If you’re not a runner but have friends who run, you may have heard them say things recently like, “thank God for running!” And you may think, well, I know they like it but isn’t that taking it a bit far? I’m here to tell you, no, actually that may be an understatement, especially during these times. Here are some benefits of running in 2020.
This post is sponsored by adidas.
FYI, these benefits of running apply year-round, global pandemic or not. The difference is they aren’t as apparent as we go about our day-to-day lives. One thing sheltering in place did for us (aside from potentially saving our lives and the lives of our loved ones) is to help us appreciate some of the sometimes neglected things in life. Like family. Health. Home. And running.
Benefits of Running, Surviving and Thriving in 2020
Today I’m taking a look at the benefits of running, and how you can survive and thrive in 2020. As I said above, these benefits apply even when there isn’t a pandemic going on so it’s important to keep on running because there is always some kind of danger out there.
Stress Relief
I usually don’t put stress relief first when I talk about the benefits of running, though it certainly is important. During 2020, and all that it has brought us, however, running as therapy takes on greater importance.
Face it. There is a lot of scary stuff going on right now. A global pandemic isn’t anything to sneeze at and we are all still being asked to mostly stay home. Businesses have closed, people have lost their jobs, and the information we get ranges from terrifying to “no big deal,” leaving us confused as well as scared. Races have been canceled and who knows when they will be able to start up again.
Running is there for us though! Going for a run, long or short, can literally pound out the stress! Exercise of any sort is a great stress reducer and running seems to give us an extra boost of calm. You can let your mind wander, listen to music or a podcast, and let those endorphins carry you away for a while.
Fresh Air
Again, not usually one of the things I’d put toward the top of the benefits of the running list but vital during a stay at home order. We are being told to stay inside as much as possible. Fortunately, most of us can still go outside to exercise.
Our bodies need fresh air and sunlight for our own well-being. Staying indoors can be detrimental to our health and I’m not just talking about sitting around on our butts all day! We need our Vitamin D and the joy that being outside can bring us.
Running outdoors will bring all of this. Whether you’re running a virtual half marathon or jogging a mile, you will feel much better for the experience.
Counteract “Pandemic Eating”
Running is always a great way to reach and maintain a healthy weight but many have found that one of the downsides to staying at home has been that their food choices aren’t always as healthy as they might usually be. That’s a convoluted way of saying that even though we’re not eating out as much we may be eating more processed and junk food. You know, because we’re stuck at home.
Yes, running burns calories, but (see above) it also helps reduce stress which can help with the urge to overeat.
Better Sleep
I’ve heard from many people that they are having trouble sleeping during these troubled times. Our minds are full, stress is high, and sleep can be hard to come by.
Exercise makes us tired. Running helps reduce stress. Chances are that combination will help you sleep better.
Community
While group runs, races, and running clubs may be off the table right now, there is a strong running community that will help keep you motivated from afar. Many local running clubs have online events. Virtual racing is a thing now that keeps the competition (and the bling) alive. There are running groups on Facebook, runners to follow on Instagram (I am @coachdebbieruns), and running blogs to read.
After at first resisting virtual racing, I finally succumbed when the Carlsbad 5000 went to an online-only format. I’ll be running four (yes four) 5ks in a row in mid-September. While I do get a short break between each one (during the real race it break is from 10-30 minutes), it will be a challenging All Day 20k!
Thus inspired, I also signed up for the Women’s Virtual Half Marathon in October after a local running friend asked for people to run it with her. I figured if I’m going to run a half marathon I might as well earn some bling!
And finally, race/challenge-wise, I signed up for the 700 mile Tahoe to Malibu Challenge! I have six months to (virtually) run from Lake Tahoe to Malibu, California. Since they happen to be two of my favorite places I thought it would be fun. I’m going to be running anyway, right?
While we can’t run together right now, runners around the world still come together. Because we share something that is beyond this pandemic, that will last longer and will help us get through this, separate but together.
4D Run 1.0 Parley Shoes
I am wearing adidas 4D Run 1.0 Parley shoes. I’m loving the way they seem to cradle my feet and give me just the right amount of support. This shoe is designed for the future! The mid-sole was 3D printed based on the input of 4,000 athletes. The 4D Run shoe provides cushioning where I need it.
