Running is an amazing activity. I have been running for 13 years. It has helped me through some very hard times in life as well as kept me fit. I just want to share my personal experiences, tips, and tricks if you are interested in starting.
Benefits:
There are so many benefits from running.
Exercise in general can help your overall mental state. Even when you are feeling terrible and fatigued, if you get up and moved and get your endorphins flowing you will feel better. Endorphins are among the brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which function to transmit electrical signals within the nervous system. Endorphins decrease feelings of pain, help regulate appetite, enhance immunity, and relieve stress. This basically means that anytime you get your endorphins flowing it means great things for your body. When I am very stressed out I like to work out. I normally run. This helps me clear my mind and if I listen to music I only think about that music or the running. I try to leave the rest "at home". Running also helps keep depression away.
Physically running keeps your body and heart in great shape. Cardiovascular exercise is the best way to keep a healthy heart (along with proper diet of course). It can improve lung health. It has been proven to prevent stroke, heart attack, and breast cancer. It can help prevent diabetes and to improve diabetes if you already have it. You also are able to burn so many calories while running. Normally the average is about 100 calories per mile. This enables you to stay looking fit too!
My tips:
Running is easy because the only equipment you need are shoes. I started out running only 1/2 mile every 2 or 3 days. I did this for a long time until I could build up distance. I have never been out for speed. I always recommend to new runners that they start out very short distances. It is never beneficial for you to go out and run 3 miles on your first day. You will end up sore for 5 days and you cannot get your body used to running that way. Our bodies need to build endurance slowly. Also, remember you need rest days for your muscles to recover from any strenuous activity. After finally working up to 3 miles I decided to enter into my first 5K. I have been hooked ever since. I have ran many 5K races, 10K races, and 1 unlimited distance race. You can do anything you put your mind to as long as you are enjoying yourself. I think that as soon as you make it work then you will lose interest. I have never entered a race that I would have to train night and day for. I am able to run 10 miles comfortably. I know that I could not enter a marathon tomorrow without it becoming a chore. This is one of the reasons I have never entered one. I just don't want my "me time" to become work.
You can also run no matter what your endurance level. I ran during my pregnancy. As I grew larger I just ran slower. I walked during my last month and then started running again 4 weeks after giving birth. I started out slow and worked my way back up to full endurance.
Bottom line...I love running and I think anyone can do it. No matter what your level it's for you and no one else. It doesn't matter if you run 1/2 mile or 10 miles, as long as you love it and it makes you happy!!!
