Running for and in Spite of Life
Have you considered running, but don’t have enough time and/or no wish to compete? You don’t have to run for competition or log in over twenty miles a week to be considered a runner. The benefits that come from this activity are too numerous to pass up because you lead a busy life. Run for physical and mental fitness. Run for life. A few miles is all it takes to reap huge rewards. Training for competition requires a lot of time and if you’re busy, like most people, life gets in the way. Jesslyn Cummings, in her piece entitled, Benefits for Running, in The Running Guide, reports that casual and those running for exercise “are by far the largest group of runners in the world” (2007). In a world that is performance-based, we often feel that we must strive to be the best, to compete. It is no wonder many of us don’t start things or hang in there. We’re afraid to lose and that we won’t measure up. We need to remember the miracle of running is to start and then to finish. Runners value running because it helps them mentally, physically, and offers hard, but necessary lessons. The most meaningful achievements come from self-imposed struggles.
I am a mom who fits running around family, work, and college (I’m a returning adult student). In short, I’ve had to fit running around life. This hasn’t been easy. If I ran for competition or for high mileage, I would have stopped running all together. There would not have been enough time. Family needs come first. Some years I’ve managed to run more than others. It depended upon what went on in my life. There were times, however, when I thought about giving it up. Life’s demands, as well as harsh winters, seemed to be against me. I’m glad I hung in there and didn’t pressure myself for perfection. When I started to hold myself to a high standard, I reminded myself that running is for my physical and mental health.
The mental benefits of running are numerous and personally surprising. Look for these benefits that pop up and include confidence and character building: a feeling of empowerment and freedom, an improved attitude, a place where stress is released. Running releases endorphins in the body that naturally cause euphoria (runner’s high). Runners also report feeling more focused and determined in all areas of their lives. In addition, recent studies suggest that exercise may improve sleep. An analysis by Youngstedt found that even a single bout of exercise improved sleep. The physical benefits of running include weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, improved bone health and better coordination. It also reduces the risk of disease, stroke, breast cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension and heart attacks. Running even maintains the elasticity of arteries. This activity improves general health, raises HDL (or “good”) cholesterol, reduces the risk of blood clots, your lung capacity, and finally, running fights aging (Cummings).
In today’s world, where far too many children are sedentary. Running offers one more important benefit. Children often imitate their parents. Even if they don’t end up becoming runners, they are likely to be active. By setting an example, our children, more often than not, will be active too. Active children almost never have to worry about obesity, and tend to have more self-confidence. They also don’t have as much nervous energy.
As runners, we become better people. Through running I’ve learned to hang in there longer when the going gets tough. I’ve learned that if I do, I can succeed. This mentality filters into everything I do. Running tests me, takes me through harsh difficulties, yet I get through it. A teacher from high-school said it best years ago, “If you haven’t suffered, you’re not worth a damn.”
Check with your doctor first before starting, and then begin slowly. Think of it in terms of levels, like a stairway. Once you’ve made it to the first step, then take another, and so. You can’t expect you’ll be at the top step when you first start out. Don’t do that. You’re setting yourself up for failure. Be nice. Run a little, and then walk a little. Gradually increase running time and lesson your walk time. If life gets in the way, it’s okay. Deal with what ever pops up. Running three days is a good goal, but if your child needs you, or Aunt Martha decides to stay for a few days, don’t give up. If you can run only two days that week, plan to go back to running three the following week. Set goals for yourself, but be realistic and kind to yourself. Remember, you’re running for life and in spite of it.
Biography
Cummings, Jesslyn. “Benefits of Running.” Emory Healthcare. 3 July 2007. www.georgiamarathon.com.
“The Many Benefits of Running.” The Runner’s Guide. 3 July 2007. www.therunnersguide.com.
Youngerstedt, Shawn D., PhD. “Does Exercise Truly Enhance Sleep?” The Physician and Sportsmedicine Vol. 25 – No. 10 Oct. 1997. www.physsportsmed.com.
Source: http://hubpages.com/hub/Stories—Gelert-the-faithful-hound
“Today Gelert’s grave serves as a major tourist attraction for the beautiful mountain village of Beddgelert, situated among the mountains and lakes of Snowdonia in Wales. 
Life has been quite stressful these past couple of months in a different way than with college. My personal life has wrenched my soul. Running, even on that dumb treadmill, has been a true friend. This friend aides my mind and pulls it back together. Running sets my soul free, loosens the binding cutting into my spirit. Funny how running does this, miraculous really. I am so thankful. At times, while pumping my legs and breathing life, the pain in my soul surges forth in a pitch sprouting tears I didn’t know lingered deep within.
