Reasons To Start Running Today!

Posted by WinterWomen on Thursday, April 10, 2014

“Running is so boring. I don’t have time to run. I’m too tired to run.” I heard them all the time, and I was one of those people who gave every excuse in the book.  I never thought I could run a mile or finish a half marathon, but in April 2013, I finished my first half marathon and it was the best day of my life. Not only did I feel accomplished in what I had done, but the changes it made in my life has made me a different person today. Here are a few reasons why you should put on your running shoes and get out there:

Running is easy and can be done anywhere

As the saying goes, "if you can walk, you can run." You may not have the perfect form, but you should already know how to place one foot in front of the other and settle into a comfortable pace. With a good pair of running shoes and breathable clothing (including a supportive sports bra), take your first step onto your street and start running in your neighborhood today. If you don’t feel comfortable running on the street, find the closest park or trail. Let your course be your adventure. You don’t need a fancy membership or someone looking over your shoulder and telling you what to do. Running is free and can be done at your pace at any time of the day.

Health benefits of running

Running is a great way to increase your overall level of health. It will boost your immune system and lower your risk of developing blood clots. For women, running can actually help to lower your risk of breast cancer and stroke. If you are concerned about losing a few pounds this summer, running is one of the best forms of exercise for losing and maintaining a consistent weight.

Running one mile a day

A mile a day is five to seven miles a week, which offers considerable health benefits – for your heart, your body as a whole, and your overall mood.  The U.S. Department of Health advises adults to get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week, for an average of about 21 minutes a day. If you’re exercising vigorously, the recommendations are at least 75 minutes a week, -- or about 10 minutes a day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, jogging or running is considered a vigorous exercise. If you are beginner, take it slow. There is no need to run a 10 minute mile. We love this 8-Week Beginner's Program from Runner's World to get you started.

Reaching the finish line… 

Now that you're comfortable running a mile and the runner's high is starting to kick in, what's your next goal? Maybe you want to run your first 5k? Who knows, maybe you’ll do your first marathon. Let running be your new passion.

Categories: Health & Fitness

Tagged: health, fitness, womens health, running