As you probably already know, Stefan and I started training for the Berlin Marathon 6 weeks ago and we are really enjoying running so far. It’s the first “workout routine” that we’ve had which doesn’t feel entirely like a workout or a major challenge to be completed on a regular basis. Part of that probably has to do with the fact that we haven’t had to cut anything out of our diet or really change our main habits, aside from running 4 days a week and doing some strength training on the “off” days. Oh, and Stefan quit smoking which is totally awesome! But otherwise, we’re really just sticking to our regularly scheduled program since we’re not trying to lose weight but rather tone up and get healthy!

If you’ve been playing with the idea of starting to run, or getting back into running, you may have heard some of these reasons why running is great for you already. But  it really is great for you and I’m fairly certain that you’ll not only feel and look better when you start running, but you’ll enjoy the energy release as well.

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So here are 12 really good reasons why you should start running. No more excuses!

  1. For your health
    This is probably one of the most common answers when you think of reasons why you should start running. One of the biggest benefits that you could get from running is an improvement in health. It strengthens the heart and ensures an efficient flow of blood and oxygen to the rest of your body. In combination with maintaining a healthy body weight, this will help you to reduce the risk of having a heart attack and maintain a normal blood pressure. Not only does it protect your heart, running also has a way of helping you fight off the germs and keeping you healthy as it improves your immune systems. And lastly, running, along with other weight-bearing exercises, helps to increase bone density so that you won’t have to worry about osteoporosis even when you get older.
  2. Fun for your furry friends
    While you enjoy your running, you can bring along your furry friends to have some fun with you. Like they say, dogs are a man’s best friend but they can also be a man’s best running partner. Grab that leash and bring your furry found along for another kind of treat.
  3. Losing weight
    Many people take up running primarily to shed off unwanted pounds and, because running is a vigorous form of exercise, it does well for this purpose. It is one efficient way to burn those calories and ultimately lose the weight. For those who already have their desired weight, running can also be good in maintaining it without having to constantly watch what you eat.
  4. New friends
    Like meeting people at parties, in bars or even at a pricey gym you used to go to, running can also help you gain new friends. A lot of people nowadays have turned to running as their form of exercise. You can check our running groups in your locality so you can hit the road with other folks. Running with friends or a partner also helps you stay motivated because you have someone to keep you going when you hit the wall or just don’t feel like it.
  5. Run for a cause
    More and more charity events are being organized as races. making running a good way to contribute and give back to society and those in need. Running with a purpose such as something that is bigger than you is one good way of staying motivated to be fit and continuing to train. For this reason, running becomes not only more meaningful but also more fulfilling.
  6. See and explore new and different things
    Doing the same things everyday can be tiring and everyone needs time to just break out from their daily grind. Running can help you do that. With running, you are able to expand your horizons and give you opportunity to explore areas and locations in your community you never even realized were there. I already have a long list of restaurants I want to try out around here (to add to the list that was already discovered via the Internet) and noticed today that we have 4 more preschools nearby that I never saw before. That certainly would have made our search process easier when trying to get Mack into one.

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  7. For a specific goal
    There are people who run for the sake of exercising but to add more purpose as to why you are running and maybe make it a little bit more challenging, you can train for races or marathons. Setting a goal for running allows you to train and work harder and in turn, it keeps you motivated. And it’s especially important to set small goals along the way if you are training for something bigger like a marathon or an ultra so you don’t lose focus on the ultimate goal.
  8. Better sleep
    While runners try to establish better sleeping habits and routines so that they have higher energy for better daily performance, running also has its way of helping you get quality sleep. Meaning that you get to sleep better all night long.
  9. Better energy levels
    Now you do not have to worry inadequate energy to last the day if you start running. Say goodbye to feeling tired and sluggish. Running helps to boost energy levels during the day so that you can get a lot of things done. Together with a healthy diet, you won’t have to be concerned about having too much to do.
  10. Saving some $$$
    Gyms can be pricey and a lot of other sports require equipments that could drain your pockets. On the other hand, with running, all you will need is a good pair of running shoes. Don’t worrying about having to buy spandex either because that you can do without.
  11. Feeling good and confident
    There’s something about taking on a goal like running 3 miles or 10 miles or whatever on your own and achieving that goal on a regular basis that allows you to think more clearly during the day and also have more motivation to accomplish other tasks and goals in life. Your self-confidence is boosted by you constantly kicking your own butt and beating those individual battles with yourself. A lot of regular runners can attest to the fact that it really does increase self-esteem and confidence. If you establish a specific goal, work hard and then accomplish it, it does really well with boosting self-esteem and confidence for a better you.
  12. Stress reliever
    Running, along with many other forms of exercise, is a great way to relieve stress, emotional strain and even mild depression. It has been shown in research that those who exercise regularly generally have a happier disposition compared to those who do not. When I’m running, I think of little else besides the run itself: The sound of my feet on the ground, where the next turn is on the path, watching out for people walking down the street, keeping up my pace and not stopping until I’ve reach the finish. And by the time you’re done running, you’ve forgotten most of the little stuff that annoyed you during the day or that just really doesn’t matter in life. And the other stuff just isn’t such a big deal anymore either.

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