Why Running is Good for the Mind and Body: Positive Impacts of Running

Whether you’re looking for an enjoyable way to stay in shape or just want to start getting more active, running is an excellent choice. Not only can it provide physical health benefits like improved cardiovascular and respiratory health, but research has shown that running can also have impressive mental and emotional advantages. From managing stress and boosting endorphins to enhancing cognitive processes such as memory, focus, and problem-solving skills – the positive impacts of running on both body and mind make it great exercise for anyone!

  1. Running boosts your mood: One of the most well-known benefits of running is that it can improve your mood. Running releases endorphins, which are natural feel-good chemicals that can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. This can leave you feeling happier, more energized, and better able to handle the challenges of daily life.
  2. Running improves brain function: Running can also have a positive impact on cognitive function, including memory, focus, and attention. Regular exercise can even help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia as you age. Studies have also found that aerobic exercise, such as running, can help improve memory recall, executive functioning, spatial reasoning skills, and focus.
  3. Running strengthens your heart and lungs: Running is a great form of cardiovascular exercise that can help improve your heart health by strengthening your heart muscle, reducing your risk of heart disease, and improving blood flow. It can also help improve lung capacity and oxygen uptake, which can have positive impacts on overall health and well-being.
  4. Running improves bone and muscle density: Running can have a huge impact on your bones and muscles. Regular running helps to strengthen the muscles in your legs, core, and back, improving their density and making them more resistant to injury. Additionally, running can help improve bone density by increasing calcium uptake in the body. This means that running regularly can help protect against the weakening of bones that often accompanies aging. Studies have even found that regular running can reduce the risk of osteoporosis, making it a great way to keep your bones strong and healthy. Furthermore, this increased muscle and bone density has been linked to improved balance and stability which can reduce the risk of falls or other injuries.
  5. Running improves sleep quality: Regular exercise, including running, has been shown to improve the quality and duration of sleep. This can have positive impacts on overall health and well-being, including improved mood, better cognitive function, and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

Overall, running is a great way to keep your body and mind healthy. From improving cardiovascular health to boosting endorphins and enhancing cognitive processes, the positive impacts of running on both physical and mental well-being are undeniable. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to stay in shape or just want an enjoyable form of exercise that has lasting benefits – give running a try!

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Calm Pre-Race Nerves With These 5 Tips

Ready for the big race?

We know you’re on edge, but don’t worry. Pre-race nerves are totally normal – even seasoned runners feel them too. Don’t sweat it though; there are lots of ways to keep those butterflies under control so can focus on that finish line like a champ.

1. Be Prepared

Stop doubt before it happens. Make

 a list and prepare everything the night before. Have your clothes, shoes, and bib laid out. Leave stuff you don’t need at home or with a member of your cheer crew. Charge your phone all the way to 100% and leave plugged in until you have to leave.

Is your playlist ready to go? We suggest a service where you don’t have to depend on service and can download the playlist like Spotify premium so you don’t have to worry about any interruptions to your tunes. 

2. Set Your Motivation

Why are you here? Remind yourself of your motivation and purpose for signing up.  Maybe you want to try something new to prove you could. Maybe you’re shooting for that PR. Maybe you’re showing your kids that exercise is part of a happy life. Try and embrace the added adrenaline or excitement and use it to perform with confidence in why you’re running today. If you haven’t set a goal yet, check out some tips for setting goals.

3. Stop Thinking About it So Much

We know, easier said than done, but at some point, you’ve got to lace up your running shoes and start your warm-up routine. 

Distract yourself with other things like talking to others around you, taking some pre-race selfies, participating in the pre-race warm-up, dance it out.

Trust us, you’re prepared. Evaluations can wait until much later. In our opinion, you should give yourself a few days to reflect before you jump into a full race report. The journey is the accomplishment.

4. Use the restroom

This isn’t the most glamorous advice but hey, it is important. Always make the attempt before your start time. 

5. Breathe

While it may seem like simple advice, it’s incredibly common to experience an increased heart rate and faster breathing once you get on-site. Take a moment to close your eyes and remember your training. Collect your thoughts and take deep breaths in through your nose and out through the mouth.

You got this!