The mesh upper looks and feels so cool and, my favorite part, is made with Parley Ocean Plastic. There’s something about wearing a running shoe that not only feels great but is helping save the oceans that makes me feel very good.
Check out all of these great adidas running shoes! Need some help selecting your perfect adidas running shoe? Here are some helpful tips.
How has running helped you during these stressful times?
And Now It’s Time for the Runners’ Roundup!
Linkup with the #RunnersRoundup with @DeborahBrooks14, @milebymilerun, @runningwithpugs, @lauranorrisrun and me! Bring your best #runningrelated posts, find new blogs to follow, and share your love of #running! Click To Tweet
Weekly Linkups
My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!
Meatless Monday with Sarah and Deborah
Inspire Me Monday with Janet
Tuesday Topics with Kim and Zenaida
The Runners’ Roundup with Deborah, Lisa, Jenn, Laura, and Me!
The Weekly Run Down with Deborah and Kim
Great list, Debbie!
Although my life is not stressful, I love that extra boost of calm that you mention. Being outdoors and breathing fresh air just makes an enormous difference to my mental health.
Have fun with all your virtual races!
Thanks! I feel so out of shape right now after all the running I’ve done during the pandemic, the last three weeks have been so hot my mileage has gone so far down!
I’ve really embraced running this year, especially as a way to deal with stress and get outside. My goals look different but I’ve enjoyed still having some things to work towards, even if they’re not “real” races.
You’ve been running great this summer! I feel like I’ve been in base building mode for six months now. Without anything to really train for I just go about my same schedule for the most part every week.
I couldn’t agree more with this list. Personally, running has been a big factor in getting through this whole pandemic period relatively unscathed. I enjoyed going out for a run prior to Covid, but it has become a real treat and pleasure during these times…it would be nice to be able to do a REAL race with other runners though 🙂
I do miss racing even though I’m not as competitive anymore.
Stress relief has actually always been high on my list of why I run! Maybe because life has been pretty stressful for the last 5 years or so, but of course I started running before that.
I also didn’t jump on the virtual race wagon. I’ve done a few, either because I liked the swag or it’s a race or cause I want to support.
I think I’ve always used running for stress relief but didn’t even really realize it until these last six months when the stress went through the roof!
I think I can honestly say that I have never used running as a stress-reliever, but it’s a huge part of my wellness routine. I don’t usually run daily, but I do try to get outside everyday in some capacity…you know, #sunrises and all LOL The virtual running events have been a blessing in disguise during this time. I used to shun them, but I have embraced them (tightly) in the past six months. When several of us did the Bix-7 as a virtual team (end of July), the support and encouragement from all of the team was amazing…before, during and after the “race” had ended.
You knocked it out of the park with your virtual races! I’m so glad that they worked for you. I’m still trying to build up some enthusiasm since I now have a few to do. 🙂
Getting out for fresh air and exercise has been key for me as well the past few months. It just elevates my mood instantly. Love those shoes!
I think that, especially at the beginning, getting outdoors to exercise was so helpful! We were all spending so much time inside.
The stress relief and fresh air have been huge benefits of running this year. I hosted a virtual race for my athletes at the start of the pandemic, but since then I haven’t done any virtual racing. The mileage challenges sound fun though!
I like the mileage challenge because I don’t really have to do anything but maintain my mileage. Racing alone just doesn’t thrill me. And the heat doesn’t help.
100% running has been my stress reliever during Covid. I’ve run more in the past 5-6 months than I have in previous years, might even be working towards a new yearly total. Hoping to keep running through this pandemic and beyond!
You’ve made some great advances in your running over the last six months! Now to use them in a real race! 🙂
Great reasons. I think you’ve hit them all.
I don’t run everyday nor do I even wear a watch.
For me, it’s to relieve the stress of my job, it’s also social and it’s a great way to stay healthy by being outdoors.
It will be a shock once racing comes back. Not sure I will feel the same about it. I used to be so competitive and now not so much so.
It will be interesting, that’s for sure. I’ve just been running along over the last six months. I feel like I need a race to train for to get motivated to go beyond just jogging along for a few miles on most days (not that that is a bad thing!).
Such great points! My injury has coincided with the pandemic & I really miss the stress relief a good run provides!