Why I Run

I have to admit, I've been having a heck of a great time lately as I've stepped up my training for my upcoming half marathon. The race is just around the corner, and I'm in serious training mode now. One thing that I think a majority of distance runners would agree with is the fact that endurance is not only physical, but mental as well. In fact, I often think the mental component is even bigger than the physical one. Running is hard, and my brain is naturally wired to avoid hard things, right? So not only do I have to overcome the limits of my lungs and my legs, but I have to give my brain a serious beatdown as well. Often, while I'm out running, I'll repeat these mantras in my head, to remind myself of why I'm out there. These little reminders keep me going when my brain says I should be sitting on the couch, drinking wine and polishing off a handful of Halloween candy. I will probably add to this list in the coming weeks, as my runs get longer and more mentally daunting!

• The biological ages of runners are at least 10 years younger than their chronological ones.

• Running increases bone density.

• If it was easy, everyone would do it, and nobody would worry about pesky little things like obesity, type II diabetes, and hypertension.

• My legs are long and strong and they love to run.

• Running slows age-related muscle loss.

• What causes my metabolism to slow: less lean body mass (not enough strength training) and less activity (not enough mileage)

• Running reduces stress, depression, anger, and fatigue.

• More running=looser pants

• Running burns more calories than all other forms of cardiovascular exercise (except cross-country skiing, which is rather difficult to do in Phoenix).

• I love to log my mileage into Dailymile, read the encouraging messages from fellow runners, and be encouraged by reading about their runs!

• Running lowers blood pressure, reduces cholesterol, makes arteries more elastic, and decreases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

• I want my kids to grow up watching me run, and running along beside me. (For now, they enjoy riding their bikes while I run with them!)

• Running lets me enjoy some of my favorite things, guilt-free! (Wine, fine chocolate, good cheese, fresh bread, chorizo breakfast burritos from Carolina's...)

• Running releases endorphins!

• Running fosters an awesome sense of accomplishment.

• Running boosts the immune system by increasing the concentration of disease-attacking white blood cells.

• Running lets me enjoy the beautiful weather and fresh air.

• Running challenges me in a way that nothing else in my life does.

• My body never feels better than it does right after a good run… (well, almost never…;)

It's never too hard to come up with a reason to be a couch potato. But with a list like this, there are so many more reasons to be a RUNNER!

Can you think of any other great benefits to running? I'm sure I left some out! Do you have any tips to increase motivation and overcome mental hurdles? Wanna go for a run?