Why You Should Begin A Running Program

Why You Should Begin A Running Program
By Judy Mick

http://TheStreakingRunner.com

In my opinion, running is the ultimate form of exercise – but I may be a little prejudiced on the matter!

My name is Judy Mick, and I've been running since 1978. I started running in college for a couple of reasons, the main one was to try to get off the excess pounds that seem to magically appear during this time.

I was never really athletic in school. In fact, my Junior High Physical Education Teacher actually gave me a few B's. In P.E.! Not great. In Senior High, if you were in band, you didn't have to take P.E., so I was off the hook. (Now that I've run several marathons, I want to go up to her sometime and ….well, I won't go there!)

Running was something that I came to enjoy. It's a great and healthy lifestyle and I can't imagine a day not running. And, that, is my claim to fame. I've actually run every day since 1985. That's what makes me a “streaker”, not what you may have thought!

I want to share some reasons with you why I think running is so wonderful and why I think you should start (or continue) a running program.

Top Reasons To Begin A Running Program

Running is a great all-around activity. Some runners get started simply as a means to losing a few excess pounds. Others have started running for the over-all sense of well-being it gives them. I feel that there are 3 basic reasons to start (or keep) running.

1. Weight loss is a great by-product. Running is one of the best calorie burners there is. The amount of calories you burn depends on how much you weigh, how fast you run and how far. You will also burn more calories depending on the terrain that you are running on and the conditions. For instance, you’ll work harder running into the wind and running uphill. Thus, burning more calories.

More calories are burned running than by aerobics or working out on an exercise bike. And, the more you weigh, the more calories you’ll burn. Another plus, once you build muscle, you will burn off calories more quickly – muscle requires more energy.

2. Psychological benefits. Runners seem to be less stressed and handle things better than non-runners. They also seem to develop a more focused mind. I know that I always do my best thinking – and come up with my best ideas – while I’m out on my run.

Runners seem to be less depressed. They seem to be able to heal mentally and are more aware of themselves. I know that running is my therapy!

3. Running gives you more energy. I know that there are those of you that may say that’s crazy. You use so much energy to run – how can it give you more? It does. Regular exercise has been shown to increase energy levels. I’m an early morning runner and I know that running gives me energy throughout my whole day.

4. Running is absolutely free! You don't need to join a gym, you don't need to pay monthly fees, you don't need to buy fancy equipment - just lace up your shoes and head out the door!

5. Running keeps you young. Another one that I don't know the physical, inner medical workings behind this - but I know I feel many years younger tha
I am. Running seems to give you a glow and keeps everything toned up.

6. Running is a great stress reliever! If you had a bad day, or have something going on in your life - lace up your shoes and go head the door. It will really clear your mind - and is much cheaper than a therapist!

7. It is your "me" time. Being an only child, I enjoy a little time to myself. If you have a busy lifestyle, it's not always easy to do....job....children....spouse. But, running will get you that sanity time that you need!

8. Think through things. Running is great for sorting through things that you may be dealing with. I've reasoned through many problems, come up with great ideas - you'll be surprised how many things you'll solve during your runs.

9. It gets you outside. I work from home - so running is my time to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Even if you work in an office - getting out in the fresh air is important. And that's good for everyone!

10. Help a charity. Once you get started running, you may want to enter a race to earn money for a charity. There are so many races and groups that raise money from road races. It's an easy way to help out others.

11. Medical benefits. Runners have been
shown to have lower blood pressure, better cholesterol levels, etc. Running just keeps you healthy inside and out!
7 Psychological Benefits Of Running

We all know that running is great for keeping your physical body in shape. But, did you know that it can also keep you in good mental health?

1. Running helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Runners are known to be less stressed and are more able to deal with their daily stressors effectively. This is attributed to the fact that running refreshes their thoughts, keeps their minds off worries, and gives them ample and undistracted time to think, reflect, and concentrate. In addition, according to some reports, running is more efficient in addressing anxieties better than medications.

2. Running enhances your moods. When running, the body produces a substance called endorphin (endogenous morphine) that creates a different sense of euphoria. This state of euphoria is called runner’s high basically because after running, individuals are in a good mood, are happier, and indescribably feel better. Runner’s high is also believed to be responsible for the runners’ seeming “addiction” to running: Because they are always intensely post-euphoric, runners keep running every chance they get.

3. Runners experience improved confidence. The sense of achievement after finishing a run or completing a target distance boosts the runners’ confidence. This is especially true of people who are naturally competitive they regularly sign up for marathons and other running events. Improved confidence also comes to people who have noticeably lost weight and achieved more toned and firmer muscles through running.

4. Any addictions you may have can be fought by running. Running is conceived to be a natural tranquilizer, which is why therapists recommend it to those who are battling with their addiction. Many successful stories have been documented, saying that recovering patients use the time they would otherwise spend to satisfy their addiction in running. Through running, patients also become mentally stronger to resist the urge of alcohol, drugs, or anything they feel addicted to.

5. Running will help you to achieve mental alertness and focus. Because running keeps the mind on the “now,” the mind is trained to focus and concentrate. Running also relieves mental fatigue, sharpens memory, and improves overall mental stamina. Runners, in effect, are found to have better problem-solving skills and are more mentally alert than before.

6. Running is found successful in treating clinical depression. The act of running, according to therapists, serves as a psychotherapy, which gives the patients their own space to heal and connect with their selves better. They also say it is a good distraction from all depressing things. Other than depression, physicians also find running an effective therapy for people with other types of psychological disorders.

7. The coordination of mind and body is improved with regular running. Whether running on a flat, paved surface or on an uneven trail, the mind is trained to harmoniously work with the body to prevent stumbling and tripping over. Like the other psychological benefits of running, better mind-body coordination is important in daily activities.
I absolutely love the fact that my running is also helping my mind to stay sharp!

As you can see, there are SO many benefits to starting and sticking with a running program. I hope that you'll give it a try. It's really inexpensive to get started – the only real equipment you need is a good pair of shoes.

There's no gym membership to buy, you don't have to worry about what time of day to run – it's all up to you!
So, lace up those shoes and head out the door! A wonderful lifestyle is just waiting for you!
Resources:

http://www.RunnerForLife.com Sign up for my FREE weekly newsletter

http://www.RunAMileThisMonth.com FREE training schedule for running your first mile

http://www.TheStreakingRunner.com Follow me on my blog

http://www.BeginningRunnerTips.com A wonderful total program for beginning runners

http://www.budurl.com/runningbook My ebook on Kindle for beginning runners

http://www.budurl.com/trainingbook A great book when you are ready to start racing