I’m not sure if I talked about this before, but over the last year or so, I’ve developed a pretty big interest in running. Like most people, one of my new year’s resolutions in 2016 was to lead a healthier lifestyle. I decided to take up running that January and managed to create an exercise routine that I’ve stuck with to this day. And while it has definitely been a challenge, I’m really happy to have done it.
Anyways, up until last January, I was totally convinced that running wasn’t the exercise for me. I found it boring and felt like it lasted forever. But once I got myself running on a daily basis, I realized that it wasn’t as bad as it seemed. In fact, I actually discovered that running could be enjoyable. I run a little over three miles every day now, and in this time it’s gone from feeling like a chore to feeling like a hobby. I don’t dread hopping on the treadmill like I used to when I first started out. If anything, running has become something that I look forward to. Trust me when I say those are words I never imagined I would be typing.
So, if you’re someone who’s been thinking about getting into running, but haven’t quite settled on it, hopefully you can take some of these reasons into consideration. Sometimes it just takes a little push to get yourself where you want to go!
It’s a good distraction
One thing that I’ve really grown to love about running is that I can use it to distract myself from whatever else I may be going through. If I’m feeling very anxious or stressed out about something, I know that I can always take my mind off of it by going for a run. When you’re running, you can’t really be preoccupied by anything else. The only thing you can focus on is what’s right in front of you. It’s definitely a great stress reliever and keeps your mind far away from your worries, which is something we all could use from time to time. It’s a healthy and productive way to give your mind a break from the work, school, or general life stress that you have going on.
It makes me feel energized
Another thing I can always count on running to do is give me a much needed boost of energy. On days when I’m feeling incredibly sluggish, but have the time to sit around, going on a run works to energize me. I feel a lot more invigorated after I’ve gone for my daily run and it makes everything else I’ve got to get done that day seem more doable.
It challenges me
I’m the type of person who is always looking for a challenge. To me, one of the best things in life is being able to test your limits and push yourself in different directions. In running, there are always new challenges you can set for yourself. When I first started running, I set a goal of 1.5 miles each day for myself. After a while, I pushed that 1.5 up to 2. And after that, I pushed that 1.5 up to 3.1. I love that running allows you to be in constant battles with yourself. It teaches you to work hard and never settle.
It gives me a good attitude
If you’re ever in low spirits, running is one of the best things you can do to perk yourself up. If I’m feeling particularly annoyed or unproductive, I immediately put on my running shoes and head to the treadmill. Going for a run manages to cheer me up even on really sour days. After I’ve completed my daily run, my attitude drastically improves. I feel a lot more prepared to deal with whatever work lies ahead of me. Plus, it’s an easy thing to check off my to-do list.
It’s empowering
A few weeks back, I wrote a post about how I have a difficult time letting go of things that I can’t control. In that post, I mentioned that I like to be in control of whatever’s going on in my life, because I hate having to handle problems that I couldn’t have prevented from happening. The way I see it, running or working out in general is one of the few things in life that I can pretty much always have control of. There are times when it’s difficult to find the time to run, but I’m usually able to do so. And I think that makes it a very empowering feeling.
It helps me sleep
Does anyone else ever find that they seem to be at their most energetic right when they’re supposed to go to sleep? I seriously can’t tell you how many times I’ve failed to get myself to sleep and ended up completely exhausted in the morning. While I still have nights like this, the number of them has certainly decreased since I started running. After I burn a lot of energy during a run, I have an easier time going to bed. This has really helped me get the rest I need and be more productive in the morning.
It’s fun
Obviously this reason is subjective, but I think running can be fun for anybody as long as they find a way to enjoy it. Since I typically run on a treadmill indoors, I’m able to watch Netflix as I run. This keeps my mind occupied for the entire run and gives me a little incentive to get on the treadmill. As with any sort of exercise, it’s all about figuring out what you personally like and how you can incorporate it into your workout routine.
Thank you so much for reading! I haven’t done any fitness-related content on here before, so let me know if you’d be interested in seeing more. Running plays such a big role in my daily routine, so I’d love to talk more about it.
Do you like running?
Sincerely,
Currently, Lately 
Nice post! I love running too! It is really energizing. I feel healthier and stronger. Plus, over time you look better. My skin improves and glows. Running is the best!
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Thank you! And it definitely is! I feel like it’s one of the best things both physically and mentally!
