Don't let the cold weather lock you indoors! Find your freedom in the joy of running!
Summer has ended and fall has begun. Fall is the perfect time to start running due to the cooler temperatures. It helps to prepare for the holidays, and the simplicity of running and its pure awesomeness is reason enough to get started!
“If you believe you can, you’re already halfway there!”
There are many reasons why you should be a runner or at least make running a part of your exercise routine:
Running Can Be Done Anywhere at Any Time
This is the best reason to run, especially if you travel a lot, because running can literally be done anywhere, indoors or outdoors. You do not need a gym in order to run. You can run on the beach, in the mountains, on trails, on the road, on the track, at the park, on a treadmill, etc. Therefore, don’t think of those excuses of why you can’t work out when you are on a vacation or on a work trip. Also, it can be done at any time of the day, you do not have to wait for the gym to open, or for a lap lane to become available, because you can go for a run at any place.
Running Requires Minimal Workout Equipment
In order to run, you really only need a pair of good, supportive running shoes. Yes, you also need socks, a shirt, and shorts (but you probably have those already). Well yeah, you can make it more expensive when you throw a GPS watch in there with dry-fit clothing, but you don’t need all that to make it happen.
Running is a Great Stress-Reliever
If you are ever stressed out, ten out of ten times, you will always feel better after you go for a run. Running is not only good for your body; it is great for your mind. There is just something about your body moving in perfect rhythm that makes it magical, the fresh air soothes your soul, you can concentrate on that rhythm and not on your stress-filled-life. It allows your mind to clear itself and to untangle thoughts so they can be approached with a better perspective. It can be a great escape!
Contrary to Popular Beliefs, Running Can be Great for Your Knees
Running can actually be good for your knees because it helps your bone density, it is a weight bearing exercise, and it builds strength around your knees. It also helps reduce the chance of osteoarthritis. Most runners have better, stronger knees than non-runners.
Running is Great for Losing Weight
Running helps burn a lot of calories, it also keeps on burning calories even after your run. Running can help give you a lean, toned body, which can help build confidence.
Runners have Increased Cardiovascular Health
Increased cardiovascular health means a decreased chance of cardiovascular diseases. Running plays a huge role on building a healthy heart and cardiovascular system.
JUST DO IT! Seriously, stop thinking about each and every excuse and just start exercising. Your body and mind will thank you. Are you convinced yet? Don’t know where to start? Need some tips?
Here are a few simple tips before the start of each run to help you as you progress in your running, to keep it fun, and keep the variety:
Walk–Run Format
Some people can get discouraged when they try to start running and find within a couple of minutes they are already fatigued and having to turn to walking. When someone is just barely getting into running, walking is okay. In fact, it can be a nice break to walk a bit before you start back up again because you are still moving. Try this out: for 30 minutes, complete 2 minutes of running, followed by 1 minute of walking, and then repeat for 30 minutes. You can also try 10 minutes of running, followed by 3 minutes of walking, 10 minutes of running, followed by 3 minutes of walking. You can also do a ladder: walk for 1 minute, run for 2 minutes, walk for 3 minutes, run for 4 minutes, walk for 5 minutes, run for 6 minutes.
Do it with a Friend
Exercising with friends is always a good thing! You not only get some social time, but you can be accountable to each other. It is really hard to not meet for a run when you have someone counting on you to be there at a certain time.
Change Your Terrain
Explore your town. Running is a great way to learn more about where you live. Find some new dirt trails, find a new road to run down. This will refresh your soul!
Set a Distance Goal
Challenge yourself to go for a 2 mile run without stopping, or 3 miles… 6 miles… 10 miles… Don’t worry about time when you go, just focus on distance.
Set a Time Goal
Challenge yourself with a time goal instead of distance. Make a goal to run 20 minutes without stopping… then 30 minutes… then 40 minutes.
Remember, running can be really hard, but you can do whatever you set your mind to: YOU CAN DO IT.
“Whether you think you can… Or whether you think you can’t… you’re right.” ~Henry Ford
Now that you’ve had your run, cool off with a fabulous pumpkin protein frappe!
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