Running
The Benefits of Running
The mental and health benefits and considerations to observe when starting out on that daily run.
Check with your doctor before you start running.
Ah yes,the joys of running.Many people think of running(or jogging) and the last thing they would describe it has is joyous...it can test even the heartiest of brave souls. But with a little imagination and perseverance, a whole host of benefits can be realized.
Now obviously the first benefit that comes to mind would be that of improved health,ie.,cardio,weight loss,muscle toning etc.,and for most of us that is what probably prompted us to start running in the first place. But there is also a work out in store for the perspective runner/jogger that some may not so readily associate with the activity- the mental work out.
The mental work out I refer to is the mental training and control it takes to continue to beat the pavement, ground or whatever other running surface you may be on. Your half or three quarters way through your daily routine and feeling a bit tired and then it happens.
That little voice of despair starts to creep into your thoughts, filling your mind with all kinds of reasons why you must be crazy for doing this,and coming up with alot of other more sedentary activities you could be doing right now. You tell yourself not to listen and focus more. Focus on your breathing,focus on how your feet feel as they make contact with the ground.Focus on anything!
The thing is to train your mind not to give in. As long as you're not completely overdoing it and falling on the ground gasping for air,don't let that little voice of despair win. Keep going and before you know it,that 2km,5km,10km or whatever run has been conguered for another day.It's a great sense of accomplishment!
Another benefit is the feeling of freedom and being alone with ones thoughts that is realized. Any opportunity to get away and reflect some on the days events or just life in general is indeed a welcome one in todays hectic lifestyle. It's the one time in the day that you can forget what ails you and literally run away into your own little world of peace and, well, you get the idea.
After making the decision to give running a try, there may be a few considerations worth taking into account that may make your new life's journey more safe and enjoyable. I try to pick two or three different safe locations around to run and alternate between them just to keep things a little more interesting.
Running in the city can prove to be a bit trying on the nerves, although dodging the occasional Chevy does add some unexpected spice to the days routine,so I tend to lean more towards less congested areas of town. Somewhere on the outskirts or maybe an unused soccer field etc. If jogging at night, make sure your route is well lit and not too isolated,especially when jogging alone.
Taking along a bottle of water is also a good idea to help prevent dehydration. Finally there's absolutely no substitute for a good comfortable pair of sneakers/joggers and you'll find they will quickly become your best friend ,so don't skimp if you feel there's a need for a new pair. So you see there are benefits to be had,and some things to take into consideration,when lacing up and heading out into the great outdoors, and whether it's your first time or a newly resurrected interest from days gone by,the most important thing is to just have fun with it. Remember, you don't have to be a marathon runner to experience the joys of running.
Just get out there and do it!
Oh yeah,it's always a good idea to check with your doctor before starting any kind of new exercise program just to be safe. See you out there.
Check with your doctor before you start running.
Ah yes,the joys of running.Many people think of running(or jogging) and the last thing they would describe it has is joyous...it can test even the heartiest of brave souls. But with a little imagination and perseverance, a whole host of benefits can be realized.
Now obviously the first benefit that comes to mind would be that of improved health,ie.,cardio,weight loss,muscle toning etc.,and for most of us that is what probably prompted us to start running in the first place. But there is also a work out in store for the perspective runner/jogger that some may not so readily associate with the activity- the mental work out.
The mental work out I refer to is the mental training and control it takes to continue to beat the pavement, ground or whatever other running surface you may be on. Your half or three quarters way through your daily routine and feeling a bit tired and then it happens.
That little voice of despair starts to creep into your thoughts, filling your mind with all kinds of reasons why you must be crazy for doing this,and coming up with alot of other more sedentary activities you could be doing right now. You tell yourself not to listen and focus more. Focus on your breathing,focus on how your feet feel as they make contact with the ground.Focus on anything!
The thing is to train your mind not to give in. As long as you're not completely overdoing it and falling on the ground gasping for air,don't let that little voice of despair win. Keep going and before you know it,that 2km,5km,10km or whatever run has been conguered for another day.It's a great sense of accomplishment!
Another benefit is the feeling of freedom and being alone with ones thoughts that is realized. Any opportunity to get away and reflect some on the days events or just life in general is indeed a welcome one in todays hectic lifestyle. It's the one time in the day that you can forget what ails you and literally run away into your own little world of peace and, well, you get the idea.
After making the decision to give running a try, there may be a few considerations worth taking into account that may make your new life's journey more safe and enjoyable. I try to pick two or three different safe locations around to run and alternate between them just to keep things a little more interesting.
Running in the city can prove to be a bit trying on the nerves, although dodging the occasional Chevy does add some unexpected spice to the days routine,so I tend to lean more towards less congested areas of town. Somewhere on the outskirts or maybe an unused soccer field etc. If jogging at night, make sure your route is well lit and not too isolated,especially when jogging alone.
Taking along a bottle of water is also a good idea to help prevent dehydration. Finally there's absolutely no substitute for a good comfortable pair of sneakers/joggers and you'll find they will quickly become your best friend ,so don't skimp if you feel there's a need for a new pair. So you see there are benefits to be had,and some things to take into consideration,when lacing up and heading out into the great outdoors, and whether it's your first time or a newly resurrected interest from days gone by,the most important thing is to just have fun with it. Remember, you don't have to be a marathon runner to experience the joys of running.
Just get out there and do it!
Oh yeah,it's always a good idea to check with your doctor before starting any kind of new exercise program just to be safe. See you out there.
Source: essortment