Everyone knows that running is a great way to get into shape, but did you know that it can benefit almost every part of your body as well as lift your mood? While it may not be everybody's favorite form of exercise, knowing what it can do for your life just may make you look at the activity in an entirely new light.
Run to burn off calories, Run to think, Run to feel free.
When award-winning author, Haruki Murakami began training for a marathon, he wrote a book titled “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running.” The book was less about the physical benefits of running and more on his reflection on the things we gain or lose in the process.
“People sometimes sneer at those who run every day, claiming they'll go to any length to live longer. But don't think that's the reason most people run. Most runners run not because they want to live longer, but because they want to live life to the fullest. If you're going to while away the years, it's far better to live them with clear goals and fully alive then in a fog, and I believe running helps you to do that.”
We often hear about the addictive endorphin rush that runners get. Add that to the fitness factor, vanity of looking good in your favourite jeans as well as giving you time to clear your mind to think freely on the open road, running manages to feed your mind, body and soul.
Running with your body
The physical benefits of running no one can dispute. While most experts agree that regular exercise can reduce the risk of many cancers, studies have also proven that runners have lower rates of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
The U.S. Department of Energy discovered that running keeps age-related muscular degeneration at bay, especially concerning eyesight and is also an immune booster.
In studies that focus on runners versus non-runners, runners on average remain healthy for far longer that those who do not run. Murakami said it pretty well when he stated, "running is both exercise and a metaphor."
"Running day after day, piling up the races, bit by bit I raise the bar, and by clearing each level I elevate myself. At least that’s why I’ve put in the effort day after day: to raise my own level. I’m no great runner, by any means. I’m at an ordinary – or perhaps more like mediocre – level. But that’s not the point. The point is whether or not I improved over yesterday. In long-distance running the only opponent you have to beat is yourself, the way you used to be.”
Running with your head
Murakami points out that 'pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.' Imagine you’re running and you think, “man, this hurts, I can’t take it anymore.” The ‘hurt’ part is an unfortunatley an unavoidable reality, but whether or not you can stand anymore and are able to push yourself further depends on the runner's willpower.
Advanced marathon runners conclude that running is a dedication of brain over brawn. Some days you may find yourself jumping out of bed, sneakers on your feet before the rest of your body has caught up while other days your couch will win the battle. Other times you could be fueled by frustration as your adrenaline source. Nothing can beat pounding the pavement, letting your feet do the work while your mind does the real traveling.
The University of Georgia’s 'Department of Exercise' discovered that exercise was the best way to reduce anxiety and increase mental acuity, with running being one of the primary means of achieving psychological benefits.
Running with your heart
In some cases, running has been used to treat clinical depression as well as alcoholism and other psychological or addictive problems. It works by helping to ease tension, in addition to building energy and concentration. Instead of feeling overwhelmedby decisions, running helps the individual to focus on his or her path.
The act of running is similar to the act of walking-meditation. You count your steps, measure your heartbeat, and lose yourself in the rhythm. You run because you need to, here Murakami’s wisdom rings truest: “Exerting yourself to the fullest within your individual limits: that’s the essence of running, and a metaphor for life.”
Where 'your heart seems to take flight with the sheer elation of the oxygen pumping in your lungs..'
Featured Image: runnersden.com
Source: womenshealthmag.com
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