So you are seriously considering the option of running as your primary sport. Here are 10 reasons why people who are runners think you’re making an excellent choice.
- Running is one of the most efficient paths to cardiovascular fitness. Because running is a high intensity form of exercise, it gives your heart “a good workout”, which means that your fitness can improve relatively quickly if you train diligently and sensibly.
- Running is so accessible. All you really need is a good pair of running shoes and a safe place to run. This is particularly useful if you travel extensively or have a hectic lifestyle.
- Running can be inexpensive and is simple to learn. Running shoes are the most expensive essential item, but aside from that, all you really need is comfortable clothing and possibly a stopwatch. Information on training is widely available and there are running clubs in most towns and cities eager for new members.
- Running is one of the most effective methods of stress reduction and anxiety control. Negative stress can be a killer and can lead to depression, which is predicted to be the most common global illness by 2020. Thirty minutes of running will work wonders in terms of stress management.
- Running is an excellent component of a weight-management programme. Few activities burn as many calories per hour. As one becomes better trained, one’s body taps more readily into fat stores for energy.
- Running is a very flexible method of training. You can run at your own pace, wherever it is safe, with or without company, at whatever time of day that suits you.
- Running makes you feel good and an ever-growing body of research proves this. Your fitness, self-esteem, confidence and positive mood states all will increase with a regular running programme.
- Running offers a unique opportunity for recreational runners to mix with world-class athletes. You can’t play in a PGA golf tournament, at Wimbledon or for a Super 15 Rugby side, but on almost every weekend, recreational runners compete in the same events with elite athletes. However, there are also low-key social events that emphasise fun and friendship, so don’t be daunted by the experts!
- Running is for anyone. You don’t have to be slim, young or athletic, as you will see if you carefully assess the field of any road race.
- You’ll be in good company. Millions of people run for health, fun, fitness and competition – they can’t all be wrong!
- Running is one of the most efficient paths to cardiovascular fitness. Because running is a high intensity form of exercise, it gives your heart “a good workout”, which means that your fitness can improve relatively quickly if you train diligently and sensibly.
- Running is so accessible. All you really need is a good pair of running shoes and a safe place to run. This is particularly useful if you travel extensively or have a hectic lifestyle.
- Running can be inexpensive and is simple to learn. Running shoes are the most expensive essential item, but aside from that, all you really need is comfortable clothing and possibly a stopwatch. Information on training is widely available and there are running clubs in most towns and cities eager for new members.
- Running is one of the most effective methods of stress reduction and anxiety control. Negative stress can be a killer and can lead to depression, which is predicted to be the most common global illness by 2020. Thirty minutes of running will work wonders in terms of stress management.
- Running is an excellent component of a weight-management programme. Few activities burn as many calories per hour. As one becomes better trained, one’s body taps more readily into fat stores for energy.
- Running is a very flexible method of training. You can run at your own pace, wherever it is safe, with or without company, at whatever time of day that suits you.
- Running makes you feel good and an ever-growing body of research proves this. Your fitness, self-esteem, confidence and positive mood states all will increase with a regular running programme.
- Running offers a unique opportunity for recreational runners to mix with world-class athletes. You can’t play in a PGA golf tournament, at Wimbledon or for a Super 15 Rugby side, but on almost every weekend, recreational runners compete in the same events with elite athletes. However, there are also low-key social events that emphasise fun and friendship, so don’t be daunted by the experts!
- Running is for anyone. You don’t have to be slim, young or athletic, as you will see if you carefully assess the field of any road race.
- You’ll be in good company. Millions of people run for health, fun, fitness and competition – they can’t all be wrong!