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

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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!Two smiling runners on a winding road

  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. Athletic woman wearing earbuds in forestRunning 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. Senior couple jogging together outdoors in parkRunning 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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2024 Austin Marathon Launch Week!

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The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Weekend Kicks Off Today

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Record number of runners will converge on the city for the premier event

The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k is set to take place this weekend in Austin, Texas.  Highlights of this world-class event include three race distances for participants of all speeds and abilities, the Health & Fitness Expo, and a 3-block-long finish line festival. The FloSports Live Broadcast presented by Super Coffee will highlight the elite field competition vying for the $20,000 prize purse.  Close to 18,000 runners from all 50 states and 35 countries will run Austin’s streets on February 19, 2023.

“It’s amazing to see the growth of the Austin Marathon and I’m proud that the people of Austin continue to embrace and support it” said Leo Manzano, Olympic silver medalist and Austin Marathon Race Ambassador.  “Everyone loves Austin Marathon weekend, from local runners to those who travel from around the world.  You can feel the energy and excitement leading up to our crown jewel running event.”

Austin Marathon weekend kicks off with the Under Armour Shakeout Run on Friday, February 17th at 6:45 AM from Fleet Feet Austin’s downtown store with 700 RSVPs .  Later that day, at the Health and Fitness Expo, participants can test the industry’s latest products, chat with the Austin Marathon Pacers and sample different food and drinks.  They can also purchase Official Under Armour + Austin Marathon gear at the Fleet Feet Store. The two-day Austin Marathon Expo takes place at Palmer Events Center on Friday, Feb. 17th from 1-7 PM, and Saturday, February 18th from 10 AM to 5 PM.  It is free and open to the public.

At 7 AM on Sunday, February 19, the 26.2 and 13.1 mile participants hit the streets for their run tour of Austin.  The family-friendly Austin Marathon KXAN Simple Health 5K begins directly after at 7:45 AM.  Participants start and finish with the picturesque Texas State Capitol as their backdrop.  Tens of thousands of spectators will cheer along Austin streets.  Race-course highlights include two GU Energy Labs Energy Zones, 23 live music acts, and 22 aid stations with Nuun Endurance.

Sunday’s participants can enjoy the 3-block-long finish line festival.  It will feature the Spurs Recovery Zone, the EIGHT beer garden, Tito’s Handmade Vodka Bar, and several local food trucks.   Austin’s own Delivery Service and Fusion ATX will keep the finish line festival rocking for several hours.   Later in the afternoon, runners and their families and friends can visit several after parties happening around town including locations such as The Mean Eyed Cat, Central Machine Works and Drinks Lounge.

Austin Marathon Gives, presented by the Moody Foundation,  features 26 local non-profit organizations who will each be raising money for their cause.  The money raised through this philanthropic arm of the Austin Marathon will be matched up to $10,000 per non-profit by the Moody Foundation.  In addition, this year’s Charity Chaser, Devon Levesque will raise money for Dell Children’s Foundation.

“This will be the largest number of participants we’ve seen at this event,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events.  “Several factors have contributed to record numbers including community partners who are bringing large teams such as PlantStrong, BPN and Super Coffee, to name a few.   Involvement of Austin companies and groups are key for this event to grow as the city of Austin grows.”

The FloSports Live Broadcast presented by Super Coffee will highlight the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon’s Elite Athlete Program.  Their race-day broadcast consists of running experts Toni Reavis and Paras Shah.  They will also have a camera capturing all finishers as they cross the finish line.  The Elite Field will be competing for a $20,000 prize purse.  The live coverage starts at 6 AM on Sunday, February 19 and can be watched free on FloSports.

Registration is still open for the 13.1 mile and 5k distances.  The full marathon distance is sold out.