50 Reasons Why I Enjoy Running

1. It gets me out to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
2. It’s a versatile activity: when running with friends it can be a very social activity, but when running alone, it can offer great moments of introspection.
3. There are several great programs and clinics offering information and instruction on how to run injury-free. Checking one out can be the difference between hating the sport and loving the sport.
4. Running helps me to clear my head.
5. Running can be a good activity for stress management.
6. Running puts a smile on my face.
7. Running is a great conversation starter with other runners.
8. The subtle changes I see and feel in my body, when a belt can tighten a notch or when something from the back of the closet suddenly fits again.
9. Overall, I feel more confident when I have been running.
10. Running only seems to require discipline in the beginning. Over time, the sense of progress, achievement and well-being seems to help discipline take care of itself.
11. When I am running regularly, the sense of progress and achievement seems to motivate me to make better, healthier choices overall.
12. The feeling of “ugh, I need to work out” disappears as soon as I am done, which means less guilt for the rest of the day.
13. There is a wonderful sense of community among runners.
14. I sometimes get my best writing ideas while running.
15. I sometimes solve problems while running.
16. I sometimes impress myself when I shuffle other activities around to make time for running. That’s when I know I have committed to my goals.
17. I know I’m doing well when I WANT to go running.
18. The sense of freedom I feel when going for a run after being cooped up due to bad weather.
19. The sense of freedom I feel when I return to the running trails after getting over a cold or an injury.
20. I like chocolate chip cookies. I feel less guilty eating them (still, in moderation) when I’ve been running.
21. The crackling of leaves under my running shoes in the fall.
22. The various scents I can pick up when running at different times of the year.
23. Running gives me the time to listen to some of my favourite music and enjoy it in a way that being in a resting position doesn’t offer. Moving my body to the music is a joy in itself.
24. Alternatively, running gives me the opportunity to enjoy the cheery sounds of birds chirping.
25. With running I can be much more aware of the subtle changes of the seasons, rather than watching them from my window.
26. It can be a way of sightseeing at ground level when visiting a new place.
27. Running doesn’t have to be routine. It is easy to switch things up and change the route, the distance, the grade and the musical playlist.
28. Relatively speaking, it’s not an expensive sport.
29. It’s a way of enjoying nature when I’m running through one of our lovely parks.
30. It’s a way of truly feeling “in the moment”.
31. Running can be a form of meditation.
32. It’s a way of reconnecting mind, body and spirit.
33. Running can be considered “me” time, free from the challenges that can await at home or at work.
34. When participating in a run for charity, the wonderful feeling of having helped out a great cause.
35. It’s difficult to think negative thoughts when endorphins are released, during and following a good run.
36. The feeling of doing something good for my body.
37. I like potato chips. I feel less guilty eating them (still, in moderation) when I’ve been running.
38. Running is such a popular sport, there are countless resources on the web offering advice and best practices.
39. That amazing feeling when I’ve completed a run and nothing hurts is pure joy. It means I’m doing everything right in terms of preparation, nutrition, and stretching.
40. When running and stretching regularly, I know that my body is more resilient and less prone to random aches and pains.
41. Running is a good blog topic.
42. The sense of accomplishment as I approach my running goals.
43. The sense of accomplishment when I meet my running goals.
44. The sense of accomplishment when I surpass my running goals.
45. The sense of accomplishment when realizing that my hard work (leading up to my goal) was worth it.
46. The bragging rights (for years) when I achieved a major milestone like a 5K run, a 10K run, a half marathon or (it’s on the bucket list…) a full marathon.
47. That feeling when I impress myself by an achievement, when I think that 10 years ago this would have been unimaginable.
48. When reaching a major running goal, I enjoy that feeling of being in the best shape of my life.
49. The cheering from the crowd when running a big race.
50. The cheering in my own head when I’ve completed a big race!

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Have a great day,
André