For someone on the outside, joining a run or a marathon might seem like a completely insane thing. Why would someone wake up at the crack of dawn to run 5,10, 21kms or more? It۪ is exhausting, painful, and time-consuming, yet millions of people around the world do it, and numbers are growing! If you۪re looking for motivation to push you into that active lifestyle, or are just itching to tick off running on your to-do list, here are 9 reasons why you should take the plunge and sign up for a run right now!
1. To improve your fitness
In our sedentary lifestyle these days, it۪s important to get up and get moving! While you can always just go for a casual jog, actually signing up for a run will give you a goal to work towards and will be a strong motivating factor to keep going. The benefits of running are numerous - improving your stamina, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness plus increased bone density. Your body will thank you for it! Just remember to train carefully and take your time.
2. To challenge yourself
If you۪re the kind of person who enjoys pushing your own limits and challenging yourself, a run is the perfect way to do just that! The satisfaction of completing the whole run distance is unbeatable. Whether its an item on your bucket list or just a spur of the moment lightbulb idea, completing a run gives you endless challenges you can be determined to conquer. It is the ultimate test of your mental and physical fitness.
3. To meet new friends/community
Training for a run and actually participating in a race gives you a great opportunity to meet new people who are there for the same reason you are! While training, you may also join a running club or find running partners to keep you inspired and motivated. On race day itself there۪s nothing like a marathon to bring people with a shared interest together! Whether it۪s spectators or fellow runners, the marathon experience will bring you into contact with people with whom you'll have plenty in common.
4. To support a cause
If you ever needed a strong reason to run, running for a charity or cause is high up on the list! Whether it is for spreading awareness for your local shelter, raising funds for underprivileged children, or just supporting a cause, you will have a strong sense of purpose and determination to do your best.
5. To try something outside your comfort zone
A marathon is grueling hard work and at times excruciatingly painful, but overall, remember that it is supposed to be fun and you get to challenge yourself to try something totally new. By committing to the training and eventually running the race, you will get a sense of accomplishment that can help you grow stronger and more confident to overcome any hurdles that come your way.
6. To discover new places
If you have an incurable wanderlust, running is a great excuse to visit a new country or city. Taking in the local area while running in a completely different climate and environment is a truly unique experience. Major cities like London, Berlin, New York, Sydney, Paris hold world-renowned marathons which are on many runners bucket lists. Alternatively, you can run a marathon nearer to home and enjoy the local scenery from a different perspective.
7. For the gear and bling
Admittedly, one of the fun reasons for joining a run are all the goodies you get! Other than the standard T-shirt and finishers medal, some marathons attract runners with merchandise laden goody bags filled with everything from water bottles, energy bars, fitness products, and more. The running bibs also make great mementos to collect as a tangible memory of a great time. Plus, is there any greater excuse to go shopping for new workout gear?
8. To relax/de-stress
It might be hard to believe but people actually do run to relax and de-stress! Running releases endorphins, the feel-good hormone which also helps reduce the feeling of pain. Many runners experience a euphoric runners high after completing a run, and this not only boosts morale but also gives energy and adrenaline to the runner. If you're finding it hard to get into the fun running groove, check out these tips to make your workout more fun.
9. To Inspire others
If you feel like running is difficult due to your own personal circumstances, turn those excuses around, and use them as motivation! Whether you۪'re physically challenged, extremely busy, or financially tight, to others looking at you, you overcoming your challenges could be a hugely motivating and inspiring factor for them to kickstart their healthy lifestyle and work towards a goal too. Nothing is too tough if you put your mind to it. Just look at these inspiring fitness femmes!
So what do you think? Ready to lace up your sneakers and get into the most accessible exercise out there? We sure are!