Have you ever been jealous of people who make running look so effortless? During the past 4,5 months running has become a faithful friend to me – a friend that is always there and who helps me to clear my mind.
I started running in July. I’ve never been a runner (except maybe now?) and the beginning wasn’t exactly pleasant. It included a lot of sweat and frustration about not improving but I think the most important part was that I was determined that now I will learn to run. The main motivator behind my decision was that I wanted to become healthier and I thought that if not now, then never. A big help was also that my SO went with me. Especially in the beginning I wasn’t that keen on going but he always came to ask me in the evening if I wanted to go and I never said no (even though at times I might have wanted to).
We went running at least every second day and every time we ran/walked the same route that is about 5,5 km. And every time I tried to make sure that I’d run a little bit longer and walk a little bit less. It was an amazing feeling when after a bit over a month I only wanted to stop three times during those 5,5 km – especially when in the beginning I was ok to run only about 300 m and then walk a little. Now I am happy to run close to 4 km without stopping and my goal is to be able to run 6 km easily – there is a City to Surf-running event in Perth in August…
I must say that it was frustrating in the beginning. I felt like I wasn’t improving at all but it did happen. And I can’t say how good it felt when the first time I went to my SO and asked him if he wanted to go running – he seemed very surprised!
What I love about running is that it makes you feel so free – you just run; nothing compares with that feeling. You can also run whenever and wherever you want and even if you have sometimes a few weeks break, you don’t really go backwards. And the best bit is, after some time, you feel like you need to go running – now that is an amazing feeling.
Running has also awesome benefits for your health and for me they’ve worked as a great motivator…
1) You decrease your risk of cancer
They say that breaking a sweat on a regular basis will slash your chances of developing cancers. 1/3 of Finns get cancer during their lifetime. The odds are almost against us so why wouldn’t you try to decrease the risk? E.g. according to a Danish study, breast cancer had an average risk reduction of 30 to 40 % and colon cancer had an average risk reduction of 40% to 70% (!).
2. You boost your immunity
According to an American study, moderate exercise reduces risk of common cold etc infections by 20 %.
3. You reduce your risk of blood pressure and heart disease
People who run at least an hour a week (!) have a 42 % lower risk of coronary heart disease compared to those who don’t run.
4. You reduce your risk of diabetes
Being fit improves your muscles’ sensitivity to insulin which means your body clears sugars from your bloodstream more effectively. Three hours of exercise a week reduces women’s risk of type 2 diabetes by 46 %.
5. You live longer
According to a Danish study (with over 20 000 participants!), running 1,5 hours a week can increase women’s lifespan by 5,6 years and men’s by 6,2 years.
6. You lose weight
In 30 minutes, a 60-kg woman burns about 287 calories running at 10 km per hour and about 96 walking at 5 km per hour.
7. You lift your mood
Running elevates your mood and can ease depression because it releases endorphins.
So what are you waiting for? Start today, tomorrow it won’t happen.
Reasons to run from BodyandSoul.com.au “10 Reasons to Run”
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