The Life-Balancing Benefits of Running

People’s reactions vary to the fact that I run nearly every day. In general, running is something I avoid talking about because often there is a defensiveness. Some feel they need to explain why they don’t. The fact is running isn’t for everyone. Your fitness is your own business and no one else. The important thing here is that you find what works for you in the exercise department and stick with it. Find what helps you to be your own personal best! That being said, there are people who are genuinely interested in running and want to know more and do ask me about it because they want to try it themselves. Running was a life-changing event for me nearly 30 years ago, and what I discovered is that the life-balancing benefits of running include more than just good health.

Since I started running as a teenager it took a while to discover the important benefits of running. For nearly three decades I have been pounding the pavement, trail, treadmill, or whatever is available for 4 miles daily. I am not particularly fast. In fact, some seasons it is more jogging than running. I have run in snow, wind, a 4-inch rainstorm, and even most of two pregnancies (okay, jogged using a swimsuit as a belly “bra”). My running clothes are not super fancy. Well, maybe my shoes, but that’s only because a good, supportive shoe is cheaper than a foot injury. But all that time running plus a whole lot of life experience equals a whole lot of appreciation for running. Additionally, is the role it has played in other areas of my life for which I am grateful for. So, what are those things?

The life-balancing benefits of running

Fitness is the first obvious reason, so let’s not get into that. By now most of us know that daily running has many documented benefits which for me includes sky-high good cholesterol. Given my family’s genetics for heart disease and high cholesterol issues this is a huge plus. My doctor cheers for joy over my daily running and tells me to keep it up. However, over time it became clear that fitness is only part of the equation.

One of the biggest reasons I run is that more than anything running is a great way to boost mental health and well-being. For four miles I think, process emotions, philosophize, pray, analyze, prepare, plan, burn off bad vibes, etc. etc. It is a way to run through the things that clutter my mind while pounding out some adrenaline which leaves me ready for the day. Additionally, as someone who has struggled with depression most of my life and takes medication running has been a lifesaver. Vigorous exercise is good for the heart and soul. It feels amazingly good to pound the trail and breathe in the fresh air. And having that hour to mentally process life is invaluable.

Running also provides a whole lot of energy. Seriously. People ask me where my energy comes from and I jokingly say coffee because I am an addict, but the reality is that running pumps me up. After my daily run I feel awesome and refreshed! Properly done, exercise should leave you feeling great. If you are continually feeling thrashed, then something is wrong. This benefit may take a while to show up, but when it does you will be convinced.

Running also teaches physical endurance. Not just the act of running itself but running in the harsh weather elements is great practice for real life. Endurance is an underappreciated quality. The ability to go the extra mile and to challenge yourself comes in handy a lot. Life throws plenty of challenges at all of us and having fortitude helps tremendously in navigating those things.

Running encourages balance. Running will give you super strong thigh muscles and a solid core which give the body good balancing ability. However, what’s interesting about this is that balance transfer to other areas of my life. Life balance has become huge for me and personally, I think running has directly affected that because I approach everything with a sense of balance and “feel it” when things are off. In the kind of culture we live in having a sense of balance is important.

Pace setting is another of the life-balancing benefits of running. This one goes hand in hand with balance. Long term running teaches a person to set pace naturally. You learn when and how far to push yourself to achieve success. This is very helpful in everyday life. You start to approach tasks with a reasonable set of expectations and clear knowledge of your limits, but also know when you can pass those limits. You learn that overdoing it leads to crash and burn. But you also sense when the “runner’s high” comes on and can work a marathon.

So, if you choose to head out and enjoy some of these benefits make sure to wear proper shoes and start slow. Pace yourself and enjoy the experience!

Just finishing my daily run on a 32 degree morning. Brrrrrrrr! Run faster- lol!