Running is basically a miracle drug. Seriously. Running has so many benefits, both physical and mental, that if it were marketed in pill form it would be a best seller. Of course, runners already know how running can change your life, which is why they love to talk about running and encourage their non-running friends to hit the road.
How Running Can Change Your Life
New runners (and those non-running friends) may not yet be convinced, which is why I’m sharing this post about the many ways running can change your life. Admittedly, many of these are subjective, but I find that runners will almost universally agree. Other benefits, such as improvements in physical and mental health, actually have scientific evidence to back them.
Running Can…Improve Your Health
The health benefits of running are well-substantiated. In addition to helping you maintain a healthy weight, running improves your cardiovascular health, strengthens your bones and joints (yes, even knees), and helps control Diabetes. Running can also help reduce your risk of cancer, maintain healthy blood pressure, prevent age-related mental decline, and add years to your life.
Running Can…Help You Make New Friends
Ask any runner. Running friends are the best friends. They will get you out the door when you’re tired, they will wait for you when you’re having a bad run, they will help you celebrate your victories and console you when you don’t reach your goals.
Running Can…Build Your Confidence
Running tests your fitness, strength, agility, and endurance. Yes, it can be hard. If you can run, whether it’s a few miles or a marathon, you can achieve most anything else.
Running Can…Help You Eat Better
As you improve as a runner, you will find that you will need to make sure that your diet includes nutrient-rich foods that will fuel your running. Burgers and fries just won’t cut it (except as an occasional post-run treat). No food is off limits, but you’ll find you feel and perform better by eating healthier.
You Might Also Like:
10 Life Lessons Learned from Running
Running Can…Help You Expand Your Horizons
Running will help you reach your non-running goals too! As you increase your confidence and accountability, you will realize that you really can do almost anything you put your mind to.
Running Can…Make You Happier
Everyone has heard of the “runner’s high,” that burst of endorphins that some runners feel at a certain point of their run. Beyond that, though, running just makes you feel better during and after your run.
Running Can…Help You Do Hard Things
If you can train for and run a marathon, asking your boss for a raise should be a piece of cake. Take a trail run in 90+ temperatures? That speech you must present in front of a few hundred people will just roll out of your mouth. In a nutshell, running is hard. If you can run, you can do just about anything.
Running Can…Help You Be More Accountable
Whether it’s meeting your new running friends for a workout or sticking to your training plan in order to set that PR, running will keep you accountable, which will translate to keeping your commitments in your non-running life too.
Running Can…Improve Your Mental Health
Most runners say that running helps them think and feel better. Had a rough day? Go for a run to clear your mind and de-stress. Studies have shown that running (and other exercise) is useful in the treatment of depression. Other studies have shown that a regular running program elevates mood and improves sleep. I personally find that running is a great way to work through problems and find solutions.
Running Can…Help with Addiction Recovery
While running can become a mostly healthy addiction, there is evidence that it can also help with substance abuse addiction recovery. I personally know many runners who are recovering addicts and they all say that running is a key factor in helping them stay sober.
Running Can…Make You a Better You
Add it all up. Yes, you will still be you, just a healthier, happier, more confident and stronger version of you.
How has running changed you?
And Now It’s Time for the Runners’ Roundup!
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!
Tuesday Topics with Kim and Zenaida
The Runners’ Roundup with Deborah, Lisa, Jenn, and Me!
The Weekly Run Down with Deborah and Kim
Fit Five Friday with Darlene, Michelle, Renee, Jenn, and Zenaida
Ultimate Coffee Date with Deborah and Coco
I definitely agree! Its been interesting to see how running has carried over into other areas of my life, making me more confident and focused.
Definitely. I would be a different person if I hadn’t started running.
OMG. All of these things and more.
Running gives me clarity and strength. And so much confidence. It’s really been such an amazing thing.
It really is amazing how running makes us stronger and more confident.