If you're like most people, you probably rolled your eyes at the headline of this article, refusing to believe that anyone could ever possibly love putting your body in the kind of pain that running entails, that you could think of a thousand other exercises you'd rather do instead. I myself used to be the same way. That is, until I fell head over heels in love with this sport. Here's why I adore running:
1. Running is a great stress reliever.
When I am out on my long runs, I turn on my headphones, I fall into a comfortable pace, and it's like the whole world disappears around me. The feeling of getting into that zone is incomparable!
2. Running is great exercise.
This one's a no-brainer. The benefits for your body are endless. It burns calories, builds strength, improves your cardiovascular health, etcetera, etcetera...
3. Running is an activity you can do with the people you love.
Anyone with an able body can run, that's what's so great about this sport! Although I do prefer to train alone, running with others can be a blast, as well as increasingly motivating. I even recently planned on running a half marathon this upcoming fall with a good friend of mine.
4. Running simply makes me feel healthy.
What makes all the sore muscles and body aches worth it, is the feeling I get when I finish a long run. It's the feeling of accomplishment, knowing you just did right by your body, improving your overall health and well-being, little by little.
5. Running helps you live longer.
It's true! It's been proven time and time again that running reduces your risk of cancer, heart disease, and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's. I'm a lover of this life, and I certainly want to be on this earth for as long as God allows.
6. Running allows me to eat.
I am the type of girl who loves trying new foods/restaurants and being adventurous when it comes to eating in general. Every diet I have ever attempted has ended abruptly, leaving me frustrated and miserable. Daily running workouts allows me to eat whatever I want, whenever I want! (Within reason, of course.)
7. Running pushes me to work toward something.
In just about every area of life, it's important to have an end goal in mind. You must act purposefully. The feeling that came over me when I finished my first half marathon was unlike any other; I was simply blissful, euphoric even. My next goal is to complete a full marathon; wish me luck!
8. Running makes me feel like I can conquer the day.
I prefer to run in the morning, purely because once I have completed my workout, I feel quite accomplished. It puts me in a great mood and sets me up to have a wonderful rest of my day. I'm on top of the world!
9. Running clothes are simply adorable.
No one can deny this one. Nike, Adidas, and various running outfitters carry the cutest running apparel. I like to call it "athletically stylish".
10. Running gives me a natural high, unlike any other.
When your body is in physical discomfort, such as during a long workout, your hypothalamus and pituitary gland releases endorphins, which function as natural painkillers. These endorphins are similar to the drug morphine. There's a reason the term "endorphin junkie" exists!
All in all, I know not everyone reading this is going to jump on the treadmill and set their sights on running a marathon, but I encourage everyone to give it a try! It's an amazing source of aerobic exercise. Your body will thank you!