8 Reasons I Love Running

‘WHY DO YOU LOVE RUNNING?’ This is probably the question I get the most from my friends and family. It’s been almost 2 years since running became part of my life now, and before that, I could not imagine myself being so passionate either. So I thought for my first blog, I would share what magic running has, that changed my impression towards it from tedious and exhausting to something that I need in my life. Let’s get started!

IT’S A WAY OF SELF-CARE

Running is the perfect way for me to destress after a long day of work. Something about being away from my phone, listening to my footsteps, feeling the breeze, breathing in the fresh air and feeling the sweat dripping off my face, is relaxing. It distracts me from the day, also clears my mind and allows me to reflect on myself. I noticed that I go for runs more often when my work is getting stressful. Back in my Uni days, I ran the most during exam periods – yes, of course I’d love to literally run away from my problems LOL.

IT BOOSTS MY ENERGY LEVEL

Ever heard of the ‘Runner’s high’? In contrast to the stereotype of running equals exhaustion, it boosts my energy level instead. Running helps our body release hormones and biochemical substances that make us feel happier and less anxious. Together with the heart pumping harder, oxygen and nutrients can be circulated to different body parts. If I jog in the morning it makes me feel all ready to start my day, if I jog during lunch break it recharges me for the rest of the day (and counteracts the ‘food coma’), and if I jog after work it provides the perfect finish of the day. But of course, listen to your body, I tend to do easy and light runs during work days, just so I don’t over-exhaust myself.

IT HELPS WITH MY SLEEP

I’m lucky that I don’t normally have trouble sleeping, but at times when I’m stressed, I find it hard to fall asleep. Running became a remedy for me, partly because I was tired from the exercise, partly because the sunlight that I was exposed to helped regulate my sleep, either way, it makes me feel rested after my sleep so that’s FANTASTIC!

IT IS CHEAP

All I needed were a pair of sneakers, and some activewear to start running. I didn’t have to pay for court or equipment hiring, and instructor classes anymore! I think my bank account would thank me for choosing running as a hobby.

IT IS FLEXIBLE

Running is really a sport which can be done anytime (well, ideally not during thunderstorms or fire weather warnings) and anywhere. Since running is not a team sport, I can fit the run in around my own schedule and make everywhere a running track. All I need is to put on my joggers, walk out of my house, take a deep breath, then GO!

IT BUILDS COMMUNITY

As much as I enjoy the self-talk during a run, I enjoy the social benefits too. I started off running with my housemates and friends who gave me great motivation and encouragement, then I joined a running group last year and met some awesome friends. I was surprised by how a 30 minute jog every week helped me build deep and personal relationships. There were people who shared a similar background with me, also people who are more experienced in running and life, all of them are equally supportive and made me look forward to running with them every week.

IT CHALLENGES ME

I love how running can be both relaxing and challenging. There are so many ways that you can challenge yourself during a run. I challenge myself by waking up early for a morning run, by hitting a personal best, by signing up for races and training for them, and they all boost my confidence and self esteem, because they make me PROUD OF MYSELF!

IT TAKES ME TO DIFFERENT PLACES

I started to appreciate how differently running helped me experience a city since my first City2Surf in Sydney. I ran on car roads, inside tunnels, ran from places to places that I didn’t know were connected. I captured the entire sunrise on the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the Blackmores Half Marathon, saw the pink clouds and sky as I ran up the mountains in the Hobart Half Marathon. Running becomes an additional way for me to explore a place now and I can’t wait to find out more hidden routes!