READY, STEADY, run!

POUNDING THE PAVEMENTS IS NOT ONLY GOOD FOR YOU, BUT IT IS CONVENIENT AND AFFORDABLE – AND IT’S AS SIMPLE AS PUTTING ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER

If you’re looking for a reason to get running, then this might inspire you – a new study published by the British Journal of Sports Medicine reports that people who run as little as once a week have a lower risk of early death compared with people who don’t run at all. Rachel Grunwell, who coaches runners, and is also a yoga teacher who specialises in working with athletes, talks about getting started and staying motivated.

WHY RUN?

First up, it’s a free activity and there is no need for an expensive gym membership. Who else has an unused gym membership and “sponsored” a gym in the past? Some people have goal regrets – I have gym-fee regrets.

Running requires no expensive machines that isolate muscles and force you to whimper. Nope, there’s none of that when you are on the run. There are no mirrors too, thank goodness! There’s no red-faced image to witness while sweatsoaked. Instead, we can make up our own reality regarding our possible athletic-like appearance. That inner-voice can say, “Yes, I look like the girl in that activewear ad!” Or, am I the only one who will own up to the delusion that they hope they look better than they do?

All you have to do is own a pair of running shoes. Okay, a pair of cute shorts and a sweat-wicking tank top helps too – budget allowing.

Running gives you a chance to be in nature, which is good for your soul. Running gets you out into the sunshine to get some vitamin D, which helps lift your mood. It will also get your endorphins flowing. Endorphins are a chemical in your body that can boost happiness levels.