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Running For Your Health
K.S

Do not expect miracles over night or expect your body to run a mile when you have not run for years. This will only lead to injury. You will find that soon enough you will be able to run further and stronger. If you are beginning to run as a part of your exercise program or attempting to train for a distance that you have not run before, running groups are wonderful for support and guidance.

Many people cringe and shake their heads at the idea of actually running for fun, especially on days when it is hard to pull yourself out of bed or when it is raining and miserable outside. However, running is gaining in popularity among every age group and has become not only a method to improve physical health, but also a personal challenge. With patience and a desire to improve your physical, mental and spiritual health, running can quickly become an integral part of your lifestyle. Just as with any fitness program, it is recommended that you to see a doctor before beginning a running program. Once you get the OK for your doc, you can then begin your journey...and it is a journey.

Expect there to be times when the motivation just isn't there, or when the events and stresses of daily life leave little time for anything else. When this happens, be realistic and know that one or even two days without running will not hurt you or your fitness. Nevertheless, also know that one or two days can easily become a week or two if suddenly everything else becomes more important than having some time to yourself on a peaceful run. In keeping with the topic of motivation, it is beneficial to set small, realistic goals from the beginning of the running program and allowing yourself to celebrate when you meet each challenge. For example, for a beginning runner, you may challenge yourself to run for 1 minute at a comfortable pace and then walk for 4 minutes, repeating the run-walk for 30 minutes.

By doing this four times a week, you will soon be able to increase the ratio of running to walking and within a few months run a full half hour, hopefully without having injured yourself or having those days when you are too sore to go down stairs. Meeting challenges in every aspect of life promotes self-esteem and makes you feel good about yourself. Another challenge may be simply (though sometimes not simple at all) pulling yourself out of bed to go for an early run or trudging through the rain and mud. It is very important that you give yourself a pat on the back for making it through these days, as it gives you a sense of accomplishment and also makes it easier the next time around.

Another very important part of your running program is being patient with yourself. Do not expect miracles over night or expect your body to run a mile when you have not run for years. This will only lead to injury. You will find that soon enough you will be able to run further and stronger. If you are beginning to run as a part of your exercise program or attempting to train for a distance that you have not run before, running groups are wonderful for support and guidance. Whether it be a group of friends with a common goal, or a group of strangers (who will soon enough become friends) who come together at a local running store where a running club meets, running with others helps with motivation and adds a social aspect to your training.

Of course, running alone may be required due to your schedule or may just be what you prefer. Aside from the safety concerns with running alone, it can be a very peaceful experience. As long as you don't push yourself too hard, something that group running often keeps in check, running on your own allows time to ponder, to be with yourself and to free yourself from the stresses in your life.

Running is not for everyone and it is unfair to expect yourself to be able to run once in a while and to see any benefits to your health. However, with commitment to your running program and enjoyment of the sport, you will undoubtedly notice improvements in your physical health, as well as how you feel about yourself and even the world around you.