Why be a RUNNER?

"JOINING THE RUNNING FEVER 101"

People tend to ask me the “Why do you run?” question every time they become curious about the sport I’m interested in. As always, I end up answering them with another question; “Why don’t you?” Running is a sport packed with ass-kicking benefits that everyone should know about. For some reason, non-runners are hesitant to try because of the irrational fears and limited knowledge about running.    

Well, here are 5 GOOD REASONS why you should start RUNNING too!       

  

  

1.) You can run at ANY TIME

Unlike some sports, you don’t have to be “skilled” at it before you can start calling yourself a “runner”. Running is a primal sport. Human beings can run with or without intensive training. It’s our natural ability. Some mistake running as an equivalent for “being fast”, which is often not the case. Whether you do it slowly or fast, as long as you run, you’re a runner! Just a pair of nice running shoes and a safe road, you are all set. It doesn’t matter if you do it alone, with friends, or team mates. You can do it anytime.

2.)  It will make you literally HAPPY!

“Ayoko tumakbo. Stressed na ako sa trabaho” is one of the most common dialogues of people who are not particular to running. Whether it is physical or mental, being stressed is a natural state that we have to deal with every day.

 Runners, on the other hand, tend to be more positive and energized than those who do not run at all. 

Endorphins are produced every time a person exercises. Researchers call it the “happy hormones”.   It’s a feeling of being “happy” or satisfied after a run or workout (“Sarap tumkabo”… “Sarap mag-gym!”). 

Running also helps treat depression and increase our brain’s serotin levels which will make us calmer, relaxed, and energized. You can definitely run away from your stress!

3.)  You Can Eat Those Carbs! (The Right Ones…)

Extra rice. More Pasta. Eating meals packed with carbohydrate is a big no-no for those who are trying to lose weight. What’s the good news? Carbs-eating is a big plus for runners. Carbs, as what others call it, serve as fuel for our muscles every time you run. Increasing the intake of carbohydrates helps boost running performance and mood, especially during long runs or intervals. Running burns a lot of calories, a lot of it, so it needs continuous supply of food with carbohydrates before and after the run. 

However, that doesn’t mean you will eat EVERYTHING that has carbohydrates in it (Yes, French Fries isn’t included in the list… and also pizza.). Pasta, brown rice or rice, oatmeal, meals with tomato sauce, banana, and yogurt are just some of the foods with good carbs you can eat. Talk about healthy eating! 

 

4.) Run away from sickness!

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death around the globe. Would you believe if you suddenly find out that running for just an hour (in a day or week) can reduce the risk of having a heart problem by 50%? People who regularly exercise and achieve the advised exercise and running programs have lower risks of getting colon cancer than those who seldom work out. Women, who are highly active in running, also have less chances of having breast cancer by up to 30%. 

In some studies, running was proven to be of help when it comes to keeping our minds sharp and providing protection against dementia and Alzheimer’s. These are just SOME of the good things that running can do to your body. Run now and your body will thank you later for it.

5.) Join the community!

Every year, the running community grows bigger. Hundreds of people run in their private time and thousands join races together with their friends and families. Be involved in various advocacies supported by the different races managed by race organizers.

  

Widen your social circle as you meet new people in running camps or teams.  Learn and discuss the latest running technologies and programs with fellow runners across the internet. 

In short...

Running have changed my life and the lives of other people as well. These are just some of the good things that you will experience once you start hitting the road. Always remember that "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step". So don't be afraid to try and create a wonderful journey for yourself. Start now and be a runner!