I’ve got the running bug – have you?
Running In The Park
For me it all began in 2004 – 1 lap around the park, then 2, then 3. Progressing to my first 2 kilometre, 10 kilometre, then first Half Marathon – the “Great North Run” in Newcastle/Gateshead. I’m now in training for my 6th Half Marathon!
It’s an amazing feeling of achievement when you cross that finishing line – All those hours of pounding the pavements have proved worthwhile.
You might think “surely all that pounding can’t be good for you?” Wrong! A study published in the journal “Arthritis and Rheumatism” showed that far from increasing the risk of joint problems, running can protect against osteoarthritis by keeping joints and connective tissue strong, mobile, and topped up with nutrients. Another study published in the “Journal of Rheumatology found no difference in the amount or rate of degeneration in the knee and hip joints of runners and non-runners, although both groups experienced some degeneration with age.
There are lots of myths about running – no, you don’t have to be skinny, no, you don’t have to train every day, you don’t need to be athletically gifted or sporty to be a runner.
Fun running facts:
- Anyone can do, it’s so accessible – no expensive equipment needed – just put on a pair of decent trainers and off you go.
- Running women produce a less potent form of oestrogen. As a result, female runners cut by half their risks of developing breast and uterine cancer, and by two thirds their risk of contracting the form of diabetes that most commonly plagues women.
- No 1 risk for Oseoarthritis is excess body fat – a problem lots of runners don’t have.
- Running benefits strong bones and muscles which means you’ll be able to retain your youthful grace and your figure, and with that, your enthusiasm for life and continued endurance for many years to come.
- Losing 10 lbs can take about 45 pounds of pressure off the knee.
- Running is one of the most effective calorie burners.
- It relieves stress.
- Running keeps your skin healthy. According to dermatologists, running stimulates circulation, transports nutrients and flushes out waste products. All of this leads to a reduction in subcutaneous fat, making skin clearer and facial features more distinct.
- Running makes you feel better about yourself, enhancing confidence and self-esteem.
- Several studies have been able to successfully link a positive relationship between running and getting a better night’s sleep.
- Are you often tired? Running may help to boost your energy levels. Of course, it makes you healthier and this helps, but running itself gets your blood pumping and this wakes you up.
- Runners sometimes talk about the “runner’s high” – feelings of elation, energy and a sense of harmony during or after a run – from those wondrous feel good hormones that are released when we run, which include endorphins.
I’m lucky to run with 2 fabulous friends- they not only help to keep me motivated and safe, it’s a lot more fun than running alone. Women runners often become more than training partners, they’re confidantes, counsellors and coaches too! So why not “buddy” up with some fellow runners.
The personal rewards of running can be quite powerful – so why not give it a try?
“I can’t imagine living and not running.”
~Paula Radcliffe – World Marathon Record Holder
To get you started and up and running try:
“Running For Weight Loss” by Simon Lovell
or
Zest : Running Made Easy by Susie Whalley and Lisa Jackson