Why Run: a question for the ages?

Whenever I begin to train new runners I usually start out by asking them why they have decided to run...and more often than not their answers seem to be centered on improving their health, meeting new people, losing weight or crossing items off of their bucket lists. Maybe the common threads are the result of them having been put on the spot; who knows.

However, once these new runners become seasoned; their answers seem to vary due in part to their individual life experiences – they drill down to specifics within the main categories of why people run. That being said; if you ask ten runners why they run you'll probably receive 10 very different answers. In spite of this the common denominators in why people run usually fall into one of the following categories. If you stop to think about it there are only a handful of lifestyle changing motivators to chose from...so here’s a list of categories:

· Running for Health Benefits - numerous studies have shown that running and active living have a profound effect on reducing your exposure to illness. Running is considered one of the best aerobic exercises for physical conditioning of your heart and lungs. It is effective for sure and has helped the military condition soldiers around the world. Running improves circulation and has been shown to help undo some of the damage done to the body as a result of living very sedentary lifestyles to the point that it can help decrease the risk of a heart attack.

Running is also noted to be an excellent stress-reliever. The more you run the closer you get to experiencing the much talked about “runners high.” With all of the brain’s functions and chemicals firing in unison during a run there is undoubtedly a euphoria that will make runners feel great long after completing an exhilarating run. Studies have also shown that running helps in the long term treatment of depression.

Although research has shown that healthy adults who exercise regularly are generally happier than those who don't I can honestly say that running has made me happier and more well adjusted...(But you would need to ask my wife and kids about that...just to be sure); although I do feel great! And, I cannot recall a single instance when I was running where fellow runners were grumpy or even pessimistic. Personally, I think there is a lesson to be learned in there: World Peace through healthy living...think about it!

I also believe that active living and running contribute to inspiring a creative mind. After all, with the brain firing on all cylinders the longer you run the more time you have to think with a clear and uncluttered mind. Again, I think there’s another lesson here. In a previous blog I spoke to this issue and cited the benefits of getting your creative juices flowing by starting your day off with a run.

Running; be it for 5K or 50K helps to improve endurance and stamina. It improves fitness, helps in weight management and ensures body systems are functioning in unison to keep your body running like a well oiled machine.

In short running helps maintain a healthy mind in a healthy body!

· Running for weight-loss is also another big reason people decide to run. It is certainly an efficient way of burning calories due to its ability to engage major muscle groups and trigger a higher post activity metabolism. Running burns calories period. And, when combined with a well balanced diet it motivates runners to do more as results are instantaneous and have an immediate impact on how you feel and how you look. Who doesn’t’ want to be recognized for looking good and feeling great. Sign me up...how about you?

· And of course there is the social side of running; everybody wants to be part of something special...running groups get together for a million reasons. I guarantee if you have a reason to run; there are at least 100 groups running for the same reason. Think about all the lung runs, marathon fundraisers and causes...running is the great equalizer; everyone can do it; after all we were made to run as a species. Fast, slow, trail, road, ultra; you name it someone has run it. So go ahead and get out there; meet likeminded people, socialize and run with it!

If you think about it people run for themselves...they may have a motivator that falls into one of these categories; but once all is said and done runners lace up their shoes and run for personal satisfaction. There are certainly benefits to be gleaned...but in the end you run because you want to; then you run because you need to and before you know it you run because you are a runner: period!

Run Strong and Live Right!

David (F542)