First, running can be done solo or with a friend. Personally, I prefer running alone, but as a general rule, I’m kind of a lone wolf (which is code for “anti-social loser.” THE INTERWEB IS MY PEER GROUP.) The solitude I experience while running is a large part of what makes the run so valuable. For about 20 minutes (or more if I’m running a longer route), I am disconnected from other people: no internet, no phone calls, no text messages, no idle chatter—just my thoughts and I. However, if you would prefer to run with a buddy, there are definitely some benefits there, as well. Running with a friend encourages you. If you are new to running and you need some motivation, it will definitely help to have a buddy be your cheerleader. My cross country coach always made us run in pairs and he encouraged us to talk to one another. Apparently, it helps your breathing patterns and lung capacity.
Second, running is the perfect way
to get outdoors and soak up some vitamin D. It seems like most people spend
their day in front of a screen of some sort, whether it be that of a computer,
TV, tablet, or cell phone. Sunlight—in healthy dosages, of course—is really
good for us! It’s warm and smells good and is a source of vitamin D, which is
essential for healthy bones (among a host of other things; click the link for
more: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161618.php).
Now, sometimes you can’t run
outside. Maybe the weather is unfriendly, or maybe there isn’t a good route
near your home. (I personally avoid running in any weather below 65 degrees
Fahrenheit, because apparently I am a cold-blooded reptilian freak-baby.) In
that case, running at the local gym is a great option. I’m an introvert by
nature, but going to the gym and even taking some fitness classes has gained me
several good friends over the years. Unless you want to be a neck-bearded basement dweller with no real-world companions,
then I suggest you use your gym visits as an opportunity to meet some fellow
humans. Granted, there seem to be a lot of douchebags—particularly in the
weightlifting sections—but eventually you’ll learn how to steer clear.
The final benefit of running that I
want to address may not apply to everyone. In fact, I need to do some research
and see if I’m the only one who experiences this particular benefit, which is,
basically, happiness. And I don’t mean the standard “I feel good because I wasn’t
a lard-ass today” happiness, I mean the “I was totally depressed and bitter
before this run but now I feel like bluebirds and chocolate cake” happiness. I’m
not kidding. If I’m feeling depressed, lonely, anxious, etc., then a run never
fails to boost my spirits. In fact, if I go too long without running, I notice
a definite decline in overall happiness. I guess it could be the endorphins,
but I’m wondering if there’s something more.
All right, ducklings! Thanks for
stopping by. Please feel free to share your running stories in the comments
section below! See you tomorrow!
