work on my tan.

I love going from dark to darker.

19. Cold or hot, I run.

I can do it in any temperature.

20. The sun.

It feels good to have the sun beaming on my face even if it causes me to sweat a lot.

21. Options.

It's something to do other than watching TV or sleeping.

22. Prior to contrary belief, running a lot does not make one skinny and looking like they need to eat a sandwich.

But it can serve the same job as weightlifting. It works out my leg muscles especially when I am running up hill.