28 Reasons to Start Running

There are many more reasons why you should engage in running and sports in general, buts here are few:

"I can't imagine what would ever make me run so much." This is probably the most common comment we receive from acquaintances, family, and friends when they hear that you are into running, be it intense training, a half marathon, or a full marathon.

Indeed, what is it that inspires every long-distance runner to the point where they can't imagine life without running? What are the reasons that keep us running, and why should you start running as well?

Years of experience have introduced us to numerous virtues of recreational running, and we've decided to compile a list of very compelling reasons to engage in this sport.

1. Everyone Can Run

Running is one of the most inclusive sports. The only things that can prevent you from running are a physical injury or a specific health condition.

Most people can run, which makes this discipline perfect for everyday recreation. Furthermore, there is virtually no age limit for running. With a bit of caution, you can start even if you are over 60 years old.

2. You Get "Me Time"

Daily responsibilities are numerous and demanding, which often leads us to neglect ourselves and our peace. This is especially true for individuals who must juggle between parental duties, work, and other activities. Running provides the ideal escape from everyday life.

It's time reserved solely for you and your thoughts. You can think about anything peacefully, come up with great ideas, or simply not think at all.

3. Running Is Your Internet-Free Time

Reports on internet usage show that the average person spends almost seven hours online each day.

If your job is also connected to your phone, computer, and the internet, that average is probably even higher. This is where running comes in. It gives you the opportunity to disconnect and disregard all that information for at least an hour or two.

4. You Can Lose Weight

This is often the primary reason why people take up running. If you want to lose weight, you will certainly achieve your goal more quickly with regular training than without it.

5. You Can Eat a Bit More

This benefit is closely related to the previous one. Not only can running help you lose weight, but it also gives you the privilege to eat a bit more than the average person.

If you train regularly and don't have serious weight issues, you'll be able to treat yourself to any type of food whenever you want.

6. Running Has Positive Health Effects

It's needless to say how much running improves your health. It's impossible to count all the studies on this topic, but we'll highlight one statistic.

Compared to people who don't exercise, recreational runners who run once or twice a week reduce their risk of death from cardiovascular problems and other health conditions by 30 to 45 percent.

7. It's Stress Relief

Running doesn't only affect your physical health; its effects are even more noticeable on the mental plane.

It's a true stress relief therapy that helps recreational runners feel better. For instance, one in seven people in the UK stated that running helped them cope with stress during the COVID-19 crisis. There's hardly a better and easier way to mentally refresh yourself than through running.

8. Running Helps You Get to Know Yourself

Although it may sound like a cliche, running really helps you get to know yourself. This sport forces you to do everything on your own, meaning you'll go through various phases – anxiety, fear, small victories, doubts, and more.

This compels you to think a lot more about yourself and your abilities, which is a huge benefit of running as a sport.

9. You Can Enjoy Runner's High

Did you know that people who regularly exercise have a sense of improved mood twice as strong as those who never exercise? This is known as runner's high.

You can find this term in the dictionary, and it refers to the feeling of euphoria after running that is associated with the release of endorphins, the happiness hormone.

10. Building Discipline

If you want to achieve a specific running goal, no matter how big or small, you need to stick to a training plan. This means that running helps you build discipline. It doesn't only apply to the track but quickly transfers to your everyday life habits.

11. Strengthening Patience

Did you know that the average time for running a marathon is over four hours? Needless to say, running for such a long time requires patience. This doesn't only apply to marathons but also to all other distances.

Regardless of how much you train, running helps you strengthen your patience. After all, there are no shortcuts – you must take each step towards your goal on your own.

12. Boosting Self-Confidence

Running also influences self-confidence.

Individuals who consistently achieve their running goals feel good about their small victories, which brings a sense of fulfillment and self-confidence. This easily extends to your overall life attitude.

13. No One Bothers You During Training

Most of us have had experience with other sports besides running.

If you have had such experiences, you surely know how challenging it is to play soccer or basketball with a large group of people. There is hardly a session when someone doesn't annoy you with their poor performance, nonchalant attitude towards the team

, negative comments, and so on. In running, this is non-existent – you can run in peace without any hassle.

