Non runners just don’t get it. A typical comment from non-runners to runners is: don’t you think you’re overdoing it with this running thing? Or “it’s all that running you’re doing”.
Plethora: a large or excessive amount
Non runners are just sure that runners are running excessively; that running a long distance race is just a recipe for disaster.
You know what? Sometimes it is. I would be the first one to admit that. And yet running has a plethora of benefits:
- Better sleep
- Calming anxiety
- Reducing stress
- Building endurance
- Building confidence
- Camaraderie
- Learning a new “skill”
- Strengthening our cardiovascular system
- Testing our limits
Why would you ever do something that could be so hard, so punishing to your body? Because those plethora of benefits far outweight the negatives.
You do have to be smart about it, though. Recently my sister decided to try to throw a little running into her walking. Not much. She didn’t have a plan, she wasn’t wearing running shoes, she didn’t educate herself about running . . . yup, you guessed it: she injured herself.
Yes, running may have a plethora of benefits, but it also has a plethora of injuries just waiting to either sneak up on you or just stop you in your tracks suddenly.
If you decide to start running, educate yourself about it. Join a group, get fitted for shoes at a running store, or try out C25K.
One thing I know for sure
Non runners will never, ever understand the plethora of benefits that running has in store for them — not until they lace up and run. You’ve got to just do it.
Tell me in the comments:
What benefits from running did I miss?
How did you get started running?
What is the one piece of advice you’d give to a new runner?
Chocolaterunsjudy 
Love this post! I think the biggest benefit for me is that it keeps me ticking and gives me structure. I like myself better when I run.
My advice to the newbies is to take it slow and don’t forget to rest!
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LOVE IT! Everyone should read this!
In fact… Please can i reblog it? 🙂
Meditation… i find that running gives me that ‘time out’… that ‘me time’ that i so need as a full-time working wife and mum. Its time i can think of nothing if i happens and not feel guilty… it time so well invested in myself… I am more relaxed about everything if i get my runs in when i need them.
I started running by accident. I never ever thought i could run… i walked… i walked half marathons… but NEVER ran… the month i turned 50 really bothered me… i couldn’t believe i was THERE! i was 50! Something just happened… i called it the WHAT IF? What if i just tried it… and that was it… i clocked my first tun a month after i turned 50 and since then i have discovered SO MUCH more, it was HUGE turning point for me.
Advice? Im with SlowRunnerGirl… take it slow, take the time to enjoy and the rewards will follow!
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Believe me, becoming a runner shocked me & everyone that knows me!
I’d be honored if you reblogged it — thank you.
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Benefits, ‘time out’ being outdoors, weightloss which has simply helped me get around a bit better day to day. As a newbie there was the thrill of accomplishment. I never thought that I’d be able to run 5k but I did😌 -and a half marathon too! Advice to newbies? Believe that you can and keep trying. Allow yourself to not get it ‘right’ first time, take it easy, remember to have fun!
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I think you covered everything.
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feel younger
feel healthier
Advice – forget about finish times, just have fun.
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Fully agree with all of these ! The sense of accomplishment and confidence building that running provides is amazing.
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Reblogged this on CeeJayKayFit.
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Thanks!
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