TotR | 6 things I love most about running

I am jumping on the bandwagon again this week and join the Tuesdays on the Run link-up with MarciaErika, and Patty. And since it’s almost Valentine’s Day, I am sharing six things I love most about running this week.

Running is “me-time”.

I don’t know about you, but as an introvert, I need a lot of ‘me-time’. To recharge, relax, recuperate. While I obviously love running for many other reasons, I also love running for the time that I can spend with myself. In this sense, it’s more the mental than the physical part, and I just love my long runs on the weekends as my me-time.

Running burns calories.

There, I said it. I run because I love to eat (and don’t tell me that you haven’t tallied up what else you could eat because of the ‘extra calories’ that you burned because you ran that day! I thought so!).

Running releases stress.

It’s true. When I am stressed out, I run. I mean, I also run when I am not stressed out and it helps to keep me balanced, but when I am seriously stressed out, I know that a good, long run will make everything look only half as dire. I am sure many of you  feel the same.

Running can be taken on the road.

I absolutely love that running is an exercise that you can do anytime, anywhere, just by yourself. I used to play team sports growing up, which meant I always ‘needed’ other people to do my sport. With running, all you need is to bring a pair of running shoes and running clothes and you’re good to go. Of course, it’s nice to go for a run with other people, too, but they’re not required (and often for me not even wanted. I like my alone-time when I run.)

Running helps you to easily get in those daily steps.

You know, I do like walks, but on days, when I only take 30-minute lunch breaks and sit on my butt for most of the day (I work long days), I have a hard time getting in those recommended 10,000 steps. But, if I run in the morning, I am already well over my step goal when I start my day and that frankly feels awesome and I don’t have to worry about it the rest of the day (even though my Garmin will still nag me when I have sat too still for too long and nudge me to move, even if I already put in my work for the day. Ha! The irony!).

Running inspires.

I know some people might secretly shake their heads about people that document their fitness journey on IG or other social media, but the fitness – and especially the running community – feels very supportive and I can only speak for myself, but I find it hugely inspiring to follow other people who share their journeys and daily struggles and accomplishments, regardless of their fitness level. Everybody who’s getting out there is a hero in my book.

What do YOU love about running?

 

  1. Those are all great things to love about running! I always loved how the endorphins put me in a good mood for the rest of the day! I need to get back into my running groove, I miss it!

  2. You are so right! Most days I feel so tired from working with people, but I know that a run will make me feel better, so I drag myself out there and run.

  3. I *really* wish running was a stress reducer for me. I do it because I know it’s good for me, and it’s not necessarily a stressor itself, but it takes me a solid 90 minutes of hard cardio before I start to feel a reduction in tension/stress. And I just don’t usually have that kind of commitment to sweating. (Although, now that I’m typing this out, it’s entirely possible if I ran MORE often it wouldn’t take as long….? Who knows, but that’s a hell of a risk. Ha.)

    xox

  4. I used to run all the time when I was younger – back in gym class – but it just never got easier or more enjoyable for me. haha I don’t think I’ll be a runner, but I admire those that are! Definitely a good way to burn some calories. :)

    -Lauren

  5. All good things, and I love those leggings :)

  6. I’m a beginner runner but found myself nodding along to this post :)
    It is such a de-stresser and always helps me get my steps in! My Garmin is also always telling me to move at work!
    Great shoes by the way.

  7. I can so relate to all of these. Especially the introvert thing. I love the “alone” time I get with running. And I swear its the best calorie burn out there. Thanks for linking!

  8. Running definitely helps me with stress, especially stress from work.
    I often get some of my best thinking done when I’m out on my long runs.

  9. I too love that it is my “me” time. I love getting that time for myself. I think I say “I’m going on my run” for a reason… it’s MY run. :) I also love that running gets me outside all year long!

  10. This post makes me miss running! But soon I will be back at it – hopefully by late spring or early summer! I definitely loved that I didn’t really have to watch what I ate all that closely when I was running since you burn so many calories. I loved getting fresh air and taking in the beauty of my neighborhood and city. I’ve seen way more of the Twin Cities than I would have if I wasn’t a runner! I also love the camaraderie that comes with running – especially since I was in a running club so had lots of running buddies to cheer on and who would encourage me!

  11. I know I’m not the only one who curses at my Garmin when it sasses me to move after I’ve been sitting for 30 minutes after a long run or race. It yelled at me the day I ran my last half marathon when I was in the middle of brunch. So rude!

  12. I agree with All of these. Replace running with ‘exercise’ for me and these all apply.
    Oh yes, sister, you said it. Running burns calories. If I didn’t exercise, I’d be the size of a house, I loooooove food. For me, though, it’s all about being a massive stress reliever and generally, overall good feeling, ya know? :)

  13. It is really funny to me because even in my sporty sporty days (long distance) running has always been the worst for me. In school all my PE grades were an 1/A but my running scores have never been on the grading table as it was that bad. But then I went to competitions in 100m and relays. Something no one understood. So I guess running and me will never become friends. However I do get the part of not needing much to do it. I am trying to figure out a sport that works for me were I don’t need any thing but myself. I am glad running is such a great thing for you and I am a bit envy.
    Happy Sunday, Tobia

  14. I find it incredibly motivational to read about others running and activity and it really encourages me to get out and be active. I confess that I have neglected my running this last week though.

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