If you met me two years ago, you wouldn’t even recognize me. I was a completely different person both physically and mentally. Just finishing four years of college, I had gained my fair share of the freshman fifteen. As well as some pretty unhealthy habits. Skip forward to about a year and a half ago, I scored my dream job, moved my life across the country, and thought I was in a pretty good spot. But one thing was missing, my mental and physical health was still a mess. Something needed to change, so I thought ok what better way to explore my new neighborhood then walking around. So, I put on a podcast and walked. These walks started getting longer and longer. Eventually, I thought, wouldn’t it be great if I could run this instead of walk? So, I slowly began my journey running. After about a year or so of running every week, I have lost all the weight I had put on in college and then some. I have run a half marathon. And have found a new outlet for clearing my head and staying focused. Running has honestly changed my life in so many ways, and it can change your life too! Here are the biggest benefits I found from running, and the reasons why you should start!
It’s an AMAZING workout
I don’t always smile this much while running I swear.
Ok I know this was kind of obvious but running is such a good workout! If you’re looking to get in shape, and don’t want to spend the money on fancy gyms or expensive classes. Running is something you can do anytime, anywhere, and get an amazing burn! I lost over 25 pounds during my first year of running. My body feels stronger than ever.
It’s Basically therapy
Ok not quite, but there Is a ton of information about how good running is for your mental health! Personally, I find that when I’m running, I’m able to just clear my mind, focus on my breathing, my running, and how my body is feeling. Running is essentially a form of meditation for me! I don’t get this with every workout either, even during the most intense spin class I find my mind wandering to the things I am going to do after or whatever else I may have going on.
Plus, it’s an outdoor activity (unless you run on a treadmill instead). There is really nothing in my mind that beats getting fresh air and some exercise. Even on the days, I don’t feel like running and trust me I have those. Once I’m outside and moving I never regret it! Fresh air is so important for us! Especially if you work a job where you’re indoors all day sitting at a desk. Get outside after work and run for even 20 minutes! It is going to feel SO good.
The views from the morning sunrise run are unbeatable!
Heart Health
Ok, another maybe obvious one. But cardio is called cardio for a reason! Our cardiovascular health is so important. Cardio exercise strengthens your heart, reduces your blood pressure, lowers cholesterol levels and SO much more! I could go on and on about the health benefits, you should read this article for more about what running can do for your health!
Community
The running community is unbelievable. You really feel part of a family. Whether it’s on Instagram or Twitter, there are hundreds of runners there to support you, cheer you on, give you advice, and be there to help you!
This was me running my first half marathon virtually! You can see in the background there were still people out on the trails supporting!
Not just online while you’re outside on the trails or pathways and passing another runner just a smile and good morning can make such a difference. Personally, during this time, we are going through running has been a huge way to still be social for me. Those little smiles and good mornings while passing really brighten my day and make me smile.
Affordable
My last point here is how affordable it can be to run! All you need is a pair of running shoes. I will say this it is affordable to start running. While there are tons of fancy things out there that you think you may need to really be a runner, like expensive workout clothes, or a fancy watch to track your runs. You don’t need anything other than a pair of running shoes. On this one point, I will stress that if you start running frequently and longer distances. It is definitely worth it and so important to invest in a good pair of running shoes. If you’re wondering how to find a good quality pair of shoes you should check out my post about how I found my current pair of running shoes.
Get out There!!
I really hope you consider trying to run, even if it’s just once a week! And I truly hope you find the same benefits from it as I have. If you have any questions, please reach out to me! I want to help as many people as I can realize that they can be a runner. I look forward to passing you smiling on the trails sometime soon!
This blog post was written by Alanna from Run Travel Eat. Run Travel Eat, is a health and travel blog. Focused on empowering women to live their happiest, healthiest lives to the fullest. For more travel and fitness inspo head on over to runtraveleat.com!
I love running too. Thanks for the post
Wow, I thought I was the only one who feels connected and included as part of the community when running. I enjoy meeting new people.
This is how I feel about lifting weights!! But I do enjoy going for a jog every now and then!!
Love that you’re encouraging people to run! Yes! I just started a month ago and it was one of the best self-improvement decisions that I ever made.
I am getting back into running. It’s hard, but I feel so good afterwards. It is cheap therapy for sure!
I am all about running! It is such a fantastic workout. There are so many health benefits. I started to run after my cancer diagnosis. I wanted to heal and get healthy again. But running offered me so much more. It helped me with side effects of my medications and it helped calm me when I had my second cancer scare.
I loved this read, thanks for posting!
I was just talking to my mother that I’m thinking about starting to run! What a coincidence! Great post!