5 reasons to love running

Whenever, wherever. With friends, flying solo. No membership, no test to pass. Here are 5 reasons to love running.

1. The social media experience

Christian Grey may well be getting people hot and steamy of late but running is fast overtaking Fifty Shades as the soft porn of social media. Sharing smug running app statuses and getting turned on by miles per minute and new PBs – running is the new Grey. Instagram photos of bleeding nipples following the marathon is a little too much information in our opinion, though! #vaseline

2. You can unplug from life

There are some days when you’re filled with a sense of impending doom as you tie your shoelaces at the very thought of opening that door (really selling it aren’t we?). Stepping out into the world be it countryside or pavement, waterfront or city streets means you’re running, at that very moment you are just a runner. Not a wife, mother, daughter, employee, employer – a runner. Free from life. Running through the beautiful countryside under a crisp blue sky is obvious feel-good therapy but even the runs pounding the puddle-filled pavements in torrential rain can make your heart sing. Some runs are about freedom, peeling away an emotional layer with each kilometre. By 10K the weight of the world has been lifted from your shoulders and you are flying! Run like Forrest Gump, keep on running and you’ll have no worries at all! #runfreecarefree

3. Have fun with the fashion

Red, yellow, pink and green, orange and purple and blue. A world of colour is out there waiting for you. The running fraternity will welcome you whatever you wear and give you the ‘running clique’ nod as they zoom past. When once we longed for Jimmy Choos and Manolo Blahniks we now dream of Nike Flyknits. Your non-running wardrobe will pale in significance compared to the rainbow of colours shining out of your running wardrobe. Clash, flouro explosion or sleek black ensemble – the rules of running fashion are that there are no rules. When once it was a workout in itself trying to find running-specific clothing – now it’s everywhere from H&M to Harrods. Go find your running style. Quick – run!

4. It’s sociable

Running by yourself has its benefits – listening to your favourite inspirational tunes, clearing your head and most of all not having to talk. But social running has its perks too: you can often run further with friends as you spend less time thinking of how much it’s hurting! There’s also an element of safety in numbers. Not to mention, you can encourage and motivate each other to not only run but keep on running. If you really cannot persuade your friends that running is fabulous find your local Park Run which organises a weekly 5K throughout the UK – and even better it is totally free! Plus, if you live in London, why not join the We Heart Living x Odlo #RUNYOURCITY club? Click here for more info.

5. It’s good for you

The obvious reasons to love running are the health perks of getting fitter. The health benefits are simply endless with docs saying it can help with depression, increase lung function, boost the immune system and lower the risk of developing blood clots. For women, running can also help lower the risk of breast cancer and reduce the risk of a stroke. So next time you’re tying your shoelaces and dreading the run ahead, just think – you could be saving your own life. #welldoneyou