This week is Valentine’s Day, so it’s an appropriate time to talk about the things we love about running!
As most of you know, my blog is not exclusively a running blog, but running-related posts have been sneaking in more and more over the last few years. It’s just become a huge part of my life and so naturally, it has started to show up more on my blog.
I have fallen in love with running for many, many reasons, some of which I’ve talked about before.
Running is “me-time”.
Running has become on of my favorite forms of me-time. I put in my ear plugs, listen to some music or a podcast, and go. I love being outside, seeing other people be out and about, and just moving my body. It clears my head like hardly anything else. I know that when I am cranky, I have to get outside.
Running burns calories
Let’s be honest, I love and enjoy food and running affords me the luxury to eat some extra calories. I am not much of snacker, but if we’re having a good meal, you can bet that I am getting seconds.
Running creates community.
I usually run alone (I have yet to try out a run club), but I nevertheless feel like part of a community. I know some people might secretly shake their heads about people that document their fitness journey on Instagram or other social media sites, but the fitness – and especially the running community – feels very supportive and I am so happy to have met so many like-minded people (online and offline).
The reason why I love running the most though?
Running makes me happy.
Running – more often than not – puts a huge smile on my face. I just feel good after most of my runs (even though the run itself might not always feel good). That might seem odd, but that’s a fact. I feel strong, healthy, and capable and just physically and mentally in a good place.
What do YOU love about running (or your physical activity of choice)?
This week, I am linking up with Kookyrunner and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.
I do love the social networks because I have met (virtually) some amazing runners and they are so inspiring.
I like running with others on long runs but sometimes it’s hard to coordinate times and distances and pace so I do run alone a lot.
It just turns a bad day into a “good” day.
I also value running as my “me time”. It also makes me feel good that I’m taking time out of the day to make myself a better person – both physically and mentally.
I also love being a part of the running community. Runners are some of the most positive people I have met.
How do you like your running shoes? I think those are the Levitate 2?
Running is the best! I have noticed that I am in a much better mood when I do run. :-)
Those are all great reasons to run!
I started running 2 years ago to get some me time actually! Time to just be me and clear my head! But I have grown to love so many other things about running and probably it’s summed up best by your last point, that running makes me happy. It really does :-)
Running is my favorite! I agree with everything you mentioned. I especially love our local running group. We’re like family.
Running has provided me with so many fabulous friendships. I have no idea what I would do without them!
I miss running so much! I can’t wait for the weather to warm up in the spring so I can start logging some miles. I’ve been doing at home cardio/strength training workouts so hopefully that will help make the return to running less painful. ;)
I love running for the reasons you listed. I also love it because it allows me to see so much beauty in my city. Minneapolis has beautiful dedicated running/walking paths! They are separate from the bike paths which is nice! We live in a great area for running. I can get to various lakes or run along a creek.
I love running for the same reasons that you do! Even when it isn’t the greatest run, I still feel happy to have been out in the fresh air or just getting in a good workout!
YES!! All of those reasons! Especially the me time and just generally feeling good. :)
Yes to all of these reasons – I totally agree. Sometimes after a very long day I feel like skipping gym but once I’m on that treadmill I’m so happy I didn’t. Me time, burning calories, feeling happy :) I haven’t joined a running club yet – maybe one day – I’ve heard they are great.
Yes to all of these! I love that running is a solo sport that lets me just go on my own. It’s when I process all my feelings and when I get to just be.