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Great post! I agree with all of your points as I do like running….unfortunately my body doesn’t! I started doing 5k park runs but after my last one I felt really unwell and my heart was doing silly beats so I went to the GP. I’m not allowed to run again until I’ve been reviewed by the cardiologist so for now it’s just cheerleading my sons when they run as they do the 5k parkrun and 2k junior run 😋 hopefully I’ll be able to get back to it xx
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I love this! Running is so beneficial, I love the feeling after a great run. I agree with you on that
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Hello lovely, I have nominated you for The Awesome Blogger Award, please see this link: https://discoveringyourhappiness.com/2017/05/23/i-won-the-awesome-blogger-award/ – I think your blog is amazing. Thank you 🙂 Anita ❤
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I do track & field, as well as cross country, so I’ve been running my whole life! I love running as well for all of these reasons! So glad you enjoy running as well ❤
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I feel the same way you did. Maybe I can get over the hump?!
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I’ve nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award. Please don’t feel obliged to repost, but I wanted to let you know the nomination is there xx https://beautyandtheballroom.wordpress.com/2017/05/23/one-lovely-blog-award/
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Thank you so much! I really appreciate it 🙂
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You’re welcome x
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I have nominated you for the mystery blogger award so be sure to check out the post here: https://rubirubimakeup.wordpress.com/2017/05/23/mystery-blogger-award/
I really love your blog and the work that goes into it!! xx
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Thank you so much! I really love your blog as well 🙂
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Thank you so much 😊 x
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I used to love running but at one point I was more doing it as something I had to do to not gain weight and to look fit rather than because i liked it. It does empower and it is a good distraction! I may get back into it, but for the right reasons this time! xx corinne
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You make me want to take up running! (And I am probably the least sporty person there is…)
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I really want to get in to running and hearing people talk about why they love it so much is such a great motivator. I think the hardest thing is just getting up that first time and going and just seeing how it goes – maybe I should it as a goal for myself in June! I have always wanted to run half marathons and things for charity but I am too much of a couch potato to do it right now! xxx
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I was the exact same way! The hardest part definitely is getting yourself going, but once you’re in a routine, it gets much easier to keep up with it! Making it a goal is such a good idea 🙂
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I’ll let you know if I manage it! Hahah xx
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I’m trying to pick up on running. I was introduced to the activity from a charity run in my city and it was so much fun. and I want to get back into it. I definitely enjoyed all the benefits you stated and want to reach those again.
great post
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I would never listen to music if it wasn’t for running so I love that about it too. But if I might make a suggestion for you to discover an 8th thing. You’re already running a 5k everyday have you considered signing up for a race? I started racing as a competitive swimmer and mountain biker and those races were intimidating and competitive. Since I’m never going to win a running race I didn’t sign up for one for the first 15+ years I was running and boy was I ever missing out! The atmosphere is AMAZING everyone is just there for a fun time and a group energy, endorphin fest! People tell you to have a great run, you could just run your regular run and get a shirt and a medal at the end. We all know we’re not going to win so we super chill, welcoming and it’s a really fun time/ If you haven’t yet you might give it a try.
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I’ve always wanted to be the kind of person who loves to go for a run but I just don’t think I’m built for it, I think it’s a bit too high impact for me to be honest. I do love the cross trainer/elliptical though, I go on that every day and like you I use that time to watch something so it’s much more enjoyable!
Julia // http://www.thesundaymode.com
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Loved this post! It is empowering! I love that feeling. I typically run on the treadmill as well, but want to do it outdoors now. I have a post just out, if you fancy a read sometime.
https://anintrovertedblogger.com/2017/06/06/can-i-call-myself-a-runner/
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Love this! I started running about three years ago and have fallen in love with it for so many of the same reasons you do!
Lindsay // https://twentysomethingandrunningblog.wordpress.com/
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Great blog. It seems that you and I share several reasons as to why we run!
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Totally! And I dunno if this happens to you, but I actually feel weird when I miss a day, it’s definitely wormed it’s way into my heart lol
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Running is such an amazing feeling for me! I’m glad I’m not the only one. Honestly, running is where I do most of my deep thinking. It is such a good way to get rid of stress too! I completely agree with the good attitude part. Working out and running has made me so much more positive.
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Congrats on your progress! Starting to run or getting back into running after a break is the hardest. Scheduling a run like a meeting or an appointment is the best way to ensure it happens.
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I have a love/hate relationship with my running. I find it is difficult to motivate my to go on the long runs I need to train for half marathons. It’s so difficult fitting it all in around a full time job and running a household!
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It’s definitely very challenging to fit it into a busy schedule! I know exactly what you mean!
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Hi currently, I recently just started running again after almost a year. I also love running for all the reasons you so eloquently expressed. How do you stay consistent though? With kids, work, love, life, all getting in the way I have been finding it so hard to go out regularly enough to see improvement. What do you do to insure you stick toba regular routine? Love the post, I like your style.
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