10 reasons to start running

Thinking about taking the leap to lace up your runners? These 10 reasons to start running might be just the motivation you need

Your first steps as a runner can be pretty daunting. It can feel like there are some big hurdles to overcome – both physically and psychologically. But, if you can stick with it, running can be the most amazing hobby and form of exercise. Here’s why…

1. You can do it anywhere

Running is great because you can do it anywhere – around the block, in the park, along a beach, through your neighbourhood or on holiday. Plus, there’s always something new out there to see, so your runs will never be boring. The world is your playground when you run, so get out and explore it!

2. There’s always room for improvement

Coach George Anderson was just was eight years old when his dad first took him running: ‘I remember him saying to me, ‘George, running is one of the only things that you’re guaranteed to get better at just by doing it.’’ Running is great because it’s a sport where we can see our hard work pay off in a pretty short space of time – which can be really motivating.

3. You’ll forget stress

Feeling stressed out? Try going for a run. Running boosts your brain’s feel-good hormones, distracts you from your daily worries and helps improve your mood. You’ll be feeling calm and in control before you know it.

4. It’s ‘me time’

Life can be hectic, but ‘running is a great way to carve out some selflessly selfish ‘me time,’’ says George. It doesn’t take much to see the benefit either; according to George ‘setting aside just 20 minutes to get out there and run with just your own company or with others can see you returning a happier, more productive and patient person.’

5. It’s cheap

One of the best things about running is that you don’t need expensive equipment or a pricey gym membership to do it. It doesn’t matter what you wear as long as you’re comfortable and can move easily. All you really need is the right footwear, a half-decent sports bra (trust us, it makes a difference) and a little motivation.

6. It’s time-efficient

‘’Not having the time’ is a classic excuse for not exercising,’ says George, ‘but taking up running chops out all the fat from exercise logistics. There’s little or no travel time as you can go from your front door, and you can go for as long or as short as you like, whenever you like.’

7. There are serious health benefits

Running can actually help lower your risk of developing some types of cancer. Plus, cardiovascular exercise is a great way to reduce your risk of heart disease, angina, high blood pressure and stroke. Now, if those aren’t amazing reasons to run, I don’t know what is!

8. A sense of community

‘Even if you never run in a group, there’s a sense of connection you get as a runner,’ says George. ‘‘The Runner’s Nod’ is a great example of this: you see another runner coming from the opposite direction and a mutual and subtle nod of the head acknowledges this invisible bond. It doesn’t matter how fast or slow you are, when you see another runner out there on the streets you get this innate sense that you’re connected.’

9. The calorie burn

Running is an amazing way to stay in shape. You use more energy running than many other forms of exercise – if you weigh 60kg you’ll burn around 600 calories during an hour of running 10-minute miles.

10. Boost your joint health

Contrary to rumour, running doesn’t ruin your joints. In fact it can help protect you from osteoarthritis – one of the most common types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage breaks down – running can improve your cartilage by increasing oxygen flow, flushing out toxins and strengthening the ligaments around your joints. But remember to get running injuries treated and change your shoes regularly to see this benefit.