14. No One Cancels on You at the Last Minute

Another problem with most other sports is that someone cancels their participation at the last minute, which triggers a whole drama about finding a replacement right before the activity.

In contrast, in running, you depend only on yourself and your schedule – no one cancels on you.

15. You Choose When to Run

In line with the previous benefit, it's essential to note that running allows you significant flexibility in your schedule.

Some like to run early in the morning, others during the day, and some in the evening. In any case, you have complete freedom to organize yourself and choose the training time that suits you.

16. You Choose Your Route

Another advantage of running is its diversity. Many recreational runners have their favorite routes but also enjoy changing their routine and selecting new paths. This makes your training more interesting, and you get to know new streets and areas in detail.

17. Running Is an Affordable Sport

Unlike many other individual sports, running is a highly accessible activity. You don't need any special equipment – shorts, a shirt, and sneakers are enough.

Of course, it's good if you can afford comfortable running shoes and dedicated running gear, but they are not essential prerequisites.

18. Progress Is Noticeable

Another advantage of running is the fact that progress happens quickly. Most recreational runners experience significant improvements in distance and physical condition after just two to three weeks.

Of course, this doesn't mean you should suddenly increase the number of kilometers you run, but you can certainly expect noticeable progress from the very beginning.

19. This Sport Is Simple

Recreational running is a sport without specific rules. No one limits you in any way.

You can run slowly, at a medium pace, fast, on asphalt, through the woods, or on grass. You can run a kilometer or 30 kilometers. In running, you are the boss.

20. You Can Run Indoors or Outdoors

The true privilege of running lies in its accessibility. Some runners exclusively run outdoors, regardless of weather conditions.

However, running indoors – on a treadmill – is always an alternative if you don't want to get wet or freeze outside.

21. You Compete with Yourself

One of the best aspects of this type of sport is that you are in constant competition with yourself. You always have a goal, and that is to improve your own time.

This is a very important detail, especially during long preparations for a race when you can encounter fatigue and a mild lack of motivation.

22. The Only Sport Where You Can Compete with the Elite

Can you imagine having the opportunity to play basketball against LeBron James or soccer against Lionel Messi? It's very difficult, as elite athletes are generally untouchable and inaccessible. This is the case everywhere, except in running. In this sport, you can compete side by side with the best.

For example, the Berlin Marathon was held at the end of September, and nearly 35,000 runners completed the race. One of them was Eliud Kipchoge, the legendary Kenyan runner who set a world record in the marathon that day!

23. Running Provides Social Opportunities

Although many long-distance runners are known for their individualism, we must not forget the social aspect of this athletic discipline.

If you engage in running regularly, sooner or later you will form a group of acquaintances with whom you will socialize, train, and perhaps even participate in races together.

24. Racing Is the Cherry on Top

Running is the main focus, but official competitions are the icing on the cake of your efforts. During these events, you can test yourself and your abilities, but also enjoy the fantastic atmosphere created by a group of enthusiastic participants.

The experience on the track is indescribable, especially if the race is well-organized and features many additional attractions.

25. You Can Enjoy Sports Tourism

Sports tourism is not an obligatory part of recreational running, but it certainly adds a special charm. As a runner, you have the opportunity to visit various destinations under the pretext of participating in an official race.

Whether it's a local, regional, or international race, it's always a pleasure to explore new places from a runner's perspective.

26. You Set a Good Example for Others

You may not be aware, but by running, you contribute to your community. It's very likely that you will impress and inspire someone to take up this sport, thus setting a good example for your environment.

If you have children, you will certainly leave an impression on them and teach them about a healthy lifestyle.

27. Running Feeds Your Ego

We must be completely honest and admit that running somewhat boosts the egos of many recreational runners.

The very fact that you engage in such a demanding activity is enough to make you stand out in some way, and race photos are very attractive, so we often post them 28. You can participate in a marathon, the holy grail of running.

We've saved the best for last! The marathon is the holy grail of running that almost all recreational runners aspire to.

When you embark on your training, sooner or later, you'll realize that your goal is to complete those infamous 42 kilometers and 195 meters at least once in your life. And rest assured, a marathon is an indescribable life experience!

That's it—our list of 28 reasons why you should take up running.