I was hanging out on the Women's Health Magazine website the other day and came across an interesting article 6 Reasons to Start Running and it got me thinking. Why did I start running?
The reasons WH lays out are easy to identify to for most runners, but may seem a bit foreign to others:
1. It's so easy
2. Yet so hard
3. Your knees will thank you (most runners are likely to be at a normal weight, thus putting less strain on joints)
4. You'll stress less
5. It can prevent disease
6. You'll probably live longer
While I think these are great reasons to run (or be active in general) I had other motivations to start. Here are six of my reasons:
1. To be fit and loose weight
2. To get outdoors
3. To challenge myself
4. For the health benefits
5. To loose weight
6. A stress reliever
Yes, you read that right and I meant it. I initially started running to aid in weight loss and then to maintain that. My reasons have changed slightly, like now I also run to meet new people and get involved in the community. To be part of a community and experience the thrill of running with thousands of other like-minded people.
I mean, check out this post-race glow!
There are tons of health and personal reasons to start running. Of course, many people will give just as many reasons why not to run (some reasonable, others not), but I like to focus on the fact that it keeps my lungs and heart strong, is proven to be a great stress reducer (unless, of course, you spend all your waking hours strategizing and fretting over an upcoming race), and keeps my weight in check. Plus, it's a great way to spend time with friends!
Why did you start running? Why do you keep running?