For many years I told myself I wasn’t runner, not a natural runner anyway. I didn’t run in school, or in my 20s, it was my worst nightmare! I have worked hard at it though, for me there are now so many benefits I enjoy from running.....
When I started I could barely run half a mile, and I don’t mean in one go, I mean my total run distance! Two weeks ago I ran my first marathon, last Sunday I ran my 9th, and one the hardest, half marathons, and that is coming from a runner who has run Hastings Half (one of the hardest in the country) 3 times. Eastbourne's Beachy Head running is a battle for the mind and the legs!
Its been 7 years since I started running, I now work as a sports Leader running buggy running classes, and a circuits kettlebells class, for local charity Education Futures Trust (www.educationfuturestrust.org). These classes are to help mums get out to run and get fit, be great role models to their little ones, have fun and not need to worry about child care. It is very difficult to find time to exercise after having a baby and theres always the good old mum guilt if you leave your little one in childcare to do something for yourself. These classes let mums join in and use their childfree time for something more fun (like a quiet bath!).
Having my son really changed my life, changed my perspective and steered me towards a healthier life for him. I improved my diet and then buggy running classes is when I really got started in fitness. My son absolutely loved it and it was finding the wonderful benefits of running then, that keep me going. He loves running with me now too, he has his own track session when i have mine, we entered virtual races during the pandemic and I'm hoping to build him up to a park run.
Whether you already run or not, here are my benefits to running, and I’ve saved the best for last!! I'd love to hear about yours in the comments.
Confidence: achieving running goals helps stop that voice that says you can’t 👊 and achieving in running helps transfer confidence to other areas of your life.
Health: studies have shown runners have 25 to 30 percent lower rate of all-cause mortality 💗 but tbh it just feels good knowing how far you can push your body, your legs, your lungs (and your head!) and know how strong you can be when you need to be❤️
Mental health: running gives you time to just be, no one pulling on you, no work, no to do list. I call it my time to do my mental filling. Plus, when I’m with my running partner we learn all sorts of new things which also is shown to help wellbeing. Just taking notice of the beautiful views has a very calming and appreciative effect 🥰🙌 A 2016 meta analysis found that, ‘Exercise is “an effective treatment” for depression; it is as effective as psychotherapy and prescription medication’. Plus it’s easier than getting a doctors appointment at the moment!
Cost: (except when you keep entering races 🏅) running is pretty low cost, a pair trainers and whatever clothes are comfortable. I train at a local track session once a week, only £2 to have a laugh, get competitive, with experienced coaches and fellow runners, with beginners groups through to elite! 🏃🏼♀️🏃🏾but you can always run alone with good tunes, or with a friend for free.
Sleep: Running helps you sleep better. Studies have shown a good run (or other workout) will help you hit the hay and get a good nights rest (except a HiiT workout within an hour of bed time, don’t do that!).
Weight: we all know you can’t out train a bad diet, but you can help weight loss along, and keep weight down after weight loss, by exercising. Studies have shown exercising decreases the likelihood of weight regain after loss.
Immunity: studies have shown that modest exercise improves immunity (ultra-endurance efforts can decrease immunity until recovered though). I’m pretty sure a good workout, some fun and a good sweat helps keep us healthy 🤷♀️ I'm always one for sweating out a cold.
Best for last- Runners high: exercising releases those wonderful endorphins 🥰 studies show these to be released 30-40 minutes in and more are released during a harder workout! Getting into park run helps many runners achieve this nice and early on a Saturday morning, to feel good all weekend!
It really does feel great to achieve in running whether its on road, or trail, in the rain, the mud, or the sun😍 its time to get your sweat on!!
Comment below and tell me about your running and its benefits🏃🏼♀️💗
Message me to chat about running or runners nutrition https://www.sunshineandwellness.co.uk/contact
Or, if your a mum local to Hastings and would like to join my classes, get in touch! raee@educationfuturestrust.org or 07961674045 for classes.
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