Why Run?

We spoke to scores of women about why they lace up and how you – even if you’re new – can reap more benefits from every kay. Read their stories, make a plan and chart your own course...

TO SLIM DOWN

For those wanting to lose weight, running is appealing: you don’t have to drag your butt to the gym or awkwardly use equipment while others check you out; you can just slip on your takkies and, ta-da, you’re ready to roll. Dropping kilos was a huge incentive for 36-year old Bonnie Wilson. She lost 40 kilos – and has kept them off for eight years. “I still feel self-conscious at the gym, but running taught me how strong I am and how much I can handle,” she explains. Amen!

MAKE IT WORK FOR YOU

If you’re a newbie, ease into it, says running coach Michael Meliniotis. Walk or jog at a moderate pace for 20 to 30 minutes, three times a week. Then add one interval workout per week (no more than that, to reduce injury risk). Not only will you blast more kJs in less time, but a recent study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found HIIT workouts may tame your appetite.

TO DE-STRESS

Alisha Perkins, 33, felt so uneasy when her husband travelled for work that her mom had to sleep over. When a therapist could only lessen the anxiety – not stop it altogether – Perkins found relief in a regular run.