I am jumping on the bandwagon again this week and join the Tuesdays on the Run link-up with Marcia, Erika, and Patty. And since it’s almost Valentine’s Day, I am sharing six things I love most about running this week.
Running is “me-time”.
I don’t know about you, but as an introvert, I need a lot of ‘me-time’. To recharge, relax, recuperate. While I obviously love running for many other reasons, I also love running for the time that I can spend with myself. In this sense, it’s more the mental than the physical part, and I just love my long runs on the weekends as my me-time.
Running burns calories.
There, I said it. I run because I love to eat (and don’t tell me that you haven’t tallied up what else you could eat because of the ‘extra calories’ that you burned because you ran that day! I thought so!).
Running releases stress.
It’s true. When I am stressed out, I run. I mean, I also run when I am not stressed out and it helps to keep me balanced, but when I am seriously stressed out, I know that a good, long run will make everything look only half as dire. I am sure many of you feel the same.
Running can be taken on the road.
I absolutely love that running is an exercise that you can do anytime, anywhere, just by yourself. I used to play team sports growing up, which meant I always ‘needed’ other people to do my sport. With running, all you need is to bring a pair of running shoes and running clothes and you’re good to go. Of course, it’s nice to go for a run with other people, too, but they’re not required (and often for me not even wanted. I like my alone-time when I run.)
Running helps you to easily get in those daily steps.
You know, I do like walks, but on days, when I only take 30-minute lunch breaks and sit on my butt for most of the day (I work long days), I have a hard time getting in those recommended 10,000 steps. But, if I run in the morning, I am already well over my step goal when I start my day and that frankly feels awesome and I don’t have to worry about it the rest of the day (even though my Garmin will still nag me when I have sat too still for too long and nudge me to move, even if I already put in my work for the day. Ha! The irony!).
Running inspires.
I know some people might secretly shake their heads about people that document their fitness journey on IG or other social media, but the fitness – and especially the running community – feels very supportive and I can only speak for myself, but I find it hugely inspiring to follow other people who share their journeys and daily struggles and accomplishments, regardless of their fitness level. Everybody who’s getting out there is a hero in my book.
What do YOU love about running?
Beth
February 13, 2018 at 11:27 amThose are all great things to love about running! I always loved how the endorphins put me in a good mood for the rest of the day! I need to get back into my running groove, I miss it!
Ana
February 13, 2018 at 12:59 pmYou are so right! Most days I feel so tired from working with people, but I know that a run will make me feel better, so I drag myself out there and run.
Feisty Harriet
February 13, 2018 at 3:09 pmI *really* wish running was a stress reducer for me. I do it because I know it’s good for me, and it’s not necessarily a stressor itself, but it takes me a solid 90 minutes of hard cardio before I start to feel a reduction in tension/stress. And I just don’t usually have that kind of commitment to sweating. (Although, now that I’m typing this out, it’s entirely possible if I ran MORE often it wouldn’t take as long….? Who knows, but that’s a hell of a risk. Ha.)
xox
ShootingStarsMag
February 13, 2018 at 4:18 pmI used to run all the time when I was younger – back in gym class – but it just never got easier or more enjoyable for me. haha I don’t think I’ll be a runner, but I admire those that are! Definitely a good way to burn some calories. :)
-Lauren
Akaleistar
February 13, 2018 at 4:48 pmAll good things, and I love those leggings :)
anthea
February 14, 2018 at 3:37 amI’m a beginner runner but found myself nodding along to this post :)
It is such a de-stresser and always helps me get my steps in! My Garmin is also always telling me to move at work!
Great shoes by the way.
Marcia
February 14, 2018 at 4:30 amI can so relate to all of these. Especially the introvert thing. I love the “alone” time I get with running. And I swear its the best calorie burn out there. Thanks for linking!
Kim G
February 14, 2018 at 5:37 amRunning definitely helps me with stress, especially stress from work.
I often get some of my best thinking done when I’m out on my long runs.
Megan @ Meg Go Run
February 15, 2018 at 2:46 amI too love that it is my “me” time. I love getting that time for myself. I think I say “I’m going on my run” for a reason… it’s MY run. :) I also love that running gets me outside all year long!
Lisa of Lisa's Yarns
February 15, 2018 at 11:04 amThis post makes me miss running! But soon I will be back at it – hopefully by late spring or early summer! I definitely loved that I didn’t really have to watch what I ate all that closely when I was running since you burn so many calories. I loved getting fresh air and taking in the beauty of my neighborhood and city. I’ve seen way more of the Twin Cities than I would have if I wasn’t a runner! I also love the camaraderie that comes with running – especially since I was in a running club so had lots of running buddies to cheer on and who would encourage me!
terra
February 16, 2018 at 9:42 amI know I’m not the only one who curses at my Garmin when it sasses me to move after I’ve been sitting for 30 minutes after a long run or race. It yelled at me the day I ran my last half marathon when I was in the middle of brunch. So rude!
Lindsay
February 17, 2018 at 11:46 amI agree with All of these. Replace running with ‘exercise’ for me and these all apply.
Oh yes, sister, you said it. Running burns calories. If I didn’t exercise, I’d be the size of a house, I loooooove food. For me, though, it’s all about being a massive stress reliever and generally, overall good feeling, ya know? :)
Tobia | craftaliciousme
February 17, 2018 at 11:44 pmIt is really funny to me because even in my sporty sporty days (long distance) running has always been the worst for me. In school all my PE grades were an 1/A but my running scores have never been on the grading table as it was that bad. But then I went to competitions in 100m and relays. Something no one understood. So I guess running and me will never become friends. However I do get the part of not needing much to do it. I am trying to figure out a sport that works for me were I don’t need any thing but myself. I am glad running is such a great thing for you and I am a bit envy.
Happy Sunday, Tobia
Jenny
February 18, 2018 at 11:08 amI find it incredibly motivational to read about others running and activity and it really encourages me to get out and be active. I confess that I have neglected my running this last